Trailblazing Entrepreneurs Enter Whiskey Industry
Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea have achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Black women to own a whiskey brand in California.
Their brand, Jackson McCrea, is revolutionizing the traditionally male-dominated spirits industry with their unique and premium rye whiskey offerings.
A Vision Born from a Shared Love for Whiskey
The idea for Jackson McCrea was born in 2020 during a dinner conversation. Jackson and McCrea bonded over their shared interest in whiskey and realized the potential to make a mark in the industry.
“We decided we should be the women who disrupt an entire industry,” McCrea shared during an interview with Canvas Rebel.
Combining Expertise to Empower and Inspire
Both founders bring rich career experiences to their venture. Sheila Jackson runs a production company and hosts “The Good CEO” podcast, focusing on empowering Black women.
“My entire career has been about empowering women,” she told Forbes. Natasha McCrea is a life coach and leader of the Love CEO Institute, dedicated to helping ambitious women live their best lives. “Owning a whiskey brand aligns with my ethos,” McCrea said.
Crafting Premium Rye Whiskey
Jackson McCrea’s flagship product is a premium rye whiskey, aged five years in Tennessee and matured in French oak Syrah wine barrels in California. Their dedication to quality and taste is evident in their rigorous tasting and refining process, which has resulted in a well-rounded and smooth whiskey.
Breaking Barriers in the Whiskey Industry
The founders’ work has garnered praise from industry experts. Krista Purnell, a non-profit director and publisher, told Forbes, “Sheila and Natasha are changing the face and the game of a traditionally male-dominated space with their passion, creativity, talent, and tenacity.”
