Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Olivia Jackson.
Brianna Olivia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
On my birthday in 2014, I did “24 Random Acts of Kindness”. I stalked people’s social media to figure who needed a blessing, a sign to not give up, or a small memento of hope in the midnight hour. I dropped packages off at people’s homes, workplaces, and schools because I felt that there is a need for a domino effect of kindness to be spread in my community. After spending hundreds of dollars and hours of time on these material things I had an “aha!” moment. What if I could deliver the same hope and love on a larger scale to a group of women who needed it? I felt as though women need another reason other than a happy hour or brunch on Sundays to release and engage in meaningful conversation. As the rate of women starting their own businesses, taking over top positions in companies, and receiving a Ph.D.’s rise, so does depression, anxiety, solitude and suicide. What is all the joys if you have no friends cheering you on or leaning a shoulder when in need? I believe that I’m doing my part to tear apart the sigma that large groups of women can’t thrive cohesively. The women that I encounter have been through tremendous hardships but has not let life steal their joy. Through them, I have learned humility, dedication, and triumph. At the Jammy Jam, we uplift one another, self discover, talk about issues that are taboo, get and understanding of what it means to be a friend, and most importantly, learn how to develop and maintain meaningful female relationships.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can say wholeheartedly that this road has definitely has not been smooth however, I wouldn’t trade my path for anything! The Women’s Empowerment Jammy Jam is made up of three parts; a dance class, networking “happy hour” and the presentation piece. Since most of my friends are paying attendees, I do most of the event creation by myself. It takes just about a year to coordinate the venue, decor, dance class, payment schedule and most importantly research and present topics that affect the demographics in an open and safe space to where each attendee feels seen and heard. My advice for other young women to develop a passion for what you do! When providing a service people can feel your effort through your work. Be authentic and relate-able and the doors will fly open!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Inspire Empower Grow- Women’s Empowerment Jammy Jam! – what should we know?
I provide an annual event for women to be their authentic selves in a safe space. I gather like-minded women together to discuss topics such as toxic friendships, depression and suicide, relationships and more. For 364 days, most of these women don’t get a chance to let their hair down and be vulnerable. I specialize in shining a light on the intricacies of being a millennial woman in the workforce or starting a business all while trying to maintain a stable social life and mental stability. I am most proud that Jammy Jam went from six women to 21, to 24 to now 33 women in attendance this year entering my 4th year throwing this event. I have attendees coming from all over Texas, Michigan and even reached California, all based on word of mouth marketing. What sets me apart from others is that many women are realizing the benefits of female friendships and don’t have an outlet to genuinely explore it. That’s where I come in. I create a space that has team-building exercises where the women are forced out of their comfort zone, self-discovery activities to embrace uniqueness and a fun welcoming environment with a dance class and fun games. In essence, the idea can be replicated but the amount of detail, the aura, the topics and passion I provide can’t be found anywhere else.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I think the biggest obstacles that female leaders face are gender stereotypes and being held to a higher stander than men. Often times decision making women’s thought processes are scrutinized. The stereotypes about women being too emotional to be in power is ridiculous. If anything being human and expressing emotion makes women perfect for leadership type roles.
Pricing:
- The cost to attend the Women’s Empowerment Jammy Jam this Year is $150
- Due to the amount of customization and group pricing (i.e shirts, glasses, gifts bags, etc) money paid is non-refundable.
Contact Info:
- Email: inspireempowergrow@gmail.com briannao.jackson@gmail.com
- Instagram: bri_the brownbeauty inspireempowergrow
- Facebook: Inspire Empower Grow
Image Credit:
Brianna Jackson
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