Meet Marchell Jackson

We were lucky to catch up with Marchell Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marchell, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Developing confidence was a journey, and truthfully, it’s still a work in progress. It wasn’t something that happened overnight—it took therapy, self-reflection, and a conscious effort to reshape my mindset. I’ve heard the saying that girls often develop their self-esteem and confidence from their relationships with their fathers. While this might be true for some, my journey was a bit different. Today, I have a strong relationship with my dad, but growing up, that wasn’t always the case.

When you hear negative things about yourself at a young age, it can stay with you for a long time. In those early years, if your experiences are dismissed or you’re told they didn’t happen the way you remember, you start questioning yourself. That’s when self-doubt creeps in, and without that foundation of trust in yourself, confidence can be hard to build.

The turning point for me was learning to trust myself. I stopped seeking external validation or advice and instead started making decisions based on what I knew to be true and in my best interest. Changing my mindset was another huge step—moving away from negative self-talk and embracing a more optimistic and open outlook on life. Lastly, I had to let go of caring about what others thought of me. No matter what people say or think, I’m the one walking in my shoes, and that realization was freeing.

Of course, it’s a process. There are moments when I feel myself slipping back into old patterns of self-doubt, but now I’m much more self-aware. When those moments arise, I take a step back, remind myself of how far I’ve come, and reposition my crown.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Currently, I’m working as the Special Assistant to the COO/CFO at a non-profit organization affiliated with Emory University. In addition to this role, I recently launched my own business offering administrative and project support services to business owners. I officially started my business, Perfected Solutions LLC, in March, and I’ve already had the privilege of working with several clients. What I love most about this field is partnering with people across various industries—I’m constantly learning and expanding my skill set. The most rewarding part of running my own business is seeing the direct impact I have on helping others achieve their goals. When my clients succeed, that’s when I feel I’ve truly accomplished my own mission

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I believe three key qualities that have been most impactful for me are confidence, wisdom, and perseverance. First, the confidence to take the leap and trust myself was essential. Starting a business isn’t easy, but I knew I had to trust both myself and the process. I’ve proven myself time and time again in the corporate world, but starting my own business was about proving to myself that I could succeed independently, without the backing of a corporate brand.

Wisdom played a huge role in helping me discern which opportunities to pursue. It’s not just about taking on every client; it’s about knowing when to say no. Even if the money is good, if a client’s energy or business practices don’t align with mine, I’m willing to walk away. Protecting my values and standards is more important than any paycheck.

Lastly, perseverance is crucial. There are times when I’m exhausted and don’t feel like moving forward, but I remind myself that my business is a reflection of my name and reputation. I push through because quitting isn’t an option when I’m building something for myself. My advice to others is to keep going, even when things don’t go as planned. Take a day to process setbacks, but lift your chin, learn from it, and keep moving forward. You’ll never regret investing in yourself—just like we show up for our 9-to-5 jobs, we have to bring that same energy and dedication to our own ventures.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

I think the most impactful thing my mother ever did for me was giving me a deadline to move out of her house. At 23, I had just graduated from college the year before and had a baby boy. I was comfortable living with my mom, but one day she sat me down and told me I had six months to find my own place for me and my son. I hated her for it at the time—I questioned whether I had done something wrong or why she suddenly wanted me out.

Looking back, I now realize it was the best thing she could have done for me. I was terrified of being on my own, especially with a one-year-old, but that push forced me to become independent and figure things out for myself. Life is the best teacher, and if she hadn’t given me that nudge, I’m not sure I would’ve gained the confidence to stand on my own. Now I know there’s nothing someone else can do for me that I can’t do for myself. I’ve faced challenges, but I’ve overcome every single one, and I know I’m stronger because of it.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

House of Content ATL – Ai’sha Miah-Gordon
TK Consulting & Design Agency

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