Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sheila Jackson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sheila, 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.
I became a single mother in 1991. I was in an abusive marriage. I was totally dependent on my ex-spouse financially and had no self-esteem. He was mentally abusive. In 1991 got a job and Nationwide Insurance. There was a grassroots committee that came to our location to discuss membership for the Speakers’ Bureau. As a single mom I had no money and could barely get gas to get to work and often was hungry. The Speakers Bureau had a table of muffins and breakfast food. I remember grabbing a plate of food because I was so hungry. I was feeling very embarrassed for using them to feed myself. I did not want to look like a desperate person, so I joined the Speakers Bureau and became very involved as I learned to enjoy the program. All because I was hungry and ate their muffin. As others validated me and encouraged me to dive into political platforms that I had no clue that I could enjoy and learn so much, I found my self-esteem rise in way I did not know possible. I was sent to lobby congress on behalf of Nationwide Insurance a few years in a row in DC. I was volunteer of the year Countrywide with Nationwide Insurance. I had the most amazing mentor Amy Showalter who is an Author, Government Relations Consultant. She was the beginning of mentorship to me becoming the woman I am today. I became active with my local Congressman Office who referred me to other politicians to assist in their campaigns. This set the foundation for me to know that I was more than a NON-COLLEGE DEGREED SINGLE MOM. I then grew as a strong woman and have overcome many personal hurdles. I started MJMG Mz Jackson Media Group a little over a year ago. My business is bringing me so many connections and I thank God for the elevation and the people in my corner. My Mentor Spud Brooklyn out of NYC has been the catalyst to my business and its growth.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have always been involved in making connections or being a KING MAKER. Back in the 80’s I managed a Contemporary Gospel Group called TOTAL PRAISE. The love of music is what inspired me to do so. Life happened and I moved on to other business ventures. At Nationwide/Allied Insurance I became a Commercial Underwriter after starting from the bottom as a student of insurance. During my time I became a grassroots advocate for the company. In 1996 my wonderful second husband of 27 years, moved us to the bay area and I started to become employed by an insurance broker. I obtained my P&C License sometime in the 90’s and this has served me well. I developed a brokerage department with my current employer. I am the Commercial Department Manager for Jeff Lecoeuche Insurance. I am also developing my passion work in MJMG. There have been many oppositions in my life such as losing two children within the last three years. Most recently lost my son a few months ago to a tragedy. I have been pushing my grief in a positive way by investing in my MJMG business. This was something my son was so proud of. During COVID I was hospitalized for almost a month two years ago. I was on my death bed. My faith in GOD and the love from people helped me get through it. Right before my own illness I met 8720. A virtual Music Platform created by NFL HOF Ed Reed. His DJ and the music he played was such an inspiration to me along with the other DJ’s that are members of this platform. Their continual support on my endeavors motivated me to start MJMG along with my mentor SPUD BROOKLYN. Currently I Collab with many on the Social Media Platform. From Beat Makers, DJ’s, Producers, Actors, Chefs and Music Artists. I took a class that Clive Davis has through NYU called Clive Davis Music Essentials. I did not finish the course due to an untimely series of personal events. But I did listen to the Ambassador of the program SPUD BROOKLYN. All that he said resonated with my thought process of the music industry. I reached out to him on social media asking if I could pick his brain. We set up a phone call and talked for over two hours. We have since become friends and he is my mentor, business associate and consultant. I have since dropped a promo album called MJMG Presents Indie Vibez vol 1, I signed an Artist in Africa and dropped the second another album called “Another Level”. Mr. Spud Brooklyn has connections to the major labels shopped the album for me. We had two offers on the table, but unfortunately the artist fumbled at the end zone and the offers were not able to be negotiated. But I learned many lessons in the journey and have moved on with the nuggets so growth. I am now working on my third album with 4 producers and several artists. My current team is amazing and very cohesive on the third project. The amazing thing is that this is all being done virtually. I have yet to meet any of these people that I work with. There are two artists that I personally know and are in physical contact on this project and all the other projects. The beauty of technology and the ability to make things happen. COVID taught us this! I work with Epic TV Media as I have my own show on their platform every Monday night. I was not content with not having control of my own network, so I got my own ROKU Channel to do the show. Currently, I am not happy with that and plan on moving to a larger network. The show is called MJMG Presents…. This is also a Collab with SHU Studios and Epic TV. I am excited to be an underwriter at 104.5 WFRU with DJBJ Clark of Illinois. I work with such amazing artists worldwide. All of this has provided validation of who I am and what I am capable of. I was a young mother at 18 years old with a horrible husband and had no self-esteem. Life has brought me on this amazing journey, and I am grateful for all that have been part of this journey.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think starting from the bottom and taking life lessons and using them for growth. Growth creates knowledge and most importantly wisdom. I think respecting others and, in our minds, putting everyone on the same playing field. This will enable us to see people differently. No one or thing is perfect. If we can learn from our mistakes and recognize why we had to go through things or learn a lesson from it, then, that is the foundation for growth. I would say stay on your grind and consider others. Everyone has a look that they want to portray but remember they all have a journey and may need something from you to assist them in their growth. Many times, they do not know that, but wisdom helps you to see that and how to approach situations.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
MY HUSBAND TIMMIE JACKSON IS MY MAIN SUPPORTER AND I LOVE HIM FOR HIS SUPPORT.
I have had so many that have contributed to my growth and development. It started with Bishop Hooks, he gave me the opportunity to learn from him in the 80″s. and manage his music career for a couple of years. Then 8720 music crew MsTrisBeats for encouraging me to start my own business in the Music Industry.
Once I started it, I reached to Albert Hightower AKA: Black Albert and he assisted me on two projects.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mz_jackson_media_group/
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/mjmg1
- Other: WEBSITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Image Credits
Sheila Jackson
