In an industry historically dominated by men, two visionary women are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to enjoy and produce whiskey. Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea are the cofounders of Jackson McCrea—a new premium rye whiskey that is specifically created by women for women. They are not only the first Black women to own a whiskey brand in California but are also champions of female empowerment and inclusion in the spirits world.
Their journey from wine enthusiasts to whiskey pioneers is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creating a whiskey specifically designed for women, with a mission to support wellness and self-care.
Jackson, known for her female-centric ventures like Eve’s Lime Productions (which celebrates unique, bold, Black women from around the globe) and The Good CEO (a podcast about bold, unapologetic CEOs), has always prioritized gender equity in her work. “My entire career has been about empowering women, elevating our stories and expanding our voice,” she told me in an interview.
McCrea, a life coach and founder of the Love CEO Institute, says her passion for whiskey reflects her dedication to personal development. “Owning a whiskey brand aligns with my ethos and coaching principles of designing the life I want,” McCrea told me in an interview.
They also leaned into their love of travel to help create the brand, looking to Tennessee for the finest rye and bringing it to Northern California to rest in French oak Syrah wine barrels.
The whiskey is definitely making a splash. Krista Purnell, a non-profit director and publisher, praises their efforts: “What Sheila and Natasha are doing for the whiskey business is impressive,” she told me in an interview. “They are changing the face and the game of a traditionally male-dominated space with their passion, creativity, talent and tenacity. Their rye-based whiskey is well-rounded and smooth with flavor profiles preferred by the palates of sophisticated women whiskey drinkers.”
Amy Glass, co-owner of GTE Agency—and a whiskey enthusiast—is also a fan. “I love the smoky notes, the caramel, the smoothness,” she told me in an interview. “It doesn’t burn—and men are going to just fall in love with it as well. It’s a perfect drink that men and women can enjoy together.”
Jackson McCrea whiskey.
I recently caught up with these trailblazing entrepreneurs to find out how they transitioned from wine enthusiasts to whiskey pioneers after a revelation over an Old Fashioned.
On A Mission: As founder of businesses like Eve’s Lime Productions, Jackson has always focused on female inclusion in her ventures. “Launching a whiskey brand is an incredible opportunity to share my love for the spirit and disrupt a space that has historically ignored women consumers,” says Jackson.
As a creator, McCrea says she thrives on making things from nothing. “Acting, directing, coaching and public speaking gives me an opportunity to live my best life,” she says. “I use my skills and business sense to create experiences that are enjoyable and satisfying.”
Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea, friends and cofounders.
How They Got Started: Jackson and McCrea’s journey into the whiskey business began with a simple conversation over an Old Fashioned. Both had extensive backgrounds in the wine industry and entertainment, but their shared love for whiskey sparked a new venture. “We both enjoyed whiskey and had long thought of creating a whiskey brand,” says McCrea. “Our mission in life is to encourage and empower women through all forms of media. Whiskey is another medium for us to express that.”
The Inspiration: The inspiration for Jackson McCrea came from a shared vision of female empowerment and creating a product tailored to women’s preferences. “We surveyed women and asked them what they like. The results were clear. They want a whiskey that is smooth enough to be sipped neat, with rich nuanced flavors and notes of smoke, caramel, and spice,” Jackson explains. Their California-inspired rye, aged in French oak Syrah wine barrels, is a celebration of those flavors.
Biggest Challenges: Breaking into the whiskey industry hasn’t been without its hurdles. “The biggest challenge is overcoming self-doubt, fear of judgment or thinking I don’t know enough,” says McCrea. “It’s about staying true to what I believe in, even when it doesn’t align with what others expect.”
Similarly, Jackson says it’s important to maintain well-being and self-care while navigating the demands of the business. “This work is a marathon, not a sprint,” she says. “The more we do, the more we must pay attention to and care for our bodies.”
The Role Of Female Leadership: Entering the whiskey world as women has been both challenging and rewarding. McCrea describes it as stepping into a realm of unlimited possibilities. “We can’t deny that we are in a very special place where people don’t usually see people like us in this industry,” she says. “It’s more than a friction point; it is an opportunity to lean into the power of being different.”
Jackson sees this as a pivotal time for women in the industry, inspired by trailblazers like Fawn Weaver. “Our goal is to continue the charge and change the face of whiskey by bringing women consumers into the conversation,” she says.
Jackson and McCrea.
Business Travel: The cofounders travel frequently, and according to Jackson, meeting other spirits brand owners has been the greatest source of inspiration. “This is not an easy business to navigate. So meeting other women, in particular, who share in this journey has provided me with a community that is a source of support,” she says.
Favorite Travel Locations: “I lived in Barbados for five years, and took the opportunity to visit as many islands as I could. But I’m not quite done yet. My goal is to experience every single Caribbean island, the beaches and unique cultures.
“Traveling is in my DNA, says McCrea. “As a child I wanted to be an ‘adventurer.’ I consider myself to be a global citizen. I want to go wherever my heart leads me. I have had great experiences in Portugal, South of France and Mexico. I’d love to travel to Africa (all the countries).”
Lessons Learned: Jackson and McCrea’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and community. “Meeting other spirits brand owners has been the greatest source of inspiration,” says Jackson. “This is not an easy business to navigate, so meeting other women, in particular, who share this journey has provided a community that is a source of support.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: McCrea’s advice for other women is to hold steadfast to their authenticity and beliefs. “Trust in your vision and stay committed to your dreams,” she says. “Remember, every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. Proper self-care is crucial; never forget it, as it is conducive to your bottom line.”
Jackson emphasizes the importance of building a supportive tribe. “Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, filled with ups and downs. Your tribe, consisting of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges you face, can provide invaluable support and encouragement,” she says.