We had the good fortune of connecting with Brittany Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittany, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve secretly been an “entrepreneur-in-training” since I was 12 years old. As with many Americans, COVID-19 brought several changes this year. I was laid off a day after my birthday which sparked a rollercoaster of emotions and, ultimately, led to anxiety and depression. So, in an effort to manage my emotions, I focused on self-care which included taking better care of my hair and skin. I was getting compliments like crazy and friends kept asking me about my routine so, after explaining and promoting various products, friends started encouraging me to build my own brand. My 12-year-old entrepreneurial spirit took over and I started building a brand that promotes skin and hair care as well as emotional self-care.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My company is one of many that were born from the growing focus on overall health and wellbeing during the pandemic. I care deeply about staying healthy and keeping my family safe so when I started making products for my own face and skin, I wanted to use all-natural ingredients with no preservatives. You find that same quality in my company’s products. I make everything in-house using 100% therapeutic-grade essential oils with no preservatives. Not only was my health dependent on what I put on my body, but also how I nourished my mental and emotional health. This has led me to build a fantastic relationship and bond with my customers. I hand pack each order. I spend time in live sessions doing demos, answering product questions online and making myself accessible to my customers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love my city and I love to show off all that it has to offer. When my friends come into town, we visit some of my favorite spots. First, we get up early, have brunch at Reservoir (Las Colinas). They have amazing drink specials and a patio to die for. Next, we visit Dallas Farmers Market to support our local businesses and grab a snack from a few vendors. Whiski Designs has the best souvenirs because they’re hand-lettered and reminiscent of the best times in Dallas without looking overly touristy. Dallas Museum of Art is next on the list with their free admission and seemingly endless exhibits of art from all eras. If you’re like me, art makes you hungry for more and you’re in luck because Klyde Warren Park is right across the street with a long line of food trucks and green spaces to enjoy in the cooler seasons. Other favorites, if we have time, include Reunion Tower to see the beautiful skyline, Bishop Cider in Deep Ellum for a midday sip (or Cidercade if you’ve got more time to play…and drink), Dude, Chocolate! and Emporium Pies in Bishop Arts District.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit has remained alive, despite his recent passing, and influenced my drive to create a legacy that my family can be proud of and continue for generations to come. He was an Italian immigrant with a very lucrative business and watching him build his legacy inspired me to challenge myself beyond the normal 9-5 grind. In the spirit of family business, I included my mother during this journey and it has helped to strengthen our bond as I watch her put her organizational skills and management into a business we both love.

Website: www.shopbessential.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dreambessentialco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopdreambessential/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.