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

Hi Jackie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My husband and I purchased some land with the ultimate goal of building a house and moving to the country in a few years. We began working on the property…tractor work, weed eating, push mowing, etc. Initially it was fun and exciting, but then the Texas heat hit. I realized pretty quick, if I didn’t have something to occupy my free time, that my husband was going to occupy my time doing farm work…which meant a lot of sweat and dirt in my future! My wheels started spinning, wondering what I could do that included air conditioning.. I have always loved to bake, and my family always loved to eat my sweets, so it made sense to take something I love and make time to actually do it. I grew up with my dad owning his own businesses. I saw him pour all he had into his company, and always was full of joy. He enjoyed being a business owner, and being able to decide the direction it went. I guess working with him as a teenager sparked my desire to own my own business.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
What am I most proud of? My sons and grandson. I love all 4 of my boys, and am proud of who they are and their work ethic, which I like to believe I had something to do with. As for me professionally…I am proud of the countless lives I have touched (directly and indirectly) in the 28 + years that I have spent in healthcare. I am a Registered Nurse by training, and have spent much of my career in Emergency Medicine. I have worked as an ER nurse, been a director, service line administrator and a VP. I love healthcare and taking care of people. I am proud of awards that I have received over the course of my career including the 2015 D Magazine Excellence in Nursing Emergency Award Winner.

My road to where I am has been a bumpy road at times, but one that I am so thankful I traveled. My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimers at a young age, and my dad battled cancer. I ultimately lost both of my parents when I was 17 years old. I had a decision to make….work hard like my father taught me and reach my goal of becoming a nurse, or give up. I chose to work hard, put myself through college and became a nurse. Fast forward a few years, and after a failed 23 year marriage, I found myself a single mom working to provide for my kids, and then…..at the age of 41 I was diagnosed with Stage III Colon cancer and given a 7-10% chance of survival to 5 years (which I am happy to say January 2021 I will celebrate 10 years as a survivor.)Was it easy? No, but not much in life worth having ever is.

Through these storms in my life, I learned to stay the course…..continue to work hard, love deeply, appreciate everyone and everything and don’t take tomorrow for granted. I learned that through hard work good things happen. I learned that God always comes first, and it is important to stand by your word, because at the end of the day when we leave this world, all we leave behind is a good name and hopefully a legacy in our kids and grandchildren. Jax Shack is custom decorated cookies. Cookies are nothing more then flour, sugar, flavoring, etc. But Jax Shack custom cookies are made with love and a dedication to whoever is receiving them. Dedication that I have poured all that I have into them, hoping that they will provide a moment of joy to the recipient and add to their event.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting I would definitely take her shopping….because that is what we women do. haha I love to go to boutiques in downtown areas, in the town where I live (Celina). I also like downtown McKinney and Grapevine too. I am always looking for restaurants that are unique and not a chain. Some of the best kept secrets around are right in my town….Tender Smokehouse and Toasted Walnut…delicious!

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?
I would love to recognize my family. My husband Michael; son Jarid and his wife Tara; grandson Colter; son Jordon and his fiance Ashlee; son Connor; son (and unofficial – self proclaimed COO of the company) Ryan; and my inlaws Jim and Donna. I have truly been blessed with an amazing family. When I mentioned my idea of starting a custom cookie business, I was met with a resounding level of support from all those I mentioned. They have all encouraged me, suffered through my countless pictures of cookies made, been taste testers, marketers, and genuinely proud of the work I have done. I could not ask for more. My husband Michael believed in me from the start. He has pitched in to help late nights and early mornings to ensure I meet deadlines, etc. He is my biggest cheerleader, and without him Jax Shack would not have been possible..

Website: Under Construction
Instagram: jaxshackcustomcookies
Facebook: jaxshackcustomcookies

Image Credits
Family Picture: Credit Karen Hamilton

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