Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristy Jackson, Ed. S..
Hi Kristy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in the Show Me State of MO by a dreamer mom, Ernestine, who taught me to create bigger and a disruptor dad, Neil, who taught me to stand for what I believe in, I grew up knowing that the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the starting point. That mindset shaped me into who I am today: a builder of people, tools, spaces, and opportunities for others to thrive unapologetically. As the founder of SheCan Connect and SheCan Connect Global Network (Nonprofit), I’ve created a faith-filled sisterhood for ambitious women ready to make an impact, claim their space, and own their power through upward economic mobility.
I am blessed to be a #1 bestselling author with titles like Dream, Sink, Launch, designed to equip entrepreneurs to dream bigger and pursue their goals actively, the Dream Box childrens book and a contributor to the powerful book collaborative, Beyond the Desk by Precious Whitner. I also created the trademarked Bizperation brand. My work has earned me recognition from the U.S. Small Business Administration as a National Emerging Leader, inclusion in St. Louis Small Business Magazine’s 100 St. Louisans to Know, and roles such as Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation Alumna and founding Executive Director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Harris -Stowe State University. I’m your go-to cheerleader for dreaming audaciously and actually doing something about it. And while the accolades are a blessing——what fuels me is working in my God given purpose and seeing other women succeed.
With over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship, teaching, coaching, and speaking, I’ve become known as the “Black Godmother of Entrepreneurs” because I keep it real, genuinely share resources, and help others see that what they think is impossible – IS possible. My life motto? Nelson Mandela said it best: “It only seems impossible until it is done.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s in my nature to see things that most people don’t and that includes gaps to create purposeful solutions to fill them. My mindset has helped me to become an author, product developer, and founder of various brands and networks to help improve someone’s life and business. The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep within me. My grandfather owned several rental properties, my mother owned a private music studio and taught piano and voice to adults and children for 20 years and my husband, James and I were the first African American couple to open a co- working space in the Benton Park Community in St, Louis. These influences drive me to stay agile to chase my ideas, take risks, and persevere through challenges.
During the pandemic, I faced one of my greatest challenges when we closed the doors of our coworking and event space, DK Annex. It was a real moment of fear—not just for the loss of the space but for the potential of letting down the entrepreneurial community that depended on us. Despite this, my husband and I pivoted and pushed forward, knowing that with God all things are possible and that our mission to support and advocate for entrepreneurs was more crucial and still possible with our without a physical space.
My advice for those early in their journey is to start small with projects that push your comfort zone and allow you to manage risks in a way that’s sustainable. Learn from each experience, whether it leads to success or failure, and gradually scale your efforts. Begin with your DREAM, but be prepared for the inevitable SINK moments on your path to LAUNCH to your ultimate goal! Surround yourself with mentors, or dive into my book Dream, Sink, Launch, and connect with peers who will both encourage and challenge your entrepreneurial ideas.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
SheCan Connect began as a bold answer to a frustration I experienced firsthand: having to choose between my faith and my business in spaces where both were integral to my success. As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve shared my journey on stages locally and nationally, only to find that my business expertise wasn’t always valued in faith circles, and my faith was often unwelcome in business environments. I knew I wasn’t alone in this struggle, and in 2019, I founded SheCan Connect—a space where women could unapologetically bring their whole selves to the table, blending faith, ambition, and a drive to make an impact.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower and equip women through faith and professional development, helping them maximize their growth, influence, and impact. SheCan Connect offers a supportive network and resources for women navigating the intersection of spirituality and professional ambition. We are a platform where faith and business not only coexist but thrive together, offering media platforms, events, tools and experiences to elevate women in every stage of their journey—from budding entrepreneurs to seasoned leaders. We’re also launching a new podcast called SheCan Social House! This podcast will be a space where bold, visionary women can share their stories, insights, and expertise to inspire and empower others. We’re currently looking for dynamic guests to join us and help amplify voices that are shaping industries, communities, and the future.
This year marks a major milestone with the launch of the SheCan Connect Global Network, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Through this expanded platform, we’re scaling our impact globally by fostering leadership, supporting women’s economic mobility, and investing in businesses and service ideas that create ripple effects from local communities to worldwide impact. From offering dynamic summits, training programs, and grants to nonprofit organizations, we are stepping boldly into the future. In 2025-26, we’re also planning a SheCan Connect Global Network leadership delegation international tour, further advancing our mission of connection and collaboration on a global scale to make a local impact.
SheCan Connect isn’t just a community—it’s a movement. I am in awe of God’s favor and blessing on our work! And now, we’re calling on leaders, partners, and donors to help us take this vision even further. We’re seeking inspiring women to lead new chapters, thought leaders to speak at our events, financial sponsors to support our initiatives, and now, visionary guests to be featured on SheCan Social House podcast. This will be a MEGA year for SheCan Connect!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Absolutely! For those just starting out, here’s my advice: Dream Big, Start Small: Don’t let the size of your dream overwhelm you. Break it into actionable steps and tackle them one at a time. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
Keep it Real: You don’t need to conform to anyone else’s blueprint for success. Your unique voice, vision, and values are your superpowers. Embrace them, even if it feels like the world doesn’t get you right away. The right opportunities and people will align with your authenticity.
Build Your Network Early: Relationships are everything. Start building your circle of mentors, peers, and collaborators from the beginning. Remember, who you know can often open doors that what you know cannot.
Embrace Your Faith: Your faith—whether it’s in God, yourself, or your vision—will be your anchor in times of uncertainty. There will be moments when things don’t go as planned, but holding on to your belief in a greater purpose will keep you grounded and moving forward.
Get Comfortable with No: You’ll hear it often, but don’t take it personally. Every ‘no’ is a redirection, not a rejection. Use it as fuel to refine your vision and keep going.
What I wish I knew when I was starting out:
I wish I had understood the importance of rest and boundaries. Entrepreneurship culture makes you think you have to be ‘on’ 24/7, but burnout doesn’t build businesses or dreams. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Your creativity and resilience thrive when you do.
Also, I wish I had trusted my intuition more- it has NEVER led me wrong. Early on, I spent too much time doubting myself but the more I leaned into NO when my spirit wasn’t settled, I soon saw why I needed to. I have declined plenty offers because I realized that God was nudging me toward or away from something because HE had a bigger plan. We all have this gift! Now I know that my inner voice – which I recognize as the Holy Spirit – is my best advisor.
Lastly, remember this: your journey won’t look like anyone else’s, and that’s the beauty of it. Stay faithful to your path, and don’t be afraid to pivot when needed. The sky is not your limit—it’s just the beginning. Keep dreaming, keep building, and never stop believing in what’s possible for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shecanconnect.com/
- Instagram: @shecanconnectstl
- Facebook: SheCan Connect
- Linkedin: SheCan Connect
Image Credits
Tyler Small Gator MediaSTL Jamar Church Pinkston
