Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristy Jackson
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Raised by a Dreamer mother and a Disruptor father, I was taught early that the sky is not my limit. This philosophy has driven me to use my talents to develop tools, resources, and spaces that help people excel. As the founder of SheCan Connect, a women’s faith and business community, I have curated a circle of sisterhood for ambitious female leaders ready to collaborate, grow and succeed.
I am a #1 bestselling author with titles like Dream, Sink, Launch, designed to equip entrepreneurs to dream bigger and pursue their goals actively. 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 Director of the TEDxStLouis Ambassador Program.
With over 20 years of experience teaching, consulting, coaching, and speaking, I’ve become known as the Black Godmother of Entrepreneurs, guiding clients with a relatable style that catalyzes action. My driving force is my faith and the belief that “It only seems impossible until it is done,” a quote by Nelson Mandela. Outside of work, I cherish global travel and enjoying great food with my family—my husband James and two daughters, Kelsie and Jada, who keep me laughing and grounded.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
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 someones life. The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep within me and it drives 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 than ever.
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 is a diverse community and media platform that I founded in 2019 out of a deep frustration with having to choose between my faith and my business when I would work in either space. As a serial entrepreneur, I was often invited to share insights from my journey on both local and national stages. However, I ran into a recurring challenge—my business acumen was sometimes undervalued in faith spaces, and my faith was often unwelcome in business environments, despite the fact that the synergy of both was the key to my success. Recognizing that I wasn’t the only woman facing this struggle, I created SheCan Connect as a safe space for women like me—a place where we can grow, gather, and make a positive impact without having to compromise any part of ourselves.
Our mission at SheCan Connect is to equip and connect women through faith and professional development, maximizing their growth, influence, and impact. We specialize in providing a supportive network and resources for women who are striving to balance their spiritual and professional lives. What sets us apart is our unique approach of integrating faith with business, recognizing that they are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary aspects of a fulfilled and successful life.
I’m especially proud of the brand we’ve built—a brand that stands for authenticity, empowerment, and holistic growth. SheCan Connect has become known for its unwavering commitment to supporting diverse women through every stage of their journey, from fledgling entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals. We have also provided grants to nonprofit organizations.
This year, we expanded our impact by launching the SheCan Connect Global Network, a 501(c)(3) organization. This new chapter allows us to extend our mission even further, providing more women with the tools, connections, and support they need to thrive in upward economic mobility. Through this global network, we are not only fostering leadership growth but also collaborating internationally, and investing in women’s businesses and service ideas to impact communities worldwide. New this year- We are including a pitch competition with prizes sponsored by Walmart in our annual SheCan Connect Power Summit. We are also planning a SheCan Connect Global Network leadership delegation tour to travel in 2025-26.
For your readers, I want them to know that SheCan Connect is more than just a community—it’s a movement that welcomes you. We offer a range of services, including workshops, mentorship programs, and experiences designed to help women elevate their personal and professional lives to pay it forward.
We are seeking leaders for new chapters, speakers for our monthly meetings, and financial sponsors to partner with us. Whether you’re looking for guidance, inspiration, funding, or a supportive community, SheCan Connect is here to help you grow your influence, maximize your impact, and achieve your dreams.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is living out my God-given purpose, which centers on empowering and equipping women to activate their creative ideas and to serve one another. I believe that when women are empowered to pursue their passions and support each other, incredible things happen—not just for them individually, but for their communities as well. I’m passionate about seeing women thrive, knowing that when we support each other, we can create something truly impactful!
Traveling the world is another big part of what fuels me. It’s not just about seeing new places; it’s about experiencing God’s creation up close. Every trip opens my eyes to new inspiration and different ways of thinking, which constantly refreshes my perspective and sparks new ideas. I want to provide this same opportunity for our SheCan Connect community.
And then there’s my family—they are everything to me. I have been married to my incredible husband, James, for 27 years, and our brilliant daughters, Kelsie and Jada are my why! Spending quality time with them keeps me grounded and reminds me of what’s really important. It’s in those moments with them that I find the balance and strength to keep pursuing my passions and making a positive impact in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shecanconnect.com/
- Instagram: @shecanconnectstl
- Facebook: SheCan Connect
Image Credits
Tyler Small
Gator MediaSTL
