We recently connected with Jan Jackson and have shared our conversation below.

Jan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my career is that my professional brand is not separate from my personal brand. The values I uphold, the way I communicate, how I treat others, and the standards I set for myself all follow me whether I’m in the boardroom or at a community event. I’ve realized that authenticity, consistency, and integrity shape how people experience me both professionally and personally. Building trust, fostering relationships, and earning respect come from being the same person in every space, and that alignment has been key to my growth and leadership.

Jan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Jan Jackson is the founder and creative director of the Bella Grind Brand based in Atlanta, GA. Her mission is for black women to have a space where their voices will be elevated and their stories celebrated via the Bella Grind Podcast, other media platforms, inspirational apparel, and empowerment events.

The Bella Grind Show and Podcast is a space for black women’s voices to be amplified and celebrated by sharing their stories on all streaming platforms. The Bella Grind Magazine is a digital magazine published biannually and highlights black women across industries. Bella Grind Apparel is empowerment clothing with positive messages of self-love, awareness, and POWER. Fashion is a true form of expression, and this capsule is for the woman who lives out loud and stands boldly in her truth. Shop Bella Grind Apparel at Arelia’s Dream Showroom. The BAG’D Collective (Bellas Achieving their Goals and Dreams) is an outreach initiative to give back to others via signature events, service projects, mentoring, and speaking engagements. Email bagdprfirm@gmail for inquiries and bookings.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There was a time in my career when the walls of my workplace felt more like barriers than bridges. I found myself in an environment where I was constantly belittled, underestimated, and quietly bullied. What began as subtle microaggressions turned into a daily pattern of exclusion and invalidation that chipped away at my confidence. Eventually, I stopped speaking up. I second-guessed myself. I started to shrink in spaces where I once stood tall. The hardest part wasn’t just the cruelty—it was losing my voice in the process.
But something inside me knew I was built for more. I wasn’t meant to merely survive—I was meant to lead, to inspire, and to thrive. So, I left. I walked away from that job with no promises, just purpose. Soon after, I stepped into a new position where my talents were respected, and I had the space to begin again. More importantly, I launched the Bella Grind brand and later founded BAG’D, the Collective—a space rooted in boldness, authenticity, growth, and development. BAG’D became more than a brand—it became a safe haven for Black women and girls, a place where I could pour out the love and empowerment I once needed. Through it all, I found my voice again—and this time, I’m using it to help others find theirs. That’s the resilience I carry every day.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

At this time, I want to highlight my work with the BAG’D, the Collective. BAG’D, a pioneering collective spearheaded by Jan Jackson of the Bella Grind Alliance and Elandis Miller of Arelia’s Dream, stands as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for girls worldwide. With a mission rooted in the belief that every girl possesses the potential to achieve her dreams, no matter how big they may seem, BAG’D works tirelessly to create an environment where these aspirations can flourish. Through their collaborative efforts, Jackson and Miller have crafted innovative programs and initiatives designed to nurture confidence, foster creativity, and instill a sense of limitless possibility in the hearts of young women. By encouraging girls to dream big and aspire boldly, BAG’D is not just changing lives; it is shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. Starting the BAG’D Collective with my cousin makes the journey even more meaningful because it’s rooted in shared purpose, trust, and legacy. Together, we’re not just building a brand—we’re creating a generational movement that reflects our values, our bond, and our deep commitment to empowering Black women and girls. Doing this work side by side turns every milestone into a family victory and every challenge into a moment of unity and strength.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bellagrind.com
• Instagram: @bella_grind and @bagd_pr
• Youtube: Bella Grind TV

Image Credits

Skyy Wonders Photography