We recently connected with Yanice Jackson MBA, CSSGB and have shared our conversation below.
Yanice, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear your thoughts about family businesses.
When I think about family business, it leads me to think about Legacy. I am the owner of an African American publication 36 years in the making! The Chronicle News was founded thirty-six years ago by my father (the original Publisher) Jay Price and my mother Carolyn Carter. My parents formed the Chronicle in the early eighties, during “The War on Drugs.” This was a time where African Americans were primarily shown in a negative light within the media. Because of this, my parents birthed their dream of a newspaper publication with a mission to show the positive side of the African American-Community.
I took over the operations of the business after my father passed away in February 2022. Although it was challenging to continue operations of the business after the passing of his death, ultimately it was one of the things that kept me moving forward in life. I was able to push forward knowing I would be able to further a legacy that overcame many hurdles. It took me a while to realize how much my parents did to set me (and future generations) up for success. They were able to build a business in a world friendlier to big corporations and entities. Through their vision, they live on. In addition, the Chronicle News serves as a vehicle for news and information which is a true reflection of communities.
We will continue to build upon this Family-Owned business and address the things that matter most to the community because Community Knows, What Community Needs. This is our Niche and has allowed us to operate as a community publication for more than thirty years.”
Yanice, 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?
I am a creative person who enjoys sharing my gifts with others. I have grown into someone who enjoys serving others. When times seem unstable or challenging, I frequently turn to service to regain my footing. I think about how if I spend as much time as possible (without neglecting core responsibilities) helping others, it leaves me less time to focus on things which are not fruitful.
I am a well-rounded person who has had the opportunity to study various fields from an academic and real-life setting. I currently am the publisher of a newspaper who has a formal education in Broadcasting, Business and Ministry. I am a Chicago Native who relocated to Michigan with my family at the age of five.
I grew up watching my mother and father work together as a team. Together they were “A Force to Be Reckoned With” which no one was able to separate. I believe this added to the strength of the Chronicle News Brand, which is now embedded in my DNA. I grew up watching my parents operate in an “Entrepreneurial Spirit” beyond comparison.
What started out as a newspaper is now a media company with a publication, website, social media platform, FM Radio Show/Podcast and Non-Profit Arm. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcasting from Eastern Michigan University. Later I received my Master of Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University (History Black College/University) to help me prepare to ascend in the corporate world, with a goal to transition into entrepreneurship. Not only do my dreams include my current endeavors, but they include goals to publish a book, teach at a collegiate level, obtain a PhD, and speak to crowds nationwide.
I think the thing that most sets me apart from others is my ability to create an avenue if a path to my destiny does not fit the typical route. I am willing to “Find a Way or Make a Way” (as my fellow CAU Panthers may be familiar with)
I am most proud of my ability to keep moving forward even after challenges and setbacks. I am happy I can speak about life to myself and other people. I also am glad I’ve developed into the type of woman willing to adapt to work with those of diverse backgrounds.
I would tell people not to wait for permission to be successful. Success can be defined in ways other than the Websters dictionary. In my experience it’s best for one to define their own definition of success. There are things in this world that seem very nice, but may not be designed for us particularly, or fit our specific needs.
As I walk my journey, I will continue to fulfill my purpose which includes using my skills, gifts, and talents to make an honest living, and uplift those around me. This will help me build and add to the world, not steal, and destroy.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients has come from the digital space. We have had many discover our platforms through social media posts, search engines and from our FM Radio Show/Podcast ‘The Sunday Chronicle.’
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I have to take a major pivot in my career when going from a structured 9-5 position to the unpredictable life of a mother who is a business owner. This took the ability to take something in motion and make it work best for me and my family. In addition, being able to earn a living and employ others is a continual reward which is more than worth it for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thechroniclenews.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chroniclenews86/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theChronicleNews86/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thechroniclenews86/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechronicle86
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCARJsGE9wKBJhM3tlx0INgg