Jacqueline “Jackie” Jackson, a remarkable franchise owner in Andersonville, Illinois, recently garnered the title of small-business person of the year. The honor, awarded by a reputable regional body, recognizes Jackie’s devoted effort and achievement within the aggressively competitive business sector.
Being a confectionery enthusiast, Jackie transformed her hobby into a successful venture, known for its rich variety of sweets, including truffles, caramel apples, and nut caramel turtles, continuing to please the Andersonville community over the years. Besides the delightful sweets, her business also significantly contributes to the local economy. With this noble recognition, her hard work and impact have been commendably represented.
Despite enduring several hardships, including store burglaries, the COVID-19 pandemic, and personal struggles, Jackson’s determination and entrepreneurial spirit earned recognition from the regional trade organization. Her resistance to these adversities, instead of halting her ambition, fueled her determination to succeed, inspiring her team and the business to keep thriving under challenging circumstances.
This recognition places Jackie amongst previous winners who began as small businesses and have now found national recognition.
Illinois confectioner’s journey to business success
Her inclusion in this prestigious group underlines the power of starting small yet dreaming big.
With her entrepreneurial prowess, Jackson owns five stores across Chicago, including Orland Park, Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, Andersonville, Geneva, and Evanston. The team she started over a decade ago, with just 10 members, has remarkably grown to over 75 staff members. Jackson aspires to expand further with a new branch expected to open in River North soon.
Expanding her business reach, Jackson recently revealed plans to establish a franchise for a popular fast-food chain in Chatham. Confident in repeating her previous success at Orland Park, she expects to witness a positive response in Chatham as well. With her high-quality service and product offering, the locals eagerly anticipate the new establishment.
Before her venture into the business world, Jackson was an instructor at Chicago Public Schools and later a property investor. However, losing her mother in 2006 led her to shift from real estate to business. The decision was significantly influenced by a visit to a candy shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that evoked her cherished childhood memories with her late mother.
