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It was 16 years ago, when Ola R. Jackson, publisher of Onyx Woman magazine received a handmade birthday card, coupled with a check and a note that read, “Happy Birthday from the Staff of Jackson Communications now Onyx Woman Network. Her unofficial staff consisted of her husband Daryl and her then 5-year-old son Armon who had pulled together their resources, threw in some artistic talents, and presented Ola with an opportunity.The funds helped purchase stationary and other badly needed office supplies, and a little was left over for working capital. By her own admission, she did not have a clue as to how to run a business, create a business plan or generate revenues…she did have a vision; although somewhat blurry. Her business started out as a public relations service where she specialized in media relations and event planning; coordinating everything from community events, ground-breakings, ribbon cuttings and business luncheons.The speaker, talk show host and publisher saw the need to create an 8-page professional development newsletter that grew into a national magazine, and has now transformed into media for African-American women. Ola is on a mission to showcase role models and provide women with information through OWN, that will help women make lifestyle choices that will impact their quality of life. Her goal is to inspire and motivate women to utilize simple applications that will help them fulfill their professional and personal goals.
Ola has also transformed a portion of her business as a nonprofit that was created to address economic education and wellness for women and girls of color. The woman who has made a career out of serving black women in business is currently working on a book for Black Women in Business. www.onyxwomannetwork.com
