My name is Judith Camille Jackson, better know as Judi; the breakout star from the Bunim - Murray produced and Oxygen Network's hit show, "Bad Girls Club". Born in Louisiana, and raised in south side of Chicago. I am so proud of my Louisiana Créole heritage. I currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia. When I am not busy traveling, I am out trying new food (FOODIE), being adventurous, chasing the paranormal and unexplained, making people laugh, and being the mystical, creative, intellectual and artistic soul that I am. Growing up as an only child, I was always into arts and entertainment from playing the piano, taking jazz, tap & ballet classes, drawing, painting, ceramics, pottery, and creating/making up songs and rhymes. In high school, I found a way to integrate my love for writing poetry and writing in general, expressing my feelings and thoughts on paper, by working on the newspaper team. I attended Columbia College Chicago, one of the biggest media arts schools in the nation, where I studied Broadcast Journalism Radio & Television. I can humbly say I am a radio personality, hosting my own 30minutes weekly segment called "The Juice with Judi Jai that airs on Power89 & Hot108FM (WGTSDB). Alongside being a TV/Radio personality, I have an ongoing charity at LaRabida's Childrens Hospital in Chicago, which holds a toy drive every year to give back to make their holidays warmer. You can donate at www.larabida.org at any time. I created Vixen LLC to shine light on my Creole roots. Everyone always thinks I am Haitian, but I am Louisiana Creole and a lot of other things as well. Haitians speak Kreyol, and Louisiana Creole’s mostly speak French - from France and Spain descendants. I really wanted to show the difference and honour my culture, heritage and ethnicity. All of my Vixen products, to my names, to the scents all in some way play off of my Louisiana Creole and Chicago upbringing. Magic, spookiness, spells, spirituality, the unknown, all the way to great food. Honouring my ancestors every step of the way. I didn’t want to just be a reality TV star. I am an artist and a brand, all I would like to share is what I stand for -tt through my business. Reality TV is brief, and doesn’t really get to show the whole story, so I decided to tell my story via my brand. My father was also an entrepreneur so I believe it’s in my blood. Vixen, LLC. is my baby.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest hurdles was to be taken seriously after acting up on national television. It all works out though because my supporters love me for being me. One thing you have to understand though is no one is going to care about your business like you. I would say eliminate middle men and have total control.
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
I am currently finishing “The Secret”, and “The Four Agreements”. I suggest entrepreneurs read both. It really focuses on manifestation and how powerful your thoughts are. Everything you want is already yours. Make sure you check out my first book “FOU” as well. All proceeds go to Lung Cancer awareness and I’m also writing a second book as of now.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
My family is very supportive. From my hot sauce, to my seasonal candles, to gifting presents from my brand for special occasions and holidays. They are always thankful. Sometimes I have to express the fact though that strangers will support you before your own friends and family, yet they will buy (and pay way more) from someone they will never meet nor cares about them. It’s crazy.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
Being authentically me, and making things from scratch. My own uniqueness and creativity. It can’t be duplicated. I pride my business on standing out. No other online store or boutique is selling my products. I also push the agenda of “vibing higher”. Positive vibes only. Everyone - no matter what race, gender, sex, etc will find something they love shopping with my brand. Vixen does not discriminate.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
To eliminate the middle man and have full control. I have to say that again. They won’t get the backlash for making mistakes, you will.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Believe in yourself! Don’t stop. Don’t let “likes” and “followers” make you feel less than. Just keep going. Have fun. Grow. Vision is the art in seeing what is invisible to others.
