The local women-owned and operated company sells eco-friendly hair bars (and even pet shampoo!) and expands its audience through a national pitch race.
Over the last few years, Vanessa Marshall has learned what it means to “follow your heart” and it’s been rewarding in ways she never imagined. From expanding a woman-owned and operated beauty and wellness business (launched during the pandemic) to joining the Pow Wow Pitch (supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship), the 49-year-old Edmontonian is thriving. I’m here.
A recognized risk-taker, Marshall didn’t always start his own business on the radar. I took another path, working as an assistant. She’s been doing it for decades, but her feisty Marshall says she wished she was happier.
“I knew life was short and I knew I didn’t want to be tied to an office,” Marshall said. , It’s been a huge learning curve, but I know what I’m good at – building products, networking, innovation, etc. I also recognize other people’s strengths. We have a great team of women who are growing
Jack59 (named after the stray dog Marshall’s daughter discovered when the family lived in Faust, Alberta) is a line of all-sustainable plastic-, sulfate- and silicone-free hair products (vegan and gluten-free). (including options not included) product line. Since its inception, Jack59 has kept over 500,000 of his plastic bottles out of landfills.
There are 11 shampoo and conditioner bars for all hair types, plus dry shampoos, leave-in conditioners, shave/body wash bars for men, and detangler bars for kids. According to Marshall, dog shampoo bars are “going crazy” with pet owners.
Marshall’s management team, which includes her sister Cynthia (COO) and right-hand woman Dorothy Goodale, is becoming a force among female entrepreneurs, advocating for (and talking about) fair wages (13 female staff). carry it with you), eco-friendly and socially responsible ingredients to create products and packaging. Likewise, all staff members have a say in business decisions and participate in weekly meetings.
“Instead of competing, we network. We do things differently, improving the lives of those we impact,” she said. “Staying true to my integrity is the most important thing to me.”
And now, Jack59’s efforts have gone even further to include scholarships for Aboriginal youth to pursue post-secondary environmental studies, which Marshall says is a way for “rural Aboriginal youth to It helps ‘fill in the gaps to move to the department’.
Win or lose, Pow Wow Pitch (powwowpitch.org) creates great networking opportunities with fellow Indigenous women entrepreneurs, according to Marshall. But her journey with the organization so far has been impressive, reaching the semi-finals in the consumer beauty and wellness category. proceeded to share their product and vision in a one-minute recorded pitch for the jury.
“There’s a reader’s choice section that you can vote on until September 19th,” she said.
Jack59 has production and retail spaces in South Edmonton and participates in pop-up events and regular spots at farmers markets (Old Strathcona, Bountiful). Jack59 can also be found at Butterdome’s Christmas sale and at stores such as Healthy Planet and Hudson’s Bay Company.
“We aim to exceed $1 million in sales in 2021 and enter the US market soon,” said Marshall, noting that the product is now on amazon.ca and jack59hairco.com. . “It feels like a big responsibility, but we are confident in our brand and timing. It’s an easy change for anyone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Visit powwowpitch.org to vote on our readers’ picks and learn more about Jack59.
