Vanessa Marshall is a successful businesswoman from Edmonton and the founder of Jack59, a company specializing in sustainability and eco-friendly solutions in the beauty industry. With an innovative approach and a strong focus on environmental standards, her brand is making a real impact on the local community. Interestingly, Vanessa’s career began in dentistry. Over time, however, she built her own business and achieved remarkable success. Learn more about Vanessa Marshall’s journey, the growth of Jack59, and her contribution to the beauty industry on edmontonka.com.
From Dentistry to Building the Jack59 Brand
As an Indigenous woman, Vanessa made it her mission to create eco-friendly hair care products that respect both the environment and her cultural values. Jack59’s flagship line features solid shampoos and conditioners with a unique formula designed for various hair types. This allows every woman to find her perfect match based on texture, colour, curl pattern, and lifestyle. Notably, since 2015, Jack59 has expanded its product line to include a wide range of natural hair and body care products, and the company has no plans of slowing down.
Vanessa Marshall’s entrepreneurial journey is a true blend of traditional wisdom and modern innovation. From a young age, she valued the rich traditions of her Indigenous community in Northern Alberta, which instilled in her a deep respect for nature and sustainable practices. This upbringing laid the groundwork for her future endeavours, shaping her values and driving her desire to make a positive impact on society through business.
The idea for Jack59 came to Vanessa when she realized that the solid shampoos and conditioners available at the time lacked pH balance and beneficial ingredients, ultimately leading to hair damage. Combining her chemistry background with the wealth of Indigenous knowledge on natural ingredients, Vanessa saw an opportunity to create something better. She left her job as a dental assistant to bring her dream to life. Her motivations were multi-faceted: she wanted to spend more time with her family, take responsibility for reducing plastic waste, and make a meaningful social impact through her brand.
Jack59 Eco-Cosmetics: Innovation, Natural Ingredients, and Hair Care
The Jack59 brand is a testament to Vanessa’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. She successfully merged her scientific background with traditional knowledge to develop solid shampoos and conditioners that are pH-balanced and free from parabens, sulphates, and silicones. Each product reflects Marshall’s drive to minimize environmental impact while providing women with high-quality hair care solutions.
Since its inception, Jack59 has grown into a major retail presence, with products available in over 275 locations across North America and shipped globally online. To date, the brand has successfully diverted over 750,000 plastic bottles from landfills. This is a remarkable milestone that highlights their true dedication to sustainable practices. Despite its massive growth, Jack59 remains fully committed to the quality of its products, which are proudly handcrafted in Edmonton.
Vanessa’s efforts go far beyond her business; she is deeply committed to uplifting Indigenous communities. By integrating her heritage into her business practices, she fosters a sense of pride and representation. The entrepreneur firmly believes in giving back to her community and takes pride in the fact that her business benefits both the planet and its people.
Jack59 actively supports various charities and initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of Indigenous communities. The company partners with local businesses, providing them with educational resources and supporting grassroots projects designed to improve the quality of life for Indigenous peoples. Through these partnerships, the brand helps empower Indigenous communities, ensuring their needs and voices are heard and respected. Vanessa’s support is woven directly into her daily operations. She prioritizes working with Indigenous suppliers and artisans, helping to create economic opportunities and promote traditional craftsmanship. Marshall’s work inspires and lifts up other entrepreneurs, creating room for growth while strengthening a sense of community and solidarity. Through her efforts, Vanessa not only improves the lives of those around her but also sets a powerful example for other companies. Her dedication to giving back shows the profound impact that socially responsible businesses can have on people’s lives.
Global Expansion, B Corp Certification, and Impact on the Beauty Industry
One of the most significant milestones for Jack59 was achieving B Corp certification. This move was driven by Vanessa’s desire to balance financial growth with maintaining the integrity and vision of her business. The B Corp certification underscores Jack59’s commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Ultimately, this achievement reflects Vanessa’s determination to lead by example in the beauty industry.
Vanessa’s journey as a founder has taught her valuable lessons in resilience and staying true to her core values. She advises other Indigenous entrepreneurs to use their heritage as a strength, blending traditional knowledge with modern technology to create unique products or services. Vanessa frequently emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the value of seeking out support and mentorship.
Marshall draws inspiration from fellow entrepreneur Jenn Harper, the founder of Cheekbone Beauty. Harper’s journey started with a dream and led to the creation of the first Indigenous-owned cosmetics company. Jenn’s work resonates deeply with Vanessa, who shares her dedication to sustainability and community impact. Another major source of inspiration for Vanessa is Vicki Saunders, the founder of Coralus (formerly SheEO). Her vision, rooted in radical generosity, has had a profound, positive impact on Vanessa and countless other female entrepreneurs. Coralus is a global community of women supporting women-led ventures. Vicki’s approach to entrepreneurship, which blends mentorship with community support, aligns closely with Marshall’s values and has heavily shaped the success and growth of Jack59.
Here are a few key takeaways from Vanessa’s story that anyone can learn from:
- She saw a problem and took action, making sustainability and environmental protection the absolute core of her business model.
- Her unwavering commitment to philanthropy ensures that the business benefits not only the environment but also the people in her community.
- From day one, Marshall focused on balancing financial growth with preserving the integrity and long-term vision of her brand.
- Access to capital is a major challenge for women-owned businesses. Collaborating with the right organizations can help propel a business forward and level the playing field.
- Growing a company takes a village. It’s crucial to surround yourself with the right partners in finance, operations, distribution, and marketing.
Vanessa’s story is a shining example of how combining heritage, passion, and sustainability can lead to lasting entrepreneurial success.