Meet Valise Jackson | Wedding Officiant, Author & Coach/Mentor
We had the good fortune of connecting with Valise Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Valise, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had lost my job and needing to support myself financially. I had been getting about one interview a month. However, I had been a real estate closer back in 2004 so I began marketing my services and got a business rolling in 2013. The real estate market was busy and I was managing financially so I decided to stop looking for a job and strike out on the path of entrepreneurship. As the years progressed I also provided other services to many companies and in 2016 began the pathway to the wedding officiant business. Now it is my primary business and I have expanded my services by writing the book How to Create a Successful Wedding Officiant Business. In addition I offer coaching and have a mentorship program. The book has sold over 100 copies in pdf form and I am working to take it to print and sell on national platforms.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Words cannot express what it is like to share the special moments with a couple as they are joined in marriage. It brings me joy and happiness.
I have built the officiant business from the ground up by doing research, figuring out how to market myself and providing friendly service to couples. This has garnered me my five star google reviews.
I always try to portray southern hospitality at its finest. I make couples feel as though we have known each other before the moment we meet. I have a knack to help them calm their nerves and enjoy each and every moment of their wedding ceremony.
My brand is sharing love. Love is the greatest gift we have to give to each other and it is important to share love with those close to us and those we encounter on our life adventures.
I am a traveler. This year I have spent 15 days in Puerta Vallarta Mexico and am always scheming for the next vacation. I will travel to officiate a wedding and have on a few occasions across the state of Tennessee.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Preds Hockey is a definite. I love watching hockey and seeing it in person far surpasses watching it on tv.
My absolute favorite thing about Nashville is the Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center. It is the most beautiful venue with an unbelievable sound quality that envelopes you with happiness.
For food, the Loveless Cafe is a must. It is a staple in the Nashville area.
Centennial park is another favorite that must be visited when anyone comes to town. The Parthenon is magical in its statuesque appearance in the middle of the park.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Sonita Leak a South Carolina notary public and wedding officiant who I have followed on Facebook gave me the idea to step into the wedding officiating world. We got to meet at the National Notary Association conference in 2019 and she is inspirational in this business.
My closest supporter is Victoria Fields, a dear friend, she always cheers me on with her words of encouragement and praise.
Website: https://valisejackson.wixsite.com/weddingofficiant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valisejackson/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valise-jackson-7867141b/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ValiseJackson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valise.jackson
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiydSpRRNyyFpHtC2zMOr1g
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
This article was fascinating and a joy to read. I have had the pleasure of meeting Valise Jackson along with Sonita Leak of South Carolina at the National Notary Association conference in 2019.
Valise, you are loving person and a phenomenal in our industry. Thank you for all your supported and I truly appreciate you.
Tennessee is blessed to have a beautiful person like Valise Jackson.
Blessings
Crystal Whiteside-Lemon