Meet Christine “CJ” Jackson: Artisit, Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine “CJ” Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine “CJ”, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
This question forced me to look deeply at what it is I’m currently doing with my life. As a teenager I learned that, It’s not about the stuff you leave behind. It’s about the impact you leave on people.

I want to be remembered as a person who could be counted on to be reliable, helpful, truthful, accountable & hard working. Also as person who will always stand against wrong doings even though it sometimes gets me into trouble.
I want to be remembered for providing good quality. A quality experience when with me. Quality art. Quality custom pieces. Quality products. Quality personal and business relationships. Good Quality.

When I leave this earth I want folks to be able to say they shared positive experiences with me. That I’ve helped them in some way.

I want to leave behind a legacy of positivity.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Well, I did not set out wanting to be a brand. I simply wanted to create. My other means of creativity had become stiffened do to a work injury. Just like most creatives, if they have no outlet they begin to lose themselves.

iBDS was born from my need to express myself. I took the money I was saving from no longer being able to do things I loved to do and invested it into being as creative as I could. I started with a screen printing machine I built myself from lumber and hinges. I use the money I make and reinvest it into getting better equipment and supplies, into growing the business. i Be Doin Shit now offers, screen printing, heat transfers and sublimation.

I am always excited to learn new techniques. I am always excited to be challenged by clients to create something different. As an artist I thrive on that aspect of the brand. I believe that’s what sets me apart from others. Creating is my passion.

I am grateful for this business. I am grateful for i Be Doin Shit. I do not know where I would be today without it. I was really down and out about my injury and not being able to do all my normal things. It was as if the universe and God said, “Here, check out this new talent we blessed you with.”

Owning a business is no easy task. It takes dedication day in and day out. You are your best employee. I want folks to know that it is okay to have moments of doubt and concern, but do not live there. It is important to keep moving forward because something amazing is along that road of uncertainty just waiting on you to stumble upon it.

i Be Doin Shit is a Black Culture Clothing Brand and Custom Clothing Creator. We take great pride in helping bring your vision to life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
You can usually find me at along the coast of California. There is something about the ocean that I find to be calm, strong and peaceful.

I’ll share this spot with you. Pack a lunch or grab a bite from the local eateries. The parking is free. They have clean restrooms, a museum, trails and the vibe is totally chill. You may even spot some sea life with the whale watchers.

Point Fermin Park – San Pedro, Ca 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?
Gosh, I have people in my life that have helped shaped and mold me in many different ways and all throughout my life. Each one has had a serious impact on my life.

I have people that I refer to as mentors. They range from high school coaches to folks who work in all kinds of different fields. They have said things to me that I can still hear as if they just lectured me on it. They’ve shown me success, hard work and growth. I believe it’s important to have folks around you that always strive for “better.” They make you want to do the same.

I also have supreme family & friendships that pick me up and give me a kick in the butt when I need it. They never sugar coat anything. If I’m wrong they tell me. That gives me the opportunity to correct myself when needed. They also show up in the form of support from art shows to buying and wearing my clothes to helping me make them and most important, emotionally. Without my family and amazing friendships I’d be lost in this world.

My aunt recently told me, “I see you and I believe in you.” It brought me to tears because it came at a really difficult time in my life. Nothing was going according to my plan. Those simple words gave me the encouragement I needed to get out of my funk.

I may not say this often because I can be a total introvert at times but,
Thank you to my family, friends and mentors for being EXACTY who you are. You are a bunch of solid, beautiful souls. Nothing you say or do in support of me has ever gone without being truly appreciated.

Website: www.ibedoinshit.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibedoinshit/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iBeDoinShit/

Image Credits
Christine Jackson