By Niyah Martin, Intern

Jackquan Safford is known as the brilliance behind Jackie’s Fashion, Hair Salon and Church Supplies located in Union Springs, Alabama. Since opening 33 years ago, Jackie’s Fashion, Hair Salon and Church Supplies has become a local favorite most known for their awesome customer service and their unique assortment of products. Jackie’s Fashion, Hair Salon and Church Supplies provides a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere and always prioritizes the needs of customers. Jackquan Safford has built her business on the foundation of faith, dedication, and the word of Jesus Christ.

Jackquan Safford was born to parents Willie and Portia Cowans in Union Springs, Alabama. As the youngest of seven children, Safford did not anticipate a future in entrepreneurship. She attended Bullock County high school and eventually went on to attend Auburn University of Montgomery for a year. While in school, Safford developed a budding passion for cosmetology. After graduation, she enrolled in the cosmetology program at John Patterson Technology School, now known as Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery, Alabama.

After the completion of her education, Safford began working in customer service. While collaborating closely with customers and learning how department stores run efficiently, Safford realized that she was meant to own a fabulous establishment of her own. Safford says, “Prior to becoming a business owner, I worked several positions in the commercial industry. Through those positions, God revealed that being a business owner was possible and the vision became a reality.”

With the guidance of Christ, Safford took a leap of faith and opened Jackie’s Fashion, Hair Salon, and Church Supplies in October of 1990.

Jackie’s Fashion, Hair Salon and Church Supplies offers customers a unique variety of products for any demand. From bibles to phone accessories, Jackie’s Fashion, Hair Salon, and Church Supplies is a one-stop shop. Safford says, “Through the years, my business has offered a range of services including hairstyling, clothing, books, hair products, phone, jewelry, accessories, and church supplies.” Not only is a wide product selection exclusive to Jackie’s Fashion, Hair Salon and Church Supplies, the customer experience is like none other. Customers can shop in a comfortable atmosphere and indulge in friendly conversation with the staff. Safford highly values her relationship with each customer and savors the loyalty that she has found within her community.

Managing a business can be exciting but it can also present tough lessons. Throughout her journey, Safford discovered that success is not linear and there are times where it is not guaranteed. Strafford’s trust in Christ gave her strength to power through moments of uncertainty. Her love and admiration for her community ignited her motivation to overcome any hardships she faced. Safford says, “Entrepreneurship is all about making decisions and taking risks, both small and big. My entrepreneur’s journey has not always been smooth or straightforward which will always be a challenge. One of the biggest challenges was making the decision to operate a business in a small town – that required faith. However, I love a challenge and I love people even more. This combination continues to be a win-win for me. The products and services that I offer directly impact people daily. God and people truly motivate me to be my best self.”

Safford wants to inspire as many young people to pursue their goals in entrepreneurship and reach for as much success as possible. The field of entrepreneurship offers opportunities for continuous growth within business and personal matters. Safford says, “Although I have been a business owner for 33 years, I am always learning. My approach is simply to focus on the things that I have learned as a business owner. I always seek God in all that I do and I have recognized that I cannot be everything to everybody. I have become invested in the experience and lives of those I serve, and I listen attentively to my customers to stay connected with them. I have also learned it is better to be humble. It is through His grace and mercy that I get to experience what I love through my business.”

Loyal customers and community members can be confident that Safford is not going anywhere. She plans to continue to provide her community with impeccable service. “As I continue this journey with my husband Nathan and we plan for the future of how best to best serve our community with love, we draw to Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” Safford explains.

Safford hopes to spread the word of God while continuing to assemble meaningful relationships with her customers. Safford says, “I am a visionary and believe goals are important in achieving success in business and in my personal life. Every day, I am motivated to make a positive impact in the lives of others through conversation as well as service. My goal is to be consistent, stay engaged with the community and grow my business by adding additional services and products to impact others and sustain my business.” 

For the ultimate shopping experience, feel free to stop by Jackie’s Fashion, Hair Salon and Church Supplies located on 120 Prairie St. N, Union Springs, Alabama!

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