Using Gifts To Achieve Goals

Atlanta Habitat homeowner launches a buttery business!

Some of the greatest things in life happen when you’re not expecting them. Atlanta homeowner, Jackie O, knows all too well the surprises that life can bring. Jackie has been an Atlanta Habitat volunteer since 2006 and homeowner since 2008. Today, her hobby has turned her into a self-made businesswoman and owner of Butter Me Up by JRena, a homemade body butter business.

When her young son was struggling with severely dry skin, Jackie created a natural body butter recipe to help him heal. Her body butters quickly became popular among family and friends, but it wasn’t until recently that she realized this could be more than just a hobby.

After entering and winning the Atlanta Habitat 2018 Launch! business competition, Jackie learned about Start Me, a small business training program at Emory University’s business school, from a flyer at Atlanta Habitat. She says the program is a great complement to her business competition success.

“It is just what I needed to take my business to the next level after the competition,” she says. “I have to admit that I wasn’t sure if I would be selected because there were so many people competing, and the process was nerve-wracking.”

Despite being nervous, Jackie put her best foot forward and became one of 15 applicants accepted into the Start Me: Southside Atlanta community program. “This is going to be a game changer because I will learn all that it takes to start and run a successful business. I am up for the challenge and can’t wait to see how my business will grow.”

Atlanta Habitat’s Vision. Goals. Action! program help homeowners reach their educational and professional goals. In 2018 alone, VGA awarded 10 homeowners over $16,000 in scholarships and business startup grants.