Episode 6 - Never give up - how single mum overcame massive barriers to grow her business and change lives with Saffron Jackson

This mum could not have imagined how struggling to find a black doll for her beautiful baby girl was going to lead to a business venture that would change the course of her life and change the lives of other young girls around the world. Faced with monumental challenges in the early years it would have been so easy to give up, but today Zuree Dolls (derived from the Swahili term Zuri, meaning beautiful) is a global success. Hear about the challenges Saffron faced, what she learned and her story of never giving up on what you believe in.

What we cover

•  In 2017 Saffron created the first black Jamaican Doll which went worldwide
• The product sold our after a hit interview with the BBC
• After the bank lost £1000's of Saffrons money, she had to follow the trail herslef to find the missing money
• Due to the lost money there was no stock for 6 months
• When Saffron finally received her order, half of the dolls were not working

More about Saffron

Saffron Jackson, founder of Zuree Ltd, is an educator and multi-award winning entrepreneur whose innovation of the first talking Jamaican doll has earned her recognition worldwide. Zuree is a variation of the word ‘Zuri’ meaning beautiful in Swahili. Zuree was inspired by the birth of her daughter Billie-Rae after Saffron realised there were hardly any products on the UK High Street that represented or looked like her daughter. She is extremely passionate about empowering young black/ethnic children and this passion is the main driving force behind Zuree. Her main aim is for Zuree to establish itself as a major brand across the world.

Zuree is a brand which aims to provide educational products including toys and dolls for mostly young black/mixed-race girls across the world. Zuree aims to bring diversity and inclusion in the children's toys and merchandise sector into multicultural UK and the rest of the world. Zuree dolls aim to empower young BME to feel confident about who they are. Every young girl/boy, regardless of ethnicity, wants to play with dolls/toys that look like or are similar to them and they most importantly to feel a sense of belonging.

Saffron is originally from Jamaica but spent the last 18 years in London, England where her daughter was born. Saffron is also a community activist who has won various awards for service through various organisations and charities she supports. Saffron is determined and resilient and intends to market her brand worldwide as she truly believes her brand is not just a business but a cause aimed at elevating and uplifting others.

Contact details:

 IG and Twitter: @zureedolls 

FB: Zuree Ltd

Website: www.zuree.co.uk 

LinkedIn: Saffron Jackson

In collaboration with...

When I met Ashley, the CEO of the insurance company Bounce, and Rachel Brookes, the Network Development Manager, it was clear from the start that Bounce and Mpower share similar values around empowering others (particularly mothers) and creating opportunities to flexibly combine earning a great living with motherhood.

Bounce not only proivdes people with the right insurance products to potect their families, health and business  they are also hugely passionate about providing flexible opportunities for mums to earn additional income.  

With zero risk and zero investment, Bounce empowers mums in business to make a difference to the lives of others with their insurance services and enables them to transform their own lives through becoming part of a supportive and vibrant Bounce network and community and building a primary or additional source of income by becoming a Bounce referall partner.

So, I’m really excited to be bringing you this podcast series in collaboration with Bounce.  I know how difficult it can be to earn a great living while your building your startup, particularly in those first few years.  So the Bounce referral opportunity for a product which is all about essential peace of mind and protection could be a perfect business opportunity or compliment to your existing business.  - you can find out more about creating an additional Bounce income by visiting the Bounce Nework website