The entrepreneurship journey is not easy at all, and it requires some ups and downs. Every successful entrepreneur has a story to share, and in today’s article, I would introduce to you the first black woman to own an Outback Steakhouse in the Detroit metro area.
She was a part-time server at an Outback Steakhouse restaurant for almost 20 years, and now she is the owner and managing director of the same company.
“My roots run deep in Detroit, 6 Mile, and Davison. I was raised by my grandparents, raised in the church, and raised in love. Went to Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Detroit Northern in 1993,” says Gretta Jackson with such pride.
At age 45, Gretta Jackson felt the burning desire to chase after what she wants and would like to be. So, Gretta Jackson decided to pursue Business Marketing in college.
“I was working 30 hours a week, taking 12 credit hours, and had a newborn baby. I got pregnant in my first semester of college. So, that made me have to work a little bit harder to do some of the things. Because I now had two people to provide for,” says Gretta.
She was determined to create a lifestyle that will let her be herself and live the best life ever.
“I was about 23 when I started with Outback. And after starting with this company, I quickly decided that this could be a career choice. They create an environment where you don’t have to be afraid to be yourself. You don’t have to be afraid to grow and develop,” she states with her irresistible smile.
Gretta Jackson aimed to be at the top, and she did it!
She started as a server and then went to the bartender, assistant manager, kitchen manager, front-of-the-house manager, senior manager, and managing partner.
Within a few weeks ago, Gretta Jackson was mentioned as Managing Partner at the Outback in Roseville. Gretta is the first black woman to achieve such a great honor at Outback Steakhouse.
Her staff, the clients, Gretta’s family, and friends, along with the community, are so proud and so inspired by her tremendous efforts.
“Literally 19 years in the making, no shortcuts, no support. I worked my way through every position, came up in the ranks. When you’re so focused on yourself and what you’re trying to do, you don’t always take the time to realize or understand how it’s going to affect other people. And I did not and could not have imagined the impact that my success would have on others,” says Jackson.
Gretta expects other women to look at her and what she’s achieved, regard themselves, and consider they can accomplish their goals.