Joaquin Jackson is more than a vice president of Capital One Commercial Bank in Tysons Corner, Virginia. He’s also an entrepreneur, who uses part of his salary to fund his online luxury sock business, Kenni & Elle.
Jackson, of Fort Washington, Maryland, spoke to Shenandoah University students about how important passion is to building a business as part of the Byrd School of Business’ Entrepreneurship Week in mid-November.
Kenni & Elle is a family affair, with Jackson’s wife, who is a graphic designer, creating the look of the socks. Jackson told the assembled students that he often continues to work after their daughters are tucked in for the night, sacrificing sleep of his own to conduct business with people around the world.
He also takes time to make connections closer to home, having linked up with Shenandoah through a sock drive, benefiting a Winchester nonprofit for children in need, conducted by Byrd School of Business Dean Miles Davis, Ph.D. That connection has borne new fruit, too – Dr. Davis has extended an offer for Jackson to supply the socks for the business school’s upcoming e-commerce site.
Jackson said strong support systems like his, a willingness to take on responsibility, and passion help to propel a business forward. He encouraged students to discover their passion and think about ways to commercialize it. He noted that a business like an online store has the opportunity to be global, and advised students interested in entrepreneurship to “think big and dream big, because the rest of the world is already doing it.”
He encouraged students to keep their minds open and to consider a wide range of technological possibilities, many of which will define the future, like cars that pick up groceries and drive on their own, or robots that take care of older people. Research is key to helping a business both respond to and survive major changes. Reading and research are fundamental, with great advice often hidden in books. He said that his reading and research improved his understanding and exposed him to additional important perspectives.
