19.09.1942 – 18.02.2021
In 1989 Jill Hill and Jim Jackson founded Aspects Beauty Company. The 18th February was a day of reflection for all of us here at the company, marking as it does, the anniversary of the death of our beloved, Jim Jackson, in 2021.
Many people know Jim’s story (he was never backward in telling it!). He was born into humble, even disadvantaged circumstances, during the Second World War. Despite this lack of advantage, he became a chorister and passed the 11+ before going on to grammar school. There, he was spotted by a clear-sighted master and was recommended to Unilever as a talent they might be able to develop. He became the youngest advertising manager in Unilever Port Sunlight and sat exams to enable him to develop a career in this field.
He embraced every opportunity and used his natural ability to learn, improve and develop himself. He was supported during this time by excellent managers and in due course, he was enrolled in a management training scheme before being sent around the world to learn about exporting, as well as developing marketing plans for Unilever’s subsidiaries. He lived in Nigeria for two years as part of that programme and on his return, moved to Unilever House, Blackfriars to work for Unilever Export. His career with Unilever led to him being a General Manager with UAC, with responsibility for developing young marketing talent in overseas subsidiaries of the organisation.
His skills acquired during his career stood him in good stead when, together with Jill, he founded what is now known as Aspects Beauty Company. He never forgot the disciplines he acquired nor his absolute faith in young, bright, creative, talented people - something that has been a hallmark of his approach at Aspects.
His support for employees, their family life, their sense of self-worth and achievement, their loyal service or their exceptional contribution was unstinting. He did things differently, but he did them with an open heart and a generosity that was unsparing. He never forgot how hard it was for him to achieve his success, remembering the support he received from his managers when he started out. To his family and friends, Jim’s warmth, love, adoration, encouragement, pride, fun-loving and sheer big heartedness will remain wrapped around their hearts forever and will shine as a beacon, an example, by which they will all live.
Jim’s legacy lives on thanks to the creation of The Jim Jackson Enabling and Educational Foundation, a charitable organisation that helps young people take their first step into a business career. If they have been having difficulty breaking through, because they have had obstacles to overcome, our aim is to assist young people to take their first step into a business career.
Click Here to discover more from the Jim Jackson Foundation
