About Ola
I’m just kicking up my heels with excitement about our new ventures
It was Mother’s Day 1991 when I received a handmade Mother’s Day card and a check with a note that would change the direction of my career. The greeting card read, “Happy Mother’s Day from the staff of Jackson Communications,” later the name changed to OWN: Onyx Woman Network. For some time we were simply referred to as (OWN). My unofficial employees consisted of my husband, Daryl, and my 5-year-old son, Armon. At the time, I was a freelance public relations consultant working for small organizations in need of planning and public relations services. I coordinated media coverage for ribbon-cuttings, ground-breaking ceremonies, community events, and business affairs. When the opportunity to work with these organizations full-time presented itself, I seized the moment.
The little boy who signed his name to the greeting card was the impetus behind my desire to branch out on my own. When Armon was about 4 years old, he was diagnosed with autism. At the time, the condition was rarely publicized, and resources weren’t as bountiful or accessible as they are today. Launching my own business would allow me to dedicate more time to meet his ever-changing needs. Although Daryl often joined me, we knew that at least one of us needed to be available to attend the meetings, doctor’s visits, and appointments that were required to lay a solid foundation in the beginning stages of early intervention. We also realized the importance of being available to advocate on Armon’s behalf. We understood that sacrifices would be necessary to allow me to undertake my new venture, but the benefits outweighed the risks. Armon’s well-being was our priority and his needs were not up for negotiation.
Now that three decades have passed, the business has evolved to encompass broadcast forums, educational seminars, and online marketing. I am often asked what has been the best part of my journey. My response? Being at my front door at 3 pm when Armon arrived home from school. That response was often met with perplexed looks. As corny as it may have seemed, being at that door meant the world to me, and fulfilling my commitment and responsibility to Armon’s well-being, while having a fulfilling career, was my true definition of success.
Contact information: Ol*@*******an.com
(Click to read more) http://thenewnetworktv.com/autism-and-me/
More about Ola, Written by Pam Perry
Still Got It: How Ola Jackson Is Breaking Every Stereotype About Aging—One Stylish Step at a Time
Who says you have to fade away after 40? Ola Jackson is here to tell you: Absolutely not.
She’s the founder of Your Stylish Ways, a bold lifestyle brand that speaks directly—and unapologetically—to Black women over 40 who are aging on their terms. Forget slowing down. These women are leveling up. And Ola is leading the charge.
After 35 years in business, including a celebrated run in public relations, Ola didn’t just reinvent her brand—she redefined her purpose. Today, she’s a fierce advocate for midlife reinvention and a voice for women who are tired of being ignored, underestimated, or invisible.
“I created Your Stylish Ways because I didn’t see us,” Jackson says. “Women over 40. Black women. Bold women. Women who still have dreams, style, purpose—and who refuse to let age define their destiny.”
Her pivot wasn’t just professional—it was personal. After decades of helping other women grow their brands, Ola looked in the mirror and knew it was time to shift gears. She wasn’t done. Not even close.
That realization birthed a movement built on four words: “Yes, At My Age!”
This is the rallying cry of the women who follow her. Women who have raised children, built careers, survived storms—and are now choosing themselves. Choosing joy. Choosing bold fashion. Choosing solo vacations, new businesses, self-care, self-love, and second chances.
Ola gets it because she’s lived it. She built her business while raising a son with autism, balancing boardrooms with caregiving, red carpets with late-night worry. That grit and grace show up in everything she does—and in every piece of content she creates.
Through Your Stylish Ways, she delivers more than style tips or self-care inspiration. She delivers truth. Connection. Community.
“We’re not talking fluff,” she says. “We’re talking real women facing real challenges and deciding we still deserve to shine.”
And shine they do. Each year, Jackson hosts her signature event, “Yes, At My Age and Thriving!”—a soul-nourishing gathering that brings nearly 100 women together to share their stories of reinvention and resilience. There are tears. There’s laughter. And there’s the undeniable energy of women reclaiming their time, voice, and vision.
This isn’t just about aging gracefully. It’s about aging powerfully.
And the world is watching. Ola has racked up honors like the Talk Magazine Woman of Distinction, SBA Business Champion Award, and Pittsburgh Black Media Federation Legend Award, to name a few. But accolades aside, it’s the inbox messages and DMs from women saying, “Because of you, I finally said yes to myself,” that fuel her mission.
“I want women to know—just because you’ve hit 50 or 60 doesn’t mean you’ve hit the end,” Jackson says. “It might just be the beginning of your most fabulous, fulfilled, and fearless chapter yet.”
And she’s not stopping anytime soon.
Ola’s future vision includes expanding Your Stylish Ways into a full lifestyle brand with signature products, national tours, and media content streamed across platforms. With support from The New Network TV and a fiercely loyal online tribe, her message is clear: Midlife is not a crisis—it’s a calling.
As for what sets YSW apart? Ola doesn’t play into tired narratives. You won’t find shame or shrinkage here. What you will find is a space where confidence reigns, curves are celebrated, wisdom is revered, and style has no expiration date.
If you’ve been looking for permission to reinvent, permission to pivot, permission to live loudly—here it is.
“Often we’re told to ‘act our age,’” Ola laughs. “Well, this is what 50, 60, and 70 can look like—and it’s fly. It’s fierce. And it’s far from finished.”
So if you’re a woman over 40 wondering if it’s too late to start again, dream again, shine again—listen to the voice of Your Stylish Ways.
It’s whispering what you already know deep down:
You’re not done yet.
Ready to join the movement?
Visit www.yourstylishways.com and follow @yourstylishways on Instagram for style, sisterhood, and next-level midlife magic.
Watch the journey unfold at www.onyxwoman.com and visit their YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@TheNEWNetworkTV. Media Inquiries: ol*@*******an.com
President and CEO: OWN: Onyx Woman Network
Media that includes a business magazine, conferences and videos. 25 Years of Being a Voice and Giving a Voice to Women of Color
Founder: The NEW Network TV
Media content development and distribution
Producers: Cooking in a Crunch
Upcoming videos on easy, fast and convenient cooking ideas
Speaker: Focused topic:
Entrepreneurship
Women and Self-care
Defining Moments: Parenting a Special Needs Child
Some of the AWARDS and AcKnowledgement
Talk Magazine Woman of Distinction 2016
Mount Ararat Church Community Center Women of Distinction 2016
Pittsburgh Black Media Federation Legend Award 2012
SBA Business Champion Award, 2010
The New Pittsburgh Courier Women of Influence Award, 2009
Robert Morris Alumni Award, 2007
Pittsburgh Women in Business
Ebenezer Church Woman of Distinction Award, 2002
Negro Business & Professional Women’s, Business of Woman of the Year Award, 1999
YWCA Homewood-Brushton Job Training Program Certificate of Appreciation, 1996
Pittsburgh Courier Women of Excellence
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing)Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh, PA, 1987Associate Degree in Specialized Business, (Retail Merchandising) Duff’s Business Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 1979
AFFILIATIONS, Current and Past:
Board of Directors of Metro Family Practice
Advisory Board for Allegheny County Women, Minority and Disadvantage Business Enterprise
Board of Directors of NEED
Board of Directors of the Hill House Association
Board of Trustees of Robert Morris University
Board of Directors CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates
Board of Director of WomansPlace
Some Television and Radio Show Appearance:
Elaine Effort KQV Radio
Janet Taylor: Totally Organized Podcast Show
Walk-in Power Radio
Joanne Quinn-Smith, PositivelyPittsburghLive Radio TV
The Impress of Biz with JoAnn Forrestor
Lynne Hayes-Freeland Show Television Show
Impact Television Show
Black Horizons Show
Design Your Life With Carla Radio Show
PCTV 21
Mommies Talk Podcast
Madamanoire Web site
Minority News Online
Bev Smith Show
ONA BROWN Talk Show
Wealthy Sistas Radio
Soul Pitt Media Radio Show
Speaker:
An entertaining and informative presenter, Ola can address topics defining moments in your life as a result of parenting a special needs child into adulthood, starting a business, and lifestyle matters. Ola addresses matters in a realistic, humorous, yet enlightening manner.
Topics: Entrepreneurship
Women and Self-care
Parenting Experience of Raising a Disabled Child
Some Speaking Engagement
Each One Reach One Conference
Our Street to Wall Street Conference
Becoming Conference
Duff Business School Speaker
Helen Faison School
The Goals Conference
Pittsburgh YWCA
Pittsburgh Black Media Federation Legacy Awards
Professional Women in Business
Bev Smith Conference
NAWBO Pittsburgh: NAWBO DAY
Sisters Talking Stock Conference
Black Women Building Wealth Conference
Testimony
Kudos to a wonderful presentation
I’m really glad for the opportunity to catch this speaker in Phoenix recently. She was engaging, funny, and right on point while reaching her target audience at the “Each One, Reach One” conference sponsored by The Message Church. She connected with business owners, caregivers, homeless women, women in transition, domestic violence survivors, all at the same time. She knew her target audience and left us with information and tools to cope with our struggles. Kudos to a wonderful presentation, Ola Jackson!
Michele Greer
Arizona