Osiris Jamaal Na’im Jackson is the owner and operator of Safe & Sound Stewards, LLC. This business has been operating since 2020 based in Camden, N.J. that provides accounting services, tax preparation and small business development services. We had a chance to sit down with him to ask about his experience with entrepreneurship and LAEDA's training program.
(1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I became an entrepreneur out of sheer necessity because I had no other option. The pandemic hit and I was laid off; I could not land a job. Therefore, I relocated from Newark back to my parents’ house and I made my first public service offering to provide tax preparation services in January of 2020 and never looked back.
(2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?
I chose accounting as a career due to the influence of my Uncle Keith, who has been an Accountant my whole life and the Accountant Career Awareness Program hosted by the National Association of Black Accountants.
(3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?
My experience with the EDTP was amazing. I gained a wealth of knowledge about entrepreneurship and the true importance of a business plan.
A true “Ah-ha” moment for me was working with my peers in the class during our 9 weeks and watching those peer to peer/ business to business relationships sustain into lifelong business partnerships like Safe and Sound Stewards & World of Flavors! Patrice and the family have all supported Safe and Sound Stewards by receiving tax preparation services. In addition, the program raised my level of awareness.
(4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?
Safe and Sound Stewards was formed with very humble beginnings. I got my first shot at a commercial office bartering my labor for an office. The Stewards were able to do enough great work and network in the City of Camden to become the official UEZ Technical Support Coordinator. We assisted businesses in registering into the UEZ, informed businesses of the tax and small business incentives of the program and assisted in the packaging on the UEZ Facade improvement application.
(5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?
Safe and Sound Stewards has been the recipient of various grant/loan applications totaling greater than $100,000 in capital.
We have encumbered over $750,000 in working capital for our value clients through grant sources such as NJEDA Small Business Improvement Grant, Main Street Micro Business Loan, Small Business Lease Grant, New Jersey Clear Energy Efficiency Grant and more.
We have been awarded Government Contracts with the award amount greater than $80,000 in capital.
(6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?
My advice for upcoming entrepreneurs like me is to continue to follow your passions and remain focused on the goal you set out on your business plan. Even more important, as your business model changes, continue to update your business plan and implement new strategies because it is a living and breathing document.
More About Osiris Jamaal Na’im Jackson:
Osiris Jamaal Na’im Jackson, effectively known as ‘Jamaal Na’im’ graduated from the Rutgers Business School with a B.S. in Accounting in 2017. He was a prolific leader on campus and was elected Vice President of the student organization, National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). While on the e-board, he began his accounting career at PwC in the international Tax Department.
Fast forward to January 2020, he took the leap of faith and decided to create his very own accounting firm, Safe & Sound Stewards, LLC. On June 5th, 2021 he launched his very first merchandise line with the profound slogan “My Accountant is Black” as a marketing technique to generate more popularity under the premise that “products sell services.”
Na’im has a diverse skill set; but is most known for his leadership, financial savvy, and passion for uplifting the youth, playing tennis, chess, and writing/composing music.
Where Osiris Jamaal Na’im Jackson can be reached:
Website: www.safeandsoundstewards.com
Email: safeandsoundstewards@gmail.com
Phone: 609-792-3625
Instagram: @safeandsoundstewards
About the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP):
The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and continued technical assistance. Apply online at www.LAEDA.com.