Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Robertson.
Hi Jackie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all began in the family kitchen in Fort Worth, Texas, during a rare snowstorm in February 2021. The Robertson family was snowed in, hosting visiting relatives from New Orleans. To keep spirits high, Jackie Robertson brewed a pitcher of his signature sweet tea—a recipe he’d perfected over the years.
The moment his aunts and cousins took a sip, the response was unanimous: they were hooked. One cousin, who had sworn he didn’t even like tea, couldn’t get enough. Everyone kept asking: “What’s in this tea?” Whatever it was, it was unlike anything they’d ever tasted.
Jackie’s aunts, who always affectionately called him “Jackie Ray,” sparked an idea in his daughter Avianta. Inspired by the family’s glowing reactions, she suggested turning Jackie’s sweet tea into a business—and Jackie Ray’s Sweet Tea was born.
Throughout the rest of 2021, Jackie, Avianta, her sister, Jakeia and a close family friend, Shanel, worked together to bring the brand to life. From kitchen trials to community taste tests, one thing became clear: Jackie Ray’s Sweet Tea was something truly special. Customers kept coming back, always trying to guess what made it so uniquely delicious.
A proud Marine Corps veteran of 33 years, Jackie knew he wanted the business to serve more than just great tea. With a heart for fellow veterans, he began selling Jackie Ray’s Sweet Tea at the VA hospitals in Dallas and Fort Worth, creating not only a buzz but also a sense of community and comfort with every glass.
Today, Jackie Ray’s Sweet Tea has reached thousands of satisfied customers and continues to grow through online sales and word of mouth. From local tables to households across the globe, it’s becoming a staple wherever good company and good conversation are found.
But for Jackie, this journey is about more than tea. Raised in New Orleans by a single mother who lost her battle with breast cancer at a young age, Jackie comes from humble beginnings. He often shares how he never imagined rising above poverty, let alone building a business that touches lives far and wide. His story, like his tea, is one of resilience, heart, and undeniable flavor.
Stemming from a family recipe, Jackie Ray’s Sweet Tea is more than a drink—it’s a reminder that with love, faith, and perseverance, even the simplest moments can brew something extraordinary.
Jackie Ray’s Sweet Tea: A tea like no other.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Jackie Ray’s Sweet Tea has faced its share of challenges on the journey to building our brand. From perfecting a recipe that works for mass production, to selecting the right bottles, to learning the ins and outs of the tea industry with no prior experience—every step has been a lesson. While Jackie Ray brings a wealth of knowledge from serving 33 years in the Marine Corps and building a successful real estate investment business, launching a sweet tea company has been an entirely new adventure.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In 1981, Jackie Robertson joined the United States Marine Corps with the hope of building a better life for himself and his young family, as he and his wife prepared to welcome their first child. While many of his friends and relatives fell into a cycle of drugs and crime, Jackie chose a different path—one defined by discipline, sacrifice, and service.
His journey was far from easy. Military life meant missing countless milestones: his daughters’ first steps, family birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and holidays. Yet Jackie pressed forward, committed to the mission and to creating a brighter future.
Throughout multiple deployments, he faced the harsh realities of war, surviving near-death experiences and bearing witness to the loss of fellow Marines on the battlefield. Despite the challenges, Jackie excelled, earning numerous awards and commendations over the course of his career. His leadership extended beyond the frontlines when he served as a drill instructor in San Diego, where he trained and mentored new Marines with the same excellence and integrity that defined his own service.
What set Jackie apart was not only his character and discipline but also his unwavering faith in God. His spiritual foundation has been a constant source of strength, and he has never hesitated to share his faith with others.
After retiring from the Marine Corps a decade ago, Jackie transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship. He built a thriving real estate investment business, acquiring properties across the country and passing on his knowledge to his daughters, Avianta and Jakeia, who are now following in his footsteps.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is staying true to your purpose and calling, living each day with integrity.
Success is using your gifts to bring hope, encouragement, and help to others.
Success is honoring God with the blessings you’ve been given, so that you can, in turn, be a blessing to those around you.
Success is finding balance—keeping your priorities in order while nurturing a healthy, fulfilling life.
Pricing:
- A seven-pack of 8-ounce bottles is $15
- A nine-pack of 12-ounce bottles is $18
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JRSweetTea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrsweettea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackieRaysSweetTea
