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Jackie Smith is a shining light, making pivotal moves as a coffee shop owner in Downtown Selma. She serves many roles within the community but within her coffee Shoppe, she received an award in 2019 from The Alabama Retail Association naming her business “Retailer of The Year.

In 2024, she also received the Phoenix Award for Outstanding Small Business from the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience (ODR&R) at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA),  according to an online statement provided by The Black Belt Community Foundation.  

Speaking of the BBCF, Smith also told her own personal story to the foundation about her start owning her first business locally known as The Coffee Shoppe, saying that she never imagined it would become more than just a cozy café within our small Selma Community. Smith went on to tell BBCF, that what started as a simple café has become a bridge, connecting people from all walks of life. 

That statement is very true,” said Selma Times Journal Reporter Faith Callens. Every day, I walk in The Reflections Coffee Shoppe Downtown, you never know who you are going to meet, speak with or learn about over a cup of coffee, latte or a scone, so be prepared, when you walk in either shop to have the most pleasant service and a new connection. 

The Selma Times-Journal has chosen to feature Jackie Smith for their latest feature: Celebrating Black Voices because of her exemplary work within the community and as a kind, helpful citizen of Selma. If you have a recommendation, please contact Faith Callens at faith.callens@selmatimesjournal.com.