Meet Our CEO - Yolanda Jackson

Balm Swim was founded in November 2020. Without much knowledge about launching a successful business, I launched Balm Swim in May 2021. Balm Swim was created for the confident woman that understands the value of putting herself first.

When I was in my early twenties, I made a bucket list and riding an elephant in Thailand was at the top of it. In March 2020, I crossed that off my bucket list. I had on the cutest swimsuit atop the elephant but when I looked back at pictures of myself, I was embarrassed being nearly 30 pounds overweight. I didn’t feel confident in my body. Growing up, I was active and maintained a healthy weight but the stress of college, working as a professional, and the loss of my first love took a toll on me mentally. I looked at myself in the mirror every day but could not see that I was unhappy although my face was covered in stress.

The COVID-19 pandemic, gave me an opportunity to rest, reset my body, mind, and spirit. I loss at total of 26 pounds (and counting) in 6 months. Balm Swim is a celebration of me putting myself first, looking good and feeling better!

In addition to being CEO of Balm Swim, I am an urban planner, public policy professional and advocate for people living in marginalized communities of color. Every year that Balm Swim is in operation, 10% of our annual sales will go to supporting a neighborhood-based organization committed to improving the quality of life for residents in Detroit.