Desreta Jackson

Desreta Jackson (born April 19, 1975) is an actress, producer and entrepreneur. She is best known for her role as Young Celie in the movie The Color Purple.

Early life and education
Jackson was born in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and immigrated to the United States at the age of nine. Her family settled in a skid row area of Los Angeles and her mother collected cans to support her. After two years, her mother found housing in South Central Los Angeles. After acting in a scene in a school play, she told her mother that she wanted to take drama classes. Her mother enrolled her in acting classes to keep her away from gang activity where they lived in California.

After landing various roles in television and movies, Jackson earned a degree in direction from Los Angeles City College.

Acting career
Jackson's career began after only a short time in acting school. She was at a casting call for the movie The Color Purple when she was spotted by Producer Reuben Cannon. She was called back for more casting calls after her first audition. She landed the role of Celie Harris, played by her (Young Celie) and Whoopi Goldberg (adult Celie Harris), who is forced to marry a wealthy young local widower (Danny Glover) who abuses her.

Jackson continued her career while landing roles in both television and film.

Theater

 * Andie (1995)
 * Alien Garden (1996)

Personal life
Jackson is the founder of BlackSilk Products, a hair care product company that she launched in 2011. She began the business from home in 2002, making her own hair care products such as oils, hair treatments, as well as shampoos and conditioners.

Jackson is also actively involved in philanthropy and is said to have invested $1.1Million into rebuilding her community.