Jacqui Thompson’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As a recent guest on our Creativity on Tap podcast, she shared a story that reaches beyond the traditional definitions of success. It’s a tale of grit, reinvention, and a relentless drive to create. Her story highlights how creativity can be a force for transformation and connection, shaping both personal journeys and collective communities. From her groundbreaking work with music icon Prince to carving out a space in the world of mezcal, Jacqui has forged a path uniquely her own—and, in doing so, has made space for others to follow, inspiring new acts of creativity along the way
Jacqui’s path to working with Prince at Paisley Park was anything but typical. Raised in Michigan by creative and entrepreneurial parents, she was immersed in music from an early age. “Music wasn’t just in the background; it was the main event,” she recalls. Jacqui’s upbringing taught her to take initiative and create her own opportunities, a lesson she carried into the music industry, where she cold-called executives, built connections, and pushed forward with relentless determination.
Her perseverance led her to Minneapolis, where she crossed paths with Prince. At Paisley Park, Jacqui didn’t just witness musical history—she helped make it. Among her notable contributions was her work on establishing one of the music industry’s first independent distribution channels, giving artists more autonomy in an era dominated by major labels. But the true turning point came during a European tour with Prince, which culminated in a 12-camera concert shoot for a “Prince Day” broadcast on Channel 4 in London. After the tour, Prince sent Jacqui to Los Angeles with all the footage, entrusting her with the post-production process.
In a high-pressure editing suite, Jacqui expected Prince to oversee every detail. Instead, he stepped back, leaving her to lead. “He knew how to challenge you,” she reflects. “When he trusted you, he made you own it.” It was a defining moment that forced Jacqui to trust her instincts and creativity. “That experience changed me,” she says. “I learned that I could make bold creative choices and stand by them.” Prince’s mentorship was about more than music—it was about unlocking potential through trust and pushing boundaries.
After leaving Paisley Park, Jacqui continued to challenge herself creatively. In 2012, she co-founded one of the first BIPOC-owned agave spirits companies, eventually leading to the creation of Las Melodias de la Luna Mezcal. This venture was about more than producing a drink—it was about honoring tradition, celebrating community, and blending storytelling with craftsmanship.
Jacqui fell in love with the culture and people behind mezcal. “It wasn’t just about the spirit itself,” she says. “It was about the farmers, the land, and the centuries-old traditions.” Las Melodias de la Luna reflects this passion, incorporating all-female production teams and fostering partnerships that emphasize respect and equity. Every bottle is a testament to her values and her commitment to elevating the mezcal industry through authenticity and creativity. “Las Melodias de la Luna isn’t just a brand,” Jacqui emphasizes. “It’s a way to tell stories, build community, and connect people across cultures.”
For Jacqui, creativity and community are inextricably linked. As a co-founder of the PRN Alumni Foundation, she has worked to extend Prince’s legacy of giving back. Formed by former Paisley Park staff, the foundation focuses on arts education, offering grants and programs that make music and art accessible to underserved communities. “Prince believed in giving back,” Jacqui explains. “He saw creativity as a force for change, and we’re continuing that mission.”
Through partnerships with organizations like COMPAS, the foundation funds classroom music instruction and broader cultural initiatives. Jacqui’s work with the foundation is a continuation of the values she championed at Paisley Park—creativity, community, and a relentless drive to make the world better through art. “The arts aren’t a luxury,” she says. “They’re a lifeline.”
Jacqui’s passion reminds us that when we invest in the arts, we’re investing in the heartbeat of our communities. Through creativity, we nurture connection, inspiration, and transformation. Her work continues to exemplify how the arts are not merely an embellishment to life, but a vital force that uplifts and empowers, making a better world possible for everyone.
Check out the full episode of Creativity on Tap anywhere you get your podcasts and on its website.
