We've Been
Where You Are

Let’s start with the truth:
Traditional business services weren’t built for creators. We know because we’ve lived it.

Like you, we’ve sat at our desks, staring at options that simply didn’t understand our businesses. Plans designed for corporate America, not for people who create content, grow audiences, and turn passion into a profession.

So, we decided to build something different.

We're Creators.
We Put Creators First.

EssentL was born when our founders, successful creators and business people themselves, got tired of explaining to traditional providers that “No, this isn’t just a hobby” and “Yes, we need actual business protection and health coverage.”

We believe creator businesses deserve the same legitimacy as any other business. Because what you’re building matters.

Meet The Humans Behind EssentL

Crystal Jackson

Founder & Chief Creator

Before essentL, Crystal was juggling life as a content creator and former Intel engineer. She knows firsthand the struggle of finding insurance that actually works for creators, because she couldn’t find it herself. Her frustration became our mission.

Chris Jackson

Founder & CEO

As a physicist-turned-entrepreneur with three startups under his belt, Chris brings the perfect mix of analytical thinking and creator empathy to essentL. When he’s not strategizing how to enable insurance for creators, he’s sharing his UC Davis MBA wisdom.

Jack Pachacz

COO/CFO

Jack is our financial maestro with 15+ years in strategic finance and PEO. Now he’s on a mission: transforming complex financial structures into systems built for creators. When not optimizing operations, he’s enjoying time with family or perfecting his golf game.

Dawn Scarfo

People & Compliance Advisor

Dawn has spent 30+ years in HR leadership supporting teams at companies like Acclaim and Reuters, always with a focus on people-first and compliance across complex state lines. At EssentL, she’s helping bring top-tier HR know-how to the creator world.

Melinda Babin

Head of Marketing

Melinda is our marketing architect. With 20+ years navigating regulated industries, she knows about building creator protection. Now she’s focused on turning complex benefits into compelling offers so creators can focus on what they do best, creating.

Jeff Olson

Head of Sales/Partnerships

With 18+ years helping talent thrive at companies like Jellysmack, Jeff knows a thing or two about scaling creator revenue. He’s passionate about one thing: helping creators build sustainable businesses that stand the test of time.

Avi Ghandi

Head of Growth

Having led creator partnerships at both WME and Patreon, Avi has a rare perspective on what creators need to succeed. He’s been the bridge between creators and opportunities throughout his career, now he’s building that bridge to better protection.

Max Barbanell

Head of Creator Onboarding

Max is your go-to for getting started with EssentL. With a deep understanding of the options creators need, he’s here to help you choose the right coverage and make sure everything clicks into place smoothly.

What We're Building

Imagine having all the protection and services you need in one place. And imagine getting it all at prices previously available only to big companies with hundreds of employees. That’s EssentL—your partner in corporate-quality benefits at creator-friendly prices. One connected plan that grows with you.

Complete
Benefits

  • Health, dental & vision
  • Mental health coverage
  • 401K Retirement plans
  • Life Insurance

Team
Management

  • Full-service payroll
  • Contractor payments
  • Team benefits
  • Onboarding tools

Creator Business Compliance

  • Multi-state compliance
  • Tax filing support
  • Business insurance
  • Legal templates

Creator Protection

  • Production insurance
  • Brand deal protection
  • Equipment coverage
  • Liability insurance

Join Us
(Seriously, We'd Love That!)

EssentL is live and ready to protect you and your creator business. Become a member now and get access to premium health benefits, payroll, workers comp, and full HR compliance, all built for creators like you.

Start today and get the benefits you deserve.

Let's go