Monique Gipson is excited about JBF growing “like crazy” in her California community
Monique Gipson was a fan of online consigning when she was introduced to the Just Between Friends consignment franchise sale concept by her sister-in-law. She first fell in love with JBF as a consumer. “I was just amazed at the deals, the number of items and the quality at my first JBF sale. I started consigning the next sale season,” Gipson says.
With two young children and the high cost of child care associated with a traditional 9-to-5 job, Gipson began looking for a business investment that would provide a good income as well as flexibility. “When I went to my first sale it just dawned on me — I could do this. I love this! I get so excited to leave a JBF sale with my all of my goodies to show everyone. Plus, with JBF, you get to interact with the customers and meet amazing people.”
When she realized there was an opportunity to become a JBF franchise owner, her husband said, “This is the perfect opportunity for you. You have to do it!” She’s now preparing to have her first JBF sale this year as a franchisee.
Already impressed with JBF as a dedicated shopper, the support Gipson experienced during the franchisee application period confirmed she’d found the right business opportunity.
“During each step of the process, everything down to the smallest detail, was explained to me,” Gipson says. “At the end of the application process I was more excited than I was in the beginning — I couldn’t wait to go to training!”
Franchise-wide support helps JBF consignment franchise owners successfully launch
Gipson researched other traditional franchise options, like a quick-service restaurant sandwich shop, but the financial and time investments weren’t a good fit. “I was looking for an opportunity to work and raise my kids at the same time — that is really my passion,” she says. “I looked at a deli-type franchise just to see what it took to own a franchise. The dollar figures were pretty depressing, and it required a lot more time away from my family. With JBF I get time with my family, which is what I really want!”
Gipson says her JBF mentor has helped her set realistic goals and achieve them. So much so, in fact, that she was ahead of her consignor sign-up goal before she even began marketing her first sale. “My mentor broke it down into goals — by week and by month—and where we want to be at the end of my first sale. It was so much less daunting than I thought. It was simply a matter of communicating with my mentor and then hitting those goals we set.”
Gipson’s territory encompasses Antioch and Concord, California, an area covering five to six cities. She’s been excited to see the local community eager to sign up for her initial JBF sale. “The minute I publicized the dates, people started signing up. Social media has been good to me so far, and I’ve been able to reach a lot of people. It’s amazing to see what you can really do when you have a plan.”
Starting a new business can be overwhelming, but Gipson has been reassured every step of the way by company leadership and other JBF owners across the country. “Everyone has been so warm and welcoming, and other franchisees are always there to help me. Once I realized there was such a strong support system, I was completely on board!”
Looking for a flexible business opportunity? JBF could be the ideal investment for you
Just Between Friends franchise is the leading pop-up consignment sales event franchise in North America. From our beginnings in a Tulsa living room in 1997, the JBF brand has grown to 150+ franchises in the United States. By helping families buy and sell their outgrown children’s clothing, baby gear, games and toys, maternity items, and much, much more, we have become a nationally recognized brand.
