Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Jones.
Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
The JJ’s story is that I had recently retired from a local municipality and was left to decide “what is my next season in life.” I prayed about it and decided to take over ownership of a different business that my husband needed some help with. I first began with a company called Maxd Alt Jeep & Overland Accessories, where I offer customization options for all your Jeeps, Broncos, Truck & SUV needs. I was quickly offered an opportunity to take over the property next door and needed the room in the back to expand the Jeep shop, and with that decision, I was allowed to create what is now my baby, this boutique, JJ’s Grit & Grace. Both businesses allow me an opportunity to serve and donate throughout the community. Giving, whether by donating or volunteering our time and energy, is important to us. We always will be a company giving back, and we are grateful for all the local support to make that happen. We are now getting ready to offer an online shopping option through our website, www.jjsgritandgrace.com, and I would like to have that launched by the upcoming Spring season.
The name originated from a special place within my heart & truly within my soul. The JJ originates from my initials, Jennifer Jones, but the double J’s are extremely special to me. They are fishing hooks that represent so much good in my life. Fishing, and these particular hooks, are important to who I am, to who I am with regards to my relationship with my son, and other important pieces to the puzzle that always leads us back to fishing. It’s our bond, our thing, if you will. The rest of the name is truth in the raw, as all of this is only possible through my grit and His grace. I love to work hard, but I have been guided and led here, and I know this is where I am supposed to be during this current season.
We’ve just celebrated our six-month mark, and everything is going extremely well. I have an amazing staff who all help allow JJ’s to have the feel I was aiming for comfy, welcoming, and home-like, with all the offerings of a great product at a truly affordable price. The team of JJ’s makes this possible for sure. My manager, Kristen Farmer, has allowed my crazy ideas for creating this business to become a reality. She listens to my thoughts and visions and then immediately jumps into proactive action, supporting me in creating each vision in front of us. I have been blessed to have someone like her by my side during this crazy time of opening up two completely different business ventures quickly and becoming relatively successful with both in the same short window. It’s been a journey for sure.
There is so much I wish to offer our neighborhood and the community, those near and far. There is always a goal to have something for everyone. From the ladies to the kiddos to the gentlemen in our lives to the kitchen for new cooking or entertaining options. From the classiest options with a heavy tag to a fun piece of jewelry or rubber ducky for a youngin’ who wants something. We just recently created The House of Blues, a room dedicated to Judy Blue Jeans, with a large amount of nostalgic decor from The House of Blues venues from around the world, mostly Chicago & Las Vegas, but we have pieces from all over. We carry Entro, EE:Some, Umgee, Savannah Jane, Judy Blues, I&M, LV Repurposed, Blowfish, Gypsy Jazz, Very G, Camel Threads, Jaded Gypsy, and Wild Oates. We also carry I Love Linen and other lines that people tend to search for. Even with all these fantastic & well-known brands, the good news is we love local products the most & we’re just getting started. I have a “Desires List” next to the checkout that asks folks to suggest the next brands being brought in. I wish to deliver what my customer is truly looking for, so what better way than to ask and then allow due diligence to deliver? We are new to the industry and desire to serve the community graciously. I am confident that we will continue to make a name in the area and allow ourselves to meet many amazing souls over the years to come.
Lastly, I appreciate the overwhelming amount of support and acceptance within the community during these first six months. I will continue to strive to provide a decent product with a decent price point and serve within the community to the best of my and my team’s ability. It’s who we are, and this, above all else, is my guarantee. Blessings to all, JJ.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Opening two brand new business ventures within six months of each other, on the side of a rural farm road, during the Covid era has been a challenge all of its own, but we are here and making it happen to the best of our ability. However, there is still a lot to learn and a lot to be desired, but so far, so good.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some changes you expect to see over the next five to ten years?
Beyond the product trends, colors, and seasons changing, one thing is for sure…shopping is forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jjsgritandgrace.com
- Instagram: jjsgritandgrace
- Facebook: jjsgritandgrace
Image Credits
Group/Head Shot Photos – Tracy Keyser Photography Shop Photos – Merrick Media
