When Shannon Wilburn hosted a consignment sale for friends in her living room in 1997 with friend Daven Tackett, she didn’t know it was the start of a $24 million dollar business. Wilburn, of Tulsa, Okla., was simply looking for a way to earn some extra money so she could stay at home with her two toddlers. So her mother, Pam Willingham, suggested that she organize a consignment sale for gently used maternity and children’s clothing.
Wilburn organized the event with about 17 friends she knew through her church and hosted it in her 400-square-foot living room.
After the initial event, word of mouth became a key tool for Just Between Friends. People began asking when there would be more events. And Willingham even wrote to friends around the country to tell them about her daughter’s new business venture, Wilburn told Fox Business News.
Early on, Wilburn was hosting sales in Tulsa about twice per year. Eventually, she began allowing moms in other cities to use her business model and name. In an interview with CNN’s How We Got Started she explained:
“We found out that, Oh, well, Ooops. We weren’t supposed to let those people use our name. But actually it was a good thing because it said, ‘you know what, Just Between Friends is a concept that will work.’”
With that added confidence, Wilburn put together an official franchise program. It allowed moms around the country already using the name to officially become part of Just Between Friends. Now, Just Between Friends has 95 different locations throughout 20 states.
Wilburn eventually sold off her original Tulsa location so that she could focus on the franchise operation. She says it wasn’t her intention to start a nationwide franchise. But her business model was so universally appealing to moms around the country that it just caught on and took on a life of its own.
And in this case, Wilburn actually benefited from breaking some key rules, like allowing others to use her business name. Since Just Between Friends is a business based on working together and helping moms help themselves, it turned out to be an important part of her company’s brand.
Editor’s Note: This post has been edited to reflect Daven Tackett’s role in helping to launch Just Between Friends. The point was also made in the video, but for the sake of clarity, we have added it in the text as well.
Read more: The most profitable franchise in the U.S.
Very cool story. It really shows the power of word of mouth marketing.
Annie Pilon
It was definitely a powerful tool for them, and kind of took on a life of its own.
AJ & Serenity Services
This is one awesome success story! This really shows how far word of mouth marketing can go. This also demonstrates how some of the simplest ideas or concepts can turn into successful businesses.
Annie Pilon
It definitely seems like a simple concept now, but someone had to come up with it. Sometimes just filling a need that you’re interested in is the best way to find a great business idea.
Sounds like the business was meant to be; it did indeed take on a life of its own. From hosting 17 friends to 95 locations across 20 states? Impressive.
Annie Pilon
Very impressive!
She should consider doing talks (when she has the time to. and, of course, if she wants to). I think a lot of people would be inspired by her journey.
The above story is not accurate. Shannon Wilburn did NOT start JBF on her own. Wilburn and Daven Tackett started this kids consignment sales event together.
Shawn Hessinger
Hi Paul,
Thank you for the comment and the clarification. Though the point was made in the video, we have added mention of Daven’s contribution in the text of the post too.
Shawn, I appreciate the timely response and the clarification. Happy Friday, Paul.