THE BUSINESS
Jerina Vincent founded her company in 2016, creating JNJ Gifts and More to honor her family, including herself, her daughter (Natania), and her husband (Julius). By 2022, her business made a big pivot away from brick and mortar and toward ecommerce.
What started as a consignment shop featuring the crafts of individual artisans shifted to an ecommerce business offering customized corporate gifts. “There are no ‘off the shelf’ products similar to what our competitors offer in a catalog; instead, we custom design a giftbox to celebrate the recipient based on a specific need or event,” Jerina said.
She curates products from small businesses in Wisconsin, being careful to keep in mind items that are easy to travel with and take home since many of her gift boxes are presented at special events.
One of Jerina’s clients, Beth Vander Meulen of Ideal Builders said, “We started working with Jerina because we were looking for a local partner who could help us source thoughtful, high-quality gifts that align with the relationships we’ve built with our clients. We continue working with her because she goes above and beyond. It’s also important to us to support small businesses in our community, and to us, working with Jerina is a great example of how local partnerships can have an impact.”
THE OBSTACLES
“When our lease ended in 2022, I was worried about making the shift to online retail because our business was known throughout the community, was established in Verona. However, our product shift brought even more new clients to us,” Jerina said. She was encouraged by words from her daughter, who reminded her that she was a great community builder. She did it once when she moved to America from India, and she could do it again with an online community.
Accomplishments with Office of Business & Entrepreneurship
- SBDC Consulting
- Budget and finance model
- Capital Readiness
- Marketing and branding stratgey
- Presentation Readiness
THE ASSISTANCE
“Lora Bray is a super down-to-earth professional,” Jerina said describing her experience with the Capital Readiness Program. Through that initiative, she learned to present herself confidently in front of a group and was thrilled that Lora was available to answer any entrepreneurship questions.
Learn what it was like to work with Lora Bray and the Capital Readiness Program.
She also worked with Athena Agoudemos at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), citing her as a great listener who provided direct and practical advice for moving forward.
Listen to this small business owner’s experience with help from the SBDC.
Jerina received additional assistance from Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), who believed in this small business owner even when she didn’t believe in herself. Jerina is also grateful to Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) for providing help and answering her entrepreneurship questions as well.
Hear about entrepreneurial assistance from WEDC and WWBIC
THE OPPORTUNITY
Jerina got the chance to pitch her business idea in front of high-profile judges on Season 9 of Project Pitch It. Even though the experience was a little nerve-wracking for Jerina, the promotion on the television show resulted in great benefits of credibility and visibility for JNJ Gifts and More.
Discover some benefits of appearing on television’s Project Pitch It
THE FEEDBACK
Clients of JNJ Gifts and More shared fantastic feedback about working with this small business. Rose Molz, President of EZ Office Products, said, “I like to give our customers a small gift of appreciation for their loyalty and for choosing to buy local. As an owner of an office supply company, I look at various ideas and they are so boring. Then, JNJ Gifts came into my world! I can’t give Jerina a high enough review! The last project she did for us received so much positive customer feedback via emails, chats, and phone calls that I honestly lost track. She made us look great and I am ever grateful.”
Another client, Suzanne Doody, said, “Working with Jerina and JNJ Gifts and More has been a joy. Her attention to detail, responsiveness, and quality of products have made her a trusted resource for us at Vierbicher. Beyond providing great service, Jerina brings an inspiring energy and entrepreneurial spirit that makes you want to support her success. It’s been wonderful to watch her business grow, and we’re proud to be one of her local partners.”