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It’s nonetheless enterprise as common for Michaelle Graybeal, the proprietor of All That JAS in downtown Elon, nevertheless it received’t be for for much longer. As she celebrates 20 years of enterprise, she’s additionally on the point of rejoice her upcoming retirement.
“It glided by in a flash to let you know the reality,” Graybeal mentioned.
Since opening, the shop has moved areas 3 times and altered its stock all through. All That JAS began in Graybeal’s basement earlier than transferring to downtown Burlington. It relocated to the Faucette Home on East Trollinger Avenue earlier than discovering its newest dwelling on the downtown Elon location, the place it’s been for over 10 years.
The thought for the identify got here from the unique location, which bought cheerleading uniforms. The ladies who labored there inspired Graybeal to begin making sorority attire.
“We have been like, ‘Effectively, what are we going to call it?’ as a result of my cheerleading firm was soar and shout — JAS,” Graybeal mentioned. “So then we have been like, ‘Effectively, OK, it may imply be a part of a sorority, , jewellery, equipment, shirts. It could possibly be all that, so we ended up with All That JAS.”
Graybeal mentioned she wished to retire so she may spend extra time along with her 4 grandchildren and her household in Excessive Level. However she didn’t must look far to search out her alternative. The brand new proprietor is Kaitlyn Brooks, a household pal and Graybeal’s former worker. The 2 reconnected final yr by household and associates.
“I simply wished to be again in my hometown,” Brooks mentioned. “I wished to be part of the group. I wished to be concerned on that form of stage, and so it’s extremely completely different from what I used to be doing earlier than.”
Rising up, Brooks lived across the nook from Graybeal. She went to highschool with Graybeal’s son and labored at All That JAS when she would come dwelling for the vacations in faculty. A former legal professional who practiced prison legislation, Brooks lately relocated to Elon from Apex, North Carolina. She wished to pursue a profession that was a greater match for her household, and have extra time to do actions akin to selecting her youngsters up from faculty each day.
One of many first duties Brooks is taking up is renovating the shop. From new paint and cabinets to a brand new register and stock, Brooks is making the present and attire retailer her personal. Graybeal mentioned she was excited that Brooks wished to alter the yellow partitions within the retailer. It’s one thing Graybeal has wished to do for years now.
“I nonetheless really feel like we have got actually cool issues that we will nonetheless provide, however I used to be in search of anyone that would stick with it what we have been doing for 20 years and take it to the subsequent stage,” Graybeal mentioned. “I feel Kaitlyn is unquestionably that particular person.”
Brooks mentioned a few of her favourite merchandise within the retailer proper now are colourful baggage with customizable patches, and their choice of earrings. Prospects can select letters, symbols or emojis to make it their very own.
“It is simply a lot extra enjoyable and colourful than what I used to be doing earlier than,” Brooks mentioned. “I feel it matches my character. I am simply excited to be part of the group.”
Being a small enterprise proprietor permits Brooks to work in a profession that’s nonetheless quick paced, however not fairly as excessive stress as what she was doing earlier than. Making samples for the show instances is how Brooks likes to point out prospects what all is feasible.
The entire staff are staying on workers at All That JAS throughout and after the transition of possession. Brooks mentioned she’s cherished attending to know them thus far. In accordance with Graybeal, a lot of the workers has been along with her for at the very least 10 years. There’s no set date for Graybeal’s retirement, and he or she mentioned she’s at all times considering of recent ideas and issues to remind Brooks of.
“There may be that each second of the day, it is 20 years value of stuff on this mind,” Graybeal mentioned.
Graybeal mentioned an Elon intern labored with the workers this summer season to create a handbook detailing stock, accounting, customer support and different departments so all staff would know find out how to do each other’s jobs.
“I must proceed to do one thing each day anyway, so it is nice to proceed to be right here and be capable to assist,” Graybeal mentioned.
Graybeal mentioned one of many facets about working a small enterprise she’ll miss most is the flexibility to leap on tendencies as rapidly as they evolve. She mentioned 90% of their enterprise was once stitched letter shirts for sororities and fraternities, however now, nobody is aware of what a stitched letter shirt is.
“It is enjoyable to have the ability to change on a second’s discover, which you are able to do once you’re a small enterprise,” Graybeal mentioned. “You are sporting one million hats and having to study to do all these various things.”
As the brand new educational yr and a brand new recruitment season start, Graybeal encourages college students and group members alike to come back into the shop to help Brooks and see the modifications. She mentioned no matter educational yr, Greek affiliation or age, there’s one thing for everybody.
Graybeal mentioned she and her staff sustain with pupil staff and group members, and that’s one thing she’ll proceed to do after she’s retired.
“We get to see what they’ve carried out of their lives and their youngsters,” Graybeal mentioned. “I imply, 20 years, these youngsters have youngsters which can be going to highschool, a few of them, and that is thrilling to see the place my individuals have ended up and what sort of jobs they’ve carried out and what their lives appear like, in addition to mine.”
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