Bobby Griffin, an 87-year-old business owner in Fresno, California, is facing yet another challenge in his entrepreneurial journey. A recent fire has left his store, Jazzy’s Jean N Things and Herbal Products, without electricity, along with two neighboring businesses in the Van Ness Village area near Fresno’s Tower District.
Griffin’s business has been a fixture in the community since 2021, but his experience as a small business owner dates back to 1984 when he opened Jazzy’s Beauty Salon, named after his daughter. The business evolved over time, with Griffin’s daughter introducing jeans sales at the salon, leading to the current name and concept.
Throughout his career, Griffin has demonstrated remarkable resilience. In 2016, he was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, a significant personal obstacle. Despite this health challenge, he persevered, reopening Jazzy’s and rebuilding his business “from scratch.”
The fire that affected Jazzy’s on September 16 is just the latest in a series of hurdles for Griffin. However, he maintains a positive outlook, viewing the incident as an opportunity rather than a setback. Surprisingly, the fire has brought some unexpected attention to his store, with curious customers discovering Jazzy’s after hearing about the incident on the news.
One such customer, Earl Maxwell, a long-time acquaintance of Griffin, visited the store after learning about the fire. Maxwell, who has followed Griffin’s business through its various locations in Fresno, expressed his intention to spread the word about Jazzy’s current situation and location.
Griffin acknowledges that he faces challenges in attracting customers to his store. Unlike his more tech-savvy neighbors who have reached out to the community for support through social media, Griffin relies on traditional word-of-mouth marketing and what he describes as “divine intervention” to sustain his business.
Despite the adversities he faces, Griffin remains determined and optimistic. He firmly believes that his business will persevere, stating, “It’s not going down, because I’m going to stick with it until the very end.” His unwavering commitment is evident in his declaration, “I’m blessed to be here.”
The seasoned entrepreneur’s story is one of persistence and
adaptability. From a beauty salon to a jean and herbal products store, Griffin has navigated numerous changes and challenges in the business landscape. His current location in Van Ness Village represents yet another chapter in his long-standing career as a small business owner in Fresno.
Griffin’s resilience in the face of personal health issues, changing market dynamics, and now a fire affecting his store’s operations, serves as an inspiration to other small business owners. His ability to view setbacks as opportunities and his reliance on community support highlight the importance of perseverance and local connections in sustaining a small business.
For those interested in supporting this local Fresno business, Jazzy’s Jean N Things and Herbal Products is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store is located at 1468 N Van Ness Avenue, continuing to serve the community despite recent challenges.
As Griffin continues to navigate the aftermath of the fire and works to attract more customers to his store, his story remains a testament to the enduring spirit of small business owners. At 87 years old, Bobby Griffin exemplifies the notion that with determination and community support, it’s possible to overcome even the most daunting obstacles in the world of small business.