Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Jarvis. They and their team shared their story with us below:
September 12, 2008, would forever change the direction of her life. Hurricane Ike would make landfall that evening. “Please don’t leave me,” Jennifer pleaded to her husband Tate as he lay unconscious with pouring rain, crashing thunder, and intense lightning surrounding them. The storm had not yet impacted their immediate area except for an occasional gust of wind and some isolated rain. Around midnight the couple went outside to check in on a neighbor. Suddenly a huge gust of wind roared, and Jennifer turned to run back towards their home with Tate close behind. A loud crack rang out only a few steps from safety as a massive pecan tree crashed.
The earth shook violently, hurling Jennifer toward the front door. Turning to embrace her husband, he was not to be found, and a moment of relief turned to sheer panic. A frantic search revealed Tate buried under the debris, having been struck on the head, leaving him immobile and nearly dead. He was revived back to life, but the impact of the tree left him paralyzed from the waist down, covered with lacerations and numerous broken ribs.
The healing journey would be a long process, both physically and emotionally. She planned to take this marriage of 11 years and create a new dimension and example for others to follow. This proved difficult over the next 10 years as isolation, depression, and pharmaceutical drugs took a savage toll on her previously vibrant and charismatic man. After counseling and many attempts to engage in family life were depleted, the marriage ended in a divorce. Jennifer took on many new roles, and only her faith and God’s grace carried her forward.
With two young daughters to support and depleted savings, Jennifer faced the realities of single motherhood alone. It had been many years since she had been in the workforce as an elementary school teacher, and she felt the pressure to reinvent herself quickly. Jennifer turned to another single mom who owned an interior design and lighting studio to apply for a job she could manage while still being present for their two girls living at home. This work experience proved to be a great catalyst for navigating markets and working within the design world. She then went on to take a management position at a local boutique. Again, there are more markets and a chance to work within the fashion realm and get to know the client’s wants and needs.
This is where the vision for Barlow & Browning began. The plan is not just to have a business, but to create a community that inspires, gives back, fosters love, promotes courage, and celebrates strength. We all have significant storms in our lives, but she learned that we shouldn’t get stuck in the storm. It’s all about pulling yourself out. Look for the light, soak it up, and share it with others.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
As a single mother and a first-time business owner, I’ve encountered numerous challenges I had never anticipated just a few years ago. I acquired new skills like inventory management, budgeting, purchasing, and social media marketing. At the same time, I prioritized my two daughters’ needs and tried to balance a happy home life with a demanding business schedule. I often felt inadequate and overwhelmed, but I pressed on with the desire to help inspire others. Our mission at Barlow & Browning is to “Continue the legacy of courageous women.
As you know, we’re big fans of Barlow & Browning Boutique. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
We are an upscale online women’s boutique specializing in feminine classics. We are committed to inspiring women and giving a sizable monthly donation to various women’s charities. We are known for our personal touch with amazing customer service, and each package includes a handwritten note from our owner and founder, Jennifer Jarvis. People give us great reviews stating we feel like family, not an impersonal business. We carry only the highest quality brands we would proudly wear or give as a gift. Our owner Jennifer Jarvis models most of the apparel, and for any reason, if it doesn’t meet her standards, she refuses to sell it.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Most of my favorite childhood memories revolve around fashion. I remember the many personalized Barbie outfits my mom would sew for me to allow me to create unique custom Barbie dresses, rompers, and blouses. My mom would take me to the Hancock’s Fabric Store or pull from her remnants to create a unique one-of-a-kind Barbie wardrobe. I had a traveling case where the clothes would accompany Barbie, and I could change her into her custom outfit no matter where we were.
Pricing:
- $30-$300 a wide selection for all budgets
Contact Info:
- Website: barlowandbrowning.com
- Instagram: @barlowandbrowning
- Facebook: Barlow & Browning
Image Credits
Regan Morton Photography
