Bath Junkie
Robert and Suellen Lloyd, Joey and Ladonna Becerra, Owners
Jonesboro, Arkansas

Leaving a legacy for future generations was the motivation behind the Lloyd and Becerra families’ decision to become small business owners. While on a shopping trip in another town, Suellen Lloyd and her daughter, Ladonna Becerra, stopped at one of their favorite stores, Bath Junkie. Specializing in luxury, Bath Junkie invites its customers to choose from more than 200 fragrances and colors to concoct their own unique bath and body products. The women believed Jonesboro would be a prime market for this Arkansas-based franchise.

Lloyd approached her family lender with their entreprenuerial plans and was referred to the Arkansas State University SBDC for assistance in the start-up and financing process. Business Consultant Laura Miller worked with Lloyd, her husband Robert, their daughter Ladonna and her husband Joey, to develop a solid, feasible business plan. Both the Becerras had retail management experience – valuable skills to help make their new business successful. Next, Miller helped the Lloyds and Becerras develop financial projections and prepare a loan proposal. The family’s research, planning and motivation paid off. Regions Bank of Piggott provided the financing, coupled with an SBA loan guaranty, and the family opened Bath Junkie in the mall in Jonesboro in July 2004.

After opening the Jonesboro store, the family purchased the Bath Junkie franchise in Branson, Missouri. The Lloyds are relocating to Branson to manage the new store, while the Becerras continue with the Jonesboro location.

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