Transforming Dreams into Reality: How an SBA Loan Empowered Two Women to Buy Their Company
Taking the entrepreneurial plunge requires a mix of courage, determination, and a deep understanding of the market. For Jen Ochoa and Jackie Mitchell, the opportunity to purchase Juno Active, the company they had long been part of, wasn’t just a chance to lead—it was the next natural step in their journey. Using an SBA loan, these two businesswomen took on the challenge of owning a niche women’s clothing company, all while maintaining the brand’s dedication to customer service and quality and fit for plus-sized women.
Building on legacy and loyalty
Founded in 1995, Juno Active is a pioneer in the plus-sized activewear space. Originally launched as a catalog company, Juno Active seeks to meet the needs of an underserved market—women looking for high-quality, performance-focused activewear that prioritized comfort and fit. Over the years, the company transitioned from a print-based catalog to an online retail model, adapting to changing consumer behaviors and market trends.
“We’ve always been really focused on customer needs,” explained Jackie, who has a background in product design. “Our products aren’t based on trends but on what our customers tell us they need. Our team does an incredible job listening to customer feedback, and that’s been a huge part of our success. Recently, one of our long-term customers who lives in Oklahoma was in town, and we invited her to the design room to try on new products and help refine the design and fit. We take customer input very seriously.”
Juno Active’s loyal customer base is a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality. Many customers return year after year for products they know will last. Nearly 70% of purchases on any given day are from returning customers because they believe in the products and the company’s commitment to quality. “We had one customer tell us she’s been wearing the same swimsuit for five years, and it still looks as good as the day she bought it,” said Jen, who has been with the company for nearly a decade, taking on increasingly significant roles in operations.
Seizing the opportunity
When Juno Active’s founder decided to retire, finding the right buyers was essential to ensuring the company’s legacy continued. For Jen and Jackie, the idea of taking over the company was both exciting and just a little scary. They knew the business inside and out and understood Juno’s customers. They were less familiar with how to acquire a business. The previous owner’s business broker introduced Jen and Jackie to Ann Franklin, Vice President of SBA Lending at Scale Bank.
With Ann’s help, Jen and Jackie navigated the complexities of securing an SBA loan, a process that provided them with the financial support needed to complete the acquisition. “It all fit together like puzzle pieces,” said Jackie. “From the moment we were introduced to Ann, we felt at ease. She and her team guided us through every step of the process. They truly made sure we had everything we needed.”
SBA loans are often a preferred option for most smaller acquisitions, particularly when the transaction involves employees purchasing a business. The longer loan amortization periods and lower down payment requirements provided through the SBA will provide Jen and Jackie with more cash flow flexibility to keep the business thriving.
“Securing financing for retailers, particularly in the e-commerce sector, can be difficult due to the competitive environment. However, Juno consistently excelled, and it was evident that both Jen and Jackie were more than capable of assuming leadership and sustaining the business’s success. It was very exciting to work with them with this opportunity as they both played a big role in getting the company to where it is today!”
A natural transition
For Jen and Jackie, transitioning from employees to owners was rewarding – and easy. “The shift from being coworkers to being in a leadership role was surprisingly smooth,” said Jen. “We already had great relationships with the team, and we’ve always operated with a culture of listening. It wasn’t about dramatic changes but rather an opportunity to refine what we already knew was working well.”
Their approach has been to honor the expertise of the staff while also bringing their own leadership styles to the table. This culture of appreciation and inclusion has helped ensure the continued success of the brand, while also empowering their employees as the company considers ways to grow the business.
Looking to the future
Under Jen and Jackie’s leadership, Juno Active remains focused on customer needs while also exploring new avenues for growth. “We’re excited to explore working with boutique brick-and-mortar stores, but we want to make sure it’s the right fit,” said Jen. The company is also working on refining its product line based on continuous customer feedback and is committed to maintaining the eco-friendly and long-lasting quality that has earned it such a loyal following.
For Jen and Jackie, the acquisition wasn’t just about owning a company—it was about taking the reins of a brand they believed in. As Jackie put it, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint. But when you have a great team and partners like Scale Bank behind you, you know you’re on the right path.”
Scale Bank is an SBA Preferred Lender
At Scale Bank, we are committed to supporting the growth of your small business and can help you meet your financial needs by going beyond traditional lending options. Our SBA 7(a) Preferred Lender status offers benefits to our borrowers by allowing us to handle and approve your loans internally, enabling us to process them according to your timeline.
We take a genuine interest in our clients’ businesses, strive to understand their goals and provide tailored solutions to meet their needs.
Contact us today to find out if an SBA Loan is the right choice for you!
Ann Franklin
VP SBA Lending
D: 952-830-7226
M: 612-413-7606
E: [email protected]
7600 Parklawn Ave, Edina, MN 55435
