Like mother, like daughter

DALLAS - When provider Vicki Jones first started the Women's Health Boutique franchise in 1988, her young daughter, Crystal, often traveled with her on business. In October, Vicki Jones opened a Dallas location with Crystal, now 24, as its director of marketing.

“I grew up with the Women's Health Boutique,” said Crystal Jones. “As a teen I used to work in the stores during my summers and after school doing admin work.”

Vicki Jones sold the franchise in 1998 but still operates its flagship store in Longview, Texas. The Women's Health Boutique carries a full line of women's health products, like pre- and post-natal items, incontinence, compression therapy, skin care, wigs, turbans, pre- and post-breast surgery products, and, of course, pink ribbon items.

The provider is awaiting its Medicare accreditation survey.

In the 20 years that she has worked in the industry, Vicki Jones has seen a lot of changes—mostly for the better.

“We've gone from having virtually nothing to a myriad of products,” said Jones. “Not only that, we've seen unbelievable awareness over the past 20 years. Back then you didn't even say the words breast cancer. Now it's very openly talked about.”

With her every step of the way in launching the new location has been Crystal Jones. While the typical boutique owner is an older woman, often a cancer survivor herself, Crystal says she is up for the challenge.

“A lot of people, especially in this business, think that credibility comes with age,” she said. “But I am out there talking to the doctors and the patients. I think my enthusiasm and passion has been refreshing for them.”