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Local ‘Pop Up Queen’ Sees Value In Connecting People 


Josephine “JoJo” Wells inside of The Meeting Place, the Maywood event space she owns and operates. | Michael Romain

Friday, May 6, 2022 || By Michael Romain || @maywoodnews 

Josephine Wells, the 28-year-old Bellwood woman who owns The Meeting Place, 1123 Madison St. in Maywood, is constantly juggling multiple roles. 

She sells accessories, beauty items and clothes. She has a show that airs every Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Hit USA Radio, an internet-based radio station. She styles herself the “popup queen” for the many vendor-based networking events she organizations throughout the city and suburbs. And her Madison Street business is growing into a place for community-building in Maywood. 

Wells, who goes by JoJo, said all of her endeavors fall under her merchandising and entertainment company, New Jack Swag. But their most important commonality, she said, is people.

“My vision for myself is to have a great reputation with the community and my people,” she said. “I am a people person. That’s what I love. That’s what I do.” 

Wells said she owns and operates her business with her mother, adding that before she was a full-time entrepreneur, she worked in marketing. 

“When COVID happened, I just decided that I can work for myself,” Wells said. 

She said her businesses often reinforce each other. On Saturday, May 7, for instance, she’s hosting a popup shop at The Meeting Place, where she’ll interview vendors for her internet radio show. The shop will run from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Wells said entrepreneurialism runs in her blood. Wells said that when she was growing up, her mother operated a daycare in virus locations throughout Maywood. Now, Wells, who herself has two children, is proud to continue the family legacy of doing business in Maywood. 

“Being in Maywood is a blessing, especially over here,” Wells said. “I call this the mini downtown of Maywood. I’m just blessed to be able to give the community someplace they can have for parties, [Alcoholics Anonymous] meetings, aerobics classes — anything they want. This area is great.” 

Wells is also looking ahead. She said in addition to hosting more popup shops this summer, she also plans to be part of the annual Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago. 

Meanwhile, she’s always finding ways to diversify her revenue stream. 

Wells said recently, she’s taken a larger role within Hit USA Radio’s sales and marketing team. She also plans on selling her merchandise inside of Urban Boutique, the former John’s Beauty Supply at 1300 Madison St. in Maywood. 

“I also have side hustles,” Wells said. “Never let your side hustles go. Always have multiple incomes. That is the key to financial freedom.” 

For more information on New Jack Swag or The Meeting Place, visit Wells’ Facebook page here or her Instagram page here. You can also call (708) 490-3710 or email: jojo.wellsjojo@gmail.com

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