Comerica helps JHS Sale & Service serve the military one cosmetic at a time
Elizabeth Persun is the founder, owner and president of JHS Sales & Service, a military brokerage firm specializing in prestige cosmetics, including skincare, hair care and personal care products. With over four decades of experience in the beauty industry and a deep-rooted passion for serving military communities, Elizabeth has built a business that blends expertise, heart and resilience.
JHS Sales & Service works directly with military buying offices across all branches—Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard—bringing top-tier beauty brands to military members worldwide. Elizabeth’s journey began behind a cosmetics counter at 18 years old and evolved through roles with major brands like Lancôme, Giorgio Beverly Hills and Avon. Her dedication to the military stems from personal ties—her late husband was a retired Army major—and a genuine love for the community she serves.
Starting JHS Sales & Service was a bold move, especially in a male-dominated brokerage industry. “Every broker calling on the military was a man,” Elizabeth recalls. “But the buyers believed in me. They said, ‘Jane, we trust you.’” That trust, combined with her tenacity and relationship-building skills, helped her carve out a space where her company thrives.
Elizabeth’s advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs is clear: “Don’t let anyone tell you no. There are always options. Stay strong and pursue your passion.” She emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance, encouraging her team to prioritize family and well-being alongside professional success.
A key partner in her journey has been Comerica Bank. Since she started her relationships with Comerica in 2008, it has provided her with consistent, personalized support. Its impact was especially profound during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the cosmetics industry hit hard by mask mandates and base closures, Elizabeth faced a dramatic drop in sales and a halt in shipments from her largest account. In a moment of crisis, she turned to Comerica for help.
Within just 24 hours, Comerica approved a small business loan that Elizabeth credits with saving her company. Because of the bank’s unwavering support and respect for her business, Elizabeth says there is no other bank she would do business with.
Elizabeth’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion and partnership. Through JHS Sales & Service, she continues to uplift military families and inspire women in business to break barriers and lead with courage.
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