CALIFORNIA, Md. — A Southern Maryland business that has helped local families stretch their budgets for nearly two decades is receiving national recognition — and putting that investment right back into the community.
Just Between Kids, a children’s resale boutique in California operating as JBK Boutique LLC under owner Kera Cherrey Beasley, has been selected as one of 505 businesses nationwide to receive a $20,000 award through the Amex Shop Small Grants Program, a partnership between American Express and Main Street America. Just 10 Maryland businesses were selected.
Located in the Wildewood Shopping Center in California, the boutique-style children’s resale store has served Southern Maryland families since 2007 — offering gently used children’s clothing, baby gear, toys and maternity items while helping parents stretch household budgets. Beasley purchased the business in 2023 and has been building on its foundation ever since.
For Beasley, the recognition comes with something even more meaningful than national attention — the chance to continue investing in the community that helped build the business.
Beasley applied for the grant in the winter, not entirely sure what to expect from the process. She waited through the spring — and got the news in one of the most unexpected places.
She was at the airport on her way to spring break in Florida with her family when word came through that Just Between Kids had been selected.
She said the news caught her completely off guard — a surprise she was not expecting, but one she was ready to embrace.
Looking back, Beasley said she believes the application’s strong focus on community involvement played a major role in the selection.
The questions were not just about running a business — they focused on community impact, local relationships and how businesses strengthen the places they serve.
Even after more than 16 years in business, Beasley said she still regularly meets people in the Wildewood Shopping Center parking lot who are surprised to learn Just Between Kids is there.
Instead of frustration, she sees opportunity.
“The more who know, the more we grow,” Beasley said.
She said the phrase has become a new motto and reflects how she hopes to use the grant — not just to improve the store, but to expand awareness and create more opportunities to connect with local families.
“I want to be more community involved — join the chamber of commerce, attend networking events,” Beasley said. “I’m able to do that now with the grant money — expand outreach and get more involved in the community.”
Grant Dollars Already Going Back Into Southern Maryland
The grant funding is already being put to work — and Beasley is making sure it stays local.
Store improvements already underway include upgraded interior lighting and shopping baskets for customers.
The store’s exterior signage — which Beasley described as outdated and ready for a refresh — is being redesigned through Barefoot Graphics in Lexington Park.
Beasley said she plans to keep the existing logo so the refreshed signage remains familiar to longtime customers while giving the storefront an updated look.
Beyond the physical upgrades, Beasley said one of her biggest goals is strengthening how Just Between Kids gives back.
She said she wants to create a more intentional and transparent donation process — helping the community better understand what is donated, where those items go and how local organizations and families benefit.
Beasley said a larger community-focused project is already taking shape — one she looks forward to sharing more about later this year.
A Community Staple With A Clear Mission
Over the years, Just Between Kids has become a place where families can bring in what their children have outgrown and discover what comes next — helping keep quality children’s items circulating throughout the community while making them more accessible to local families.
“We have become a community staple — helping families have an outlet to sell and helping them save money on the clothing and toys they need to buy,” she said.
Beasley said she sees the grant as an opportunity to build on that foundation — creating more ways to connect with families, strengthen community involvement and continue growing something that has become part of everyday life for many Southern Maryland parents.
Beasley said the grant gives her the opportunity to invest back into that experience and continue growing what customers have helped build over the years.
“I’m excited to become more involved and continue finding ways to support the community that has supported us for so many years,” Beasley said. “This gives us the opportunity to connect with more families and be more present in the community.”
National Investment In Small Businesses
The grant program expanded well beyond its original goal.
In partnership with American Express, Main Street America announced more than 500 grant recipients nationwide, distributing more than $10 million directly to small businesses. Each selected business received $20,000 to support growth, innovation and long-term community impact.
The initiative originally launched with a $5 million commitment intended to support 250 businesses in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Through a Small Business Saturday giving pledge — in which American Express contributed $1 for every eligible transaction on Small Business Saturday — plus an additional $5.1 million commitment from American Express, the program expanded to reach 505 businesses nationwide.
Main Street America said the effort was designed to help address barriers many entrepreneurs face, including access to funding and business resources, while American Express said the investment continues its longstanding support of local businesses and communities through programs including Small Business Saturday.
Recipients span industries including retail, food service, healthcare and professional services. According to a 2025 Small Business Economic Impact Study cited by the program, 68 cents of every dollar spent at a U.S. small business stays in the local community.
One Of Just 10 In Maryland
Just Between Kids joined nine other Maryland businesses selected through the Amex Shop Small Grants Program — placing the California boutique among a small group of businesses recognized statewide.
The Maryland recipients were:
- 3 Gear Games — Laurel
- Cafe Fili Baltimore — Baltimore
- Chocolates and Tomatoes — Middletown
- Just Between Kids — California
- McDoris Fashion — Takoma Park
- Reptilian Arts — Cumberland
- Rodier Family Law P.A. — Bel Air
- Sanctuary Modern Kitchen — Frederick
- School of Musical Traditions — Takoma Park
- Yellow K Records — Frostburg
View the complete recipient list at the Main Street America grant announcement.
About Just Between Kids
Just Between Kids is a locally owned resale boutique located at 23415 Three Notch Road, in the Wildewood Shopping Center in California, Md. Established in 2007 and under Beasley’s ownership since 2023, the store specializes in infants’, children’s and maternity consignment items.
For many Southern Maryland families, Just Between Kids has been more than a place to shop — it has been part of back-to-school traditions, growing families and helping make every dollar stretch a little further.
Now, with a national grant in hand and a list of community investments already underway, Beasley is making sure the next chapter of Just Between Kids is one focused on reaching more families, creating more connections and continuing to show up for Southern Maryland.
For more information, visit Just Between Kids or call 301-862-1414.
Image courtesy of Just Between Kids Boutique
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