BRIGGS MARKET MASTERS
- Joslynn Briggs
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
"Once Black people created a market that represented our needs specifically...BMM served the community for more than 35 years and enjoyed the ride."
Briggs Market Masters
My initial meeting was with Joslyn Forte'. We were sister-friends in Cleveland, OH. A few years later, we met her new partner, Joe Briggs, who worked as a sales representative for general hair care products like Breck Shampoo and Old Spice. Joslyn relocated to Atlanta, Joe joined her, they became the Briggs, and their professional lives changed.
The next time I saw the Briggs, they had launched Briggs Market Masters (BMM) and were sucessfully serving the booming Black Hair Care industry in Atlanta. Here's their story, according to Joslynn. Gate open to Briggs Market Masters. - Vctorine
Joe and the BMM Journey:
Sales and Broker Representative to Briggs Market Masters
After moving to Atlanta, known as the hub for Black Hair Care Products, Joe returned to his role as a Sales Representative, focusing on selling Black hair products like Johnson's Ultra Sheen. He was later promoted to Territory Manager.
He was then offered a position with a broker firm. The firm represented several hair care lines sold to large hair distributors (K-Mart, Walmart, and smaller distributors). The broker received a percentage of total sales. Joe remained with that company and increased their sales tremendously.
Later, he took on another brokerage role, selling to Walmart Headquarters. In January 1988, he founded Briggs Market Masters and never looked back. He had equipped himself with expertise in both General and Ethnic markets. His ambition and determination propelled him to a successful career.
Briggs Market Masters
Joe sold to Walmart and other large distributors and hired additional sales representatives to merchandise and sell to smaller beauty supply stores. BMM serviced the entire Southeast United States, covering Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
We directed promotions and hair shows including Bronner Brothers, Cosmoprof in Las Vegas, and local distributor shows. Our product offerings grew to include Lusters, World of Curls, Smooth 'N Shine, Cantu, SheaMoisture, and others.
We also assisted new product lines that were trying to build their business. Over the years we employed approximately 30+ people in several capacities.
Briggs Market Masters sponsored community programs including Back to School, Send a Child to Camp, Universal Soul Circus, YMCA initiatives, Teen Non-Violence Programs, and church youth groups.
Our office was located in the Southwest Ben Hill area of Atlanta. Our family worked together in the business. Joe, Joslynn, Jazmin, Jordan, and Jade all held various positions within the business.
We closed our doors in 2025 to become consultants as the ethnic hair care industry changed and several companies we represented were acquired by general market businesses.
Once Black people created a market that represented our needs specifically. Eventually the general market became interested and bought those companies.
Funny story: When distributors sold a certain amount of product, BMM awarded gifts such as televisions. One owner responded, "I don't want it, it's too small." The sales representative called Joe, who replied, "Bring my TV back."
Presently we consult from time to time but have no major plans.
BMM served the community for more than 35 years and "Enjoyed the Ride." We feel very thankful.
Joslynn Briggs is a gregarious, entrepreneurial, and self-motivated professional whose energy, creativity, and strong work ethic have been instrumental in her role with Briggs Market Masters.
With extensive experience in sales and marketing, Joslynn has successfully supported the company through client engagement, merchandising, promotional initiatives, and the coordination of meetings and special events. Her experience also includes developing and executing health and beauty aid promotions and representing the company at healthcare industry trade shows and events.
A natural organizer who is hardworking, resourceful, and goal-oriented, Joslynn brings both strategic thinking and hands-on execution to her work, with a strong ability to turn ideas into action and see projects through to completion.
Rooms by Josslynn
Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has a creative eye and a passion for designing and decorating spaces, a talent that reflects her attention to detail, sense of style, and ability to envision possibilities and bring them to life.
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