For Her, Every Day Is Flag Day

Beatrice Jones sells flags from every country in the world through her Senoj American African Flags in Garden Grove, but she focuses on all things African, like her biggest seller--the red, black and green Pan African flag.

In six years of selling them part time out of her van, she has shared her passion for flag collecting with hundreds of local residents along the way, she said.

Her work recently earned her a local honor. The Orange County chapter of the National Assn. of Women Business Owners named her a Remarkable Woman in Business. The group honored 27 other entrepreneurs in the county as remarkable women.

Jones, 60, has been fascinated by flags since she was young.

“Flags are the most powerful symbols that exist,” she said. “When you see the American flag, you see a strong economic base. When you see the Pan African flag, you see the history of a people.”

To drum up business, Jones travels in her van to businesses, churches and organizations throughout Southern California to pitch her products. She also finds leads through the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce and other associations to which she belongs.

Her flags, which range in price from $3.50 to $300, come with a booklet she penned detailing their histories and those of the countries they represent.

Her personal touch appears to have paid off. She said she recently sold 50 African flags to a block of Los Angeles businesses located near USC. Jones hopes to have sales of $50,000 next year and turn a small profit.

“She embodies the entrepreneurial spirit with her focus and dedication to her business,” said Beth Adkisson, spokeswoman for the local women business owners group.

Information: (714) 636-1828.

Marc Ballon covers small business and entrepreneurial issues for The Times. He can be reached at (714) 966-7439 and at marc.ballon@latimes.com.