Gymboree: Joan Barnes. How Building a Beloved Brand Nearly Destroyed Its Founder

Gymboree's journey from a local playgroup to a national franchise is examined through the experiences of its founder, Joan Barnes. Facing loneliness as a new mom, Barnes created a play program that quickly evolved into a sought-after franchise. Despite external success, the business model proved unsustainable due to the high costs of franchisee support. Licensing deals and a potential acquisition by Hasbro fell through, pushing Gymboree to the brink of collapse. Barnes and her team pivoted to retail, integrating clothing stores with play centers, which led to a successful IPO. The narrative also explores Barnes' personal struggles with an eating disorder and the difficult decisions she made, including leaving the company to prioritize her health.