Jen's Dream- J. Bene' Salon and Spa
I am so excited to share with you that my dream of owning a full service salon is almost a reality! Many of you know my journey because you have been with me every step of the way. Some of you even go way back (all the way to the 8th grade:), where I first got a taste of entrepreneurship and loved it! You remember the make shift salon in the upstairs bedroom, the color stains in the bathroom (sorry mom), the proms. Even the neighborhood mothers made their way in the chair too. Some of you have memories from Morgan State. I was the resident campus hair stylist. I styled hair from the time I arrived as a freshman until graduation day. I knew that I would one day own my business, but did not quite know how.
"If you don't build your dream, someone else will hire you to build theirs." I was blessed with a great career with some wonderful companies that allowed me to grow my talent in marketing, customer relationship management and building great teams. I studied and observed the leaders of these companies and helped those companies grow into successful multi-million dollar businesses. I taught the leaders and their teams the importance and urgency of being customer service centric. However my passion and my dream would not leave me alone. Throughout my entire career, I came home everyday and provided services for at least 2-3 clients.
As I look back over my life, there are very few days that I can remember NOT styling hair, applying make-up, giving a facial-doing something to enhance someone's physical beauty, but at the same time nurturing the soul through listening, giving encouragement and sharing my knowledge and education.
It has been 2.5 years since I lost my job (building someone's else's dream) and decided to build my dream. I cashed in my 401K, depleted our savings and enrolled in cosmetology school full time. With my faith, the support of my husband and the prayers of family and friends, I was able to obtain my cosmetology and esthetic licenses. In fact, the cosmetology school that I attended, asked me to come back and teach. It has not been easy, but thank God, we are still thriving, trusting and believing in the purpose and passion that God gave me back in the 8th grade.
J.Bene¢ Salon and Spa became official in April of 2011. My home business has grown tremendously thanks to the support of my fabulous and loyal clients. I have been presented with an exciting opportunity to expand the business and ultimately my reach in the community and world. The time is right, the time is now!
I need your help so that I can reach my goal of owning a full service salon. I have obtained funding for half of the project, but am still in need of your personal gift/donation to make my dream a reality.
Funding of this project will allow me to renovate a beautiful space in Upper Marlboro, MD, market appropriately, develop a dynamic website and employ at least 7 talented persons in the beauty industry. I pledge to help them reach their full potential and their dreams as well.
Any donation amount is appreciated. Please help me reach my goal so that I can share my story, inspire the next generation of entrepeneurs and show them that if you work hard and never let go of your dream, it will come true.
