Meet Jen Dayton

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jen Dayton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jen, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience stems from a lifetime of facing challenges head-on, beginning with one significant struggle early in my life: I had difficulty in school due to a learning disability that went unidentified for many years. I often felt inadequate academically, and this took a toll on my confidence. During my adolescence and early adulthood, I thought success was meant for others, not realizing that my struggles were fostering a different kind of strength within me.

It wasn’t until I moved away from traditional paths of achievement that I discovered something amazing—I am creative. For years, I hadn’t connected my unique perspective on the world with my ability to create, design, and build. This realization transformed my life. What I once viewed as a limitation became the foundation of my resilience.

Starting Homecrest & Co. and my lifestyle brand was an act of reclaiming my creativity and proving to myself that those early setbacks did not define me. The same determination that helped me overcome my challenges in school now drives me to build a business that celebrates perseverance and the beauty of imperfection.

To me, resilience is about embracing your unique story. I have learned that the challenges I once considered roadblocks are now the reasons I can connect with people authentically, create something meaningful, and push forward despite uncertainty. My journey illustrates that resilience isn’t just about enduring difficulties—it’s about evolving and thriving, one challenge at a time.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am the owner and founder of Homecrest & Co., a home décor and lifestyle brand that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the beauty of making spaces feel truly like home. My business began as a dream to blend my passion for design with a mission to inspire others to overcome challenges and cultivate joy in their lives. Today, Homecrest & Co. offers thoughtfully curated home décor products, staging services, and lifestyle inspiration that transform spaces and uplift spirits.

What makes Homecrest & Co. special is its focus on storytelling. Every product in our shop is carefully selected to help people create environments that reflect their journeys, personalities, and aspirations. I believe our homes should be sanctuaries that remind us of how far we have come and the dreams we are pursuing.

One of the most exciting aspects of my brand is its adaptability. I travel across Michigan to festivals and markets, connecting directly with customers who share their stories and excitement about our work. There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing how something I’ve created can spark joy and inspiration in others.

I recently launched home staging services as part of Homecrest & Co. This new offering enables me to collaborate with local homeowners and real estate professionals to transform spaces, helping them leave lasting impressions and maximize the value of their properties. Whether staging for a sale or revitalizing a space, I bring a fresh perspective to each project, blending functionality with timeless design.

At its core, Homecrest & Co. represents more than just home décor—it embodies resilience, creativity, and the belief that no matter where you are in your journey, you can create a life and space you love. I hope our story and products inspire others to dream big and embrace their own journeys with confidence and style.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities that have had the most significant impact on my journey are resilience, relationship-building, and adaptability. Each of these qualities has played a crucial role in helping me navigate challenges, build a meaningful business, and continue growing both personally and professionally.

Resilience: This quality has been my foundation. My journey has been marked by resilience, from facing early challenges to transitioning from a sales career to entrepreneurship. This resilience has propelled me forward during tough times. For those starting their journey, my advice is to embrace setbacks as valuable learning opportunities. Every challenge you face shapes you for what lies ahead. Surround yourself with uplifting and inspiring individuals, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Relationship-building: My success has been deeply rooted in the connections I’ve made along the way. Whether it’s collaborating with partners, engaging with customers, or seeking mentorship, relationships are essential. My advice here is to focus on cultivating genuine connections. Listen more than you speak, invest time in understanding others, and always lead with authenticity. People are more likely to work with and support those they trust and believe in.

Adaptability: Starting Homecrest & Co. required me to wear many hats and adapt to unexpected changes, from learning new technologies to understanding the nuances of running a small business. For those just beginning, I encourage you to be open to change. Things won’t always go as planned, but that’s perfectly okay. Stay curious and proactive about learning, and don’t be afraid to pivot when something isn’t working. Growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Ultimately, everyone’s journey is unique, but these three qualities have served as my guiding light. If you’re just starting out, remember to give yourself grace, stay focused on your “why,” and trust the process. Growth takes time, but every small step forward is worth celebrating.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

In the past year, my biggest area of growth has been learning to embrace the uncomfortable yet exciting journey of transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship. Moving from a stable corporate sales career to running Homecrest & Co. has brought challenges I never anticipated, but it has also been the most rewarding experience of my life.

I have significantly improved my ability to take calculated risks, trust my instincts, and make decisions with confidence, even when the outcome is uncertain. Additionally, I have developed a stronger sense of balance—recognizing when to push forward and when to pause, reflect, and realign. Balancing creativity with the practicalities of running a business has been a constant learning curve, but it has taught me resilience and adaptability in real-time.

Another crucial area of growth has been my approach to connection and communication. Whether I’m engaging with customers at markets, building new collaborations, or sharing my journey on social media, I’ve learned the importance of authenticity in everything I do. These connections remind me of my initial motivation for starting Homecrest & Co., and they inspire me to continue growing.

Looking back, this year has been about embracing challenges as opportunities, building confidence in my vision, and trusting that every small step forward contributes to the bigger picture. I am incredibly proud of how far I have come, and I am excited to keep learning and growing in the year ahead.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Serious Photography LLC
Homecrest & Co.

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