We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jenna Richardson. Check out our conversation below.
Jenna, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
True Confidence and Self Assurance. I think so many people (men and women but for the sake of this article I’ll be speaking of women) pretend to be confident, pretend to be someone they aren’t in order to fit in or to appear like they never struggle and everything in their life is perfect. I blame social media but as a salon owner and having been in the beauty industry for 15 years, I see how much damage is being done behind the scenes. My wish is that everyone could just be themselves, raw and honest.. that’s relatable.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jenna Richardson, and I own and operate Shine Salon in Westbrook, Maine. We opened our doors in September of 2020, and what began as a tiny two-stylist salon has grown into a thriving team of 15, projected to reach about $1.3 million in revenue by the end of 2025.
What makes Shine truly special is our obsession with salon culture, education, and teamwork. I care deeply about creating an environment filled with supportive, friendly, goal-driven stylists who are genuinely passionate about their careers.
I still consider myself fairly new to this—five years in—but my dream is to build a brand that can eventually be franchised. I’ve learned almost everything the hard way, so now my goal is to make the path a little smoother for others coming up behind me.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My Dad. When I was growing up in northern Maine there was a 3 week period in the fall which was called Harvest. We would have no school for 3 weeks and it was to help farmers harvest their potatoes. Some of my friends worked during that break but none of them worked in the fields picking potatoes, just me! My Dad made sure I was in the field for 6am start time and we worked hard for 12 hrs – five or six days per week weather depending. I didn’t like it, I was 13/14 yrs old and would’ve much rather been in bed or hanging out with my friends but I have to say it instilled a work ethic in me that I don’t think I would have otherwise. I would then use the money I made from harvest to buy new school clothes. If you want nice things, you have to work for them.. that was the greatest lesson.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Growing up without my Mom has always been hard and not because I let it define or hinder me at all because I haven’t but it’s a huge void in my life that I ache for. I remember I had to pretend that it didn’t bother me when I was little, and going through school.. everyone around me had both parents, their mothers were and still are huge parts of their life, memories and happiness. My efforts to force down the pain of what I never had would come out sideways and cause me to lash out at loved ones among other self sabotaging events. I wouldn’t say those wounds are healed, but waking up every day and being immediately grateful for my life as it is has really helped. I focus on work, goals, milestones, living in the moment. Being grateful will set you up for more success, but it’s a choice and it’s something I’ve realized needs to be practiced daily.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Ownership and accountability. I think I’m lowkey the accountability police. I absolutely lose respect for people who can’t admit their wrongdoing or refuse to want to educate themselves and blame others for their problems. If you broke something, admit you broke it, and figure how to fix it or make it right. I appreciate honesty and although sometimes it hurts to hear it, I credit much of my success to my ability to hear the truth about myself and act on it whether good or bad.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
That it was easy or given to me in any way. That is so far from the truth and I want to yell it from the rooftops! Nobody has any idea what it’s been like to walk in my shoes, face my demons, work as hard as I have, they don’t know the raw, uncut footage, tears, sleepless nights, fear of not being able to afford a place to live, not having enough money for food but working like a dog. Everything I have, which really isn’t much, I have worked for. People have told me I can’t and really underestimated me but it drove me harder.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shinesalonme.com
- Instagram: shinesalon_maine
- Facebook: Shine Salon
Image Credits
Chelsea Briggs
Marissa Elise Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
