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Life & Work with Jenn Magri of Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Magri.

Hi Jenn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started Chaos at the tender age of 25, with no clue what I was getting myself into. I just wanted to create a safe space for women to feel like they belong. To feel heard and taken care of. After 20 years, 3 locations in Mount Clemens, and a whole lotta love, I finally got to purchase my very own building all by myself. It was my mission since day one of owning Chaos. I didn’t want to have to answer to a Landlord. I wanted a space I could call home.

In 2023, that opportunity came to light. Our trusted Landlord decided she didn’t want tenants any longer and tried to kick us out during Christmas after 11 years of residency. We were all devastated to say the least. She had assured me for 11 straight years the building that I poured my soul into would be mine someday. That day never came. Instead, I was handed a fake eviction notice.

Looking back now, it was a Godsend. It gave me the push to find the building we have now with no string attached. I was free. We all are now. After 6 months of completely gutting this 1970’s law office, I created a tranquil, whimsical space that everyone just adores. There’s always something new to dote over. But one thing has stayed the same after 20+ years, the experience. The way you feel when you walk through our doors is relief. Releasing your daily chaos to feel beautiful inside and out. We are the calm to your storm. You leave feeling a sense of togetherness you’ve never felt before. This sisterhood of women have a genuine goal to light up the darkness. Bringing joy and hope to everyone they come in contact with. Chaos isn’t just about hair, it’s about making a positive impact in people’s lives every single day. You belong here.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As mentioned previously, there have absolutely been struggles to overcome along the way. The first building was literally raining inside the salon and the landlord wouldn’t fix it. That’s when we decided to rent to buy on Macomb place. I put $100k of my life savings into redoing that building with the promise to own it within 5 years. After 10 years, she was still dragging her feet signing the purchase agreement. I really knew then, it was probably never going to happen, but I didn’t want to give up on the building we had made our salon home. I didn’t want to fail. I realize now, that wasn’t failure, it was just an obstacle we had to overcome. And we sure did with flying colors! See what I did there lol

The new space needed a TON of work and I began demo improvements immediately when I got the keys. I think it was actually the same day! I refused to let one persons regretful decision ruin our dream and success. So, once again, we tirelessly built, I planned my heart out and spent every cent I had on making this our last hurrah. Our grand finale of Chaos. 6 months later, we opened our doors to the final piece to our Chaos puzzle. It was all worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I was a National Educator for Paul Mitchell for 15 years. Learned from the best and brought that knowledge home to my team on a weekly basis. It was a part of my career I will always hold dear because I met some of my forever friends in the process. People who have the same dreams as you. Likeminded individuals with the same heart of gold, just trying to bring their best selves to light.

I gave up Educating when I had my second son. I started having speech issues and would lose complete vision on a daily basis. They couldn’t figure out what was wrong, so I had to stop public speaking all together. It was a hard choice, but also gave me more time with my kids and to focus on my business and my health.

I have now retired from hair fully for the same reoccurring health issues and am doing strictly lash extensions at Chaos. It’s absolutely wonderful because I get to still chat with guests on a daily basis, still be a daymaker and also be there for my team as well.

I’m most proud of Chaos! It’s not just a business I’ve built from the ground up, it’s my legacy. I’m honored and so grateful to be a humble part of it everyday. My small business thrives on the support and love from women, what a cool legacy to uphold. Our reputation, relationships and experience speak for themselves through our loyal guests and we wouldn’t be here without them.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m always listening to podcasts about how to grow my business and how I can improve for my team. If you’re not learning, you’re not growing and I wholeheartedly believe that in every aspect of life. We can always learn something from everyone. I learn everyday from the wonderful women at Chaos who have been loyal to us since the beginning. They help us as moms, wives and leaders.

Contact Info:

Salon with pedicure chairs, a bar area, and a ceiling decorated with clouds and stars, natural light from windows, and orange curtains.

Front view of a building with a sign that reads 'chaos', surrounded by greenery and a clear blue sky.

Interior of a modern salon with chairs, a colorful mural, and shelves with hair products, under exposed wooden beams.

Group of women standing against a dark wall, smiling and talking, dressed in colorful outfits.

Two-story building with black facade, white window frames, and a green door, storefront on ground level, sidewalk in front.

Two-story building with a sign reading 'chaos', large windows, and flower boxes with yellow and purple flowers, a tree in front.

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