Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Silkwood.
Hi Jenna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, my mom occasionally hosted truck shows in our home, and I was captivated by the energy of women coming together — laughing, encouraging each other, and leaving feeling confident in something new. That sense of community and excitement always stayed with me.
Years later, after moving to Charleston and working as a stylist at a local men’s clothing store, I began gaining the experience and confidence to build something of my own. Over time, every skill I learned and every connection I made felt like preparation.
I truly believe in trusting God’s timing, and when the opportunity came to open Lenore, I knew it was the right moment. My goal has always been to create a space where women feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely excited — just like those early memories that first inspired me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely been a mixture of both. In many ways it’s felt smooth because of the incredible support and encouragement I’ve received since Lenore was just an idea. Having people believe in you from the beginning makes such a difference.
But with starting any business, especially when you’re taking a leap of faith – there are always hurdles. One personal struggle for me has been staying organized and learning to stay a few steps ahead, instead of just reacting to what’s in front of me. There have been plenty of learning curves along the way, but those moments are where the most growth happens. If everything were smooth sailing, I wouldn’t feel as accomplished or be growing the way I am, both as an individual and as a business owner.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lenore Collective. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Lenore Collective is a coastal-inspired boutique rooted in faith, connection, and timeless style. While we’re primarily an online business, we love showing up in person – you can find us at Second Sunday on King Street each month (183 King Street), at local markets and events, and we’re slowly starting to take Lenore on the road.
Right now, we focus on elevated basics, versatile pieces you can style multiple ways and truly live in. As a newer boutique, we are still thoughtfully exploring and adding brands, but some of my current favorites we carry are Before You Collection, Just Black Denim, MOD REF, and Mable.
When we bring in a new brand, it’s not about chasing the latest trend. It’s about finding pieces that can be styled in multiple ways and worn by people with very different tastes. Our goal is to help women see themselves in something new — something they might not have considered before.
What does success mean to you?
I define success by the impact you make on the people around you and those you interact with daily. Of course, it’s an amazing feeling to sell out of a piece or have a big sales day and I’m so grateful for those moments. But for me, the most fulfilling and rewarding part is being able to encourage someone and make a difference in their life.
Whether that’s through helping them feel confident in what they’re wearing or simply sharing the joy of the Lord in conversation, those are the moments that truly feel like success to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lenore-collective.com
- Instagram: thelenorecollective
- Facebook: Lenore Collective
