“I originally started Chaos to create something different for women,” says Jenn Magri, owner of Chaos Studio Salon in Mount Clemens. “A place where you didn’t feel the need to get dressed up to get your hair done. A place where you felt at home, like visiting old friends. We wanted everyone to feel welcome and to have an atmosphere and vibe that portrayed that!”
Jenn started Chaos Studio Salon in 2005 as a woman-owned business. “I can remember several instances throughout the years that someone would come in and ask for my husband or the ‘man in charge,’” laughs Jenn. “I would calmly say, ‘I am the owner, how can I help you?’ You would see their demeanor change immediately when they realized I was the person in charge and I am a woman. It has now become more and more acceptable when people see women in power, and that’s a wonderful accomplishment for all of us!”
For years, Jenn operated her salon out of a rented space, but had a dream of owning her own building. Jenn found the process tough but empowering. “The process has been way different than buying a house. There are so many more people involved when buying commercial. I had many new challenges while trying to purchase and manage the new building, follow-up with all of my contacts, and run a successful salon at the same time! I’m also an Expert Stylist behind the chair and a mom to my boys who are 9 and 5, so that’s a whole different ballgame!”
When Jenn found her new location, still in Mount Clemens, she “wept with pure joy.” After almost 18 years in business, her dream had come true. “I was literally giddy to get started on the renovations. The most rewarding feeling is seeing it all come together, just as you dreamed it would!”
Jenn credits Linda Reetz-Kahl, Commercial Loan Office at First State Bank, for being her “rock” through the process of purchasing a building. “It was Christmas time and she had taken off a week, but she still texted and emailed me to make sure everything was going smoothly. She was sincere, supportive, and efficient, and we hugged hard when it came to closing! She surely went above and beyond to make sure my dream came true.”
Says Linda, “Working with Jenn was fantastic. Being a community bank, we pride ourselves on working and living in the neighborhoods we lend to. All approval processes are done locally and the turnaround time for new loan requests is usually fast. We offer a full array of commercial products that can help businesses of different sizes and needs grow in our community.”
Jenn has been hard at work renovating her new location, opening later this year. “We will be able to offer even more self-care spa services with specialized facials, therapeutic massage, microblading, body waxing, and more! This building will bring life and love to the east side of the Clem, and our rustic boho design will be the talk of the town. We can’t wait to show off the grand finale! Almost 18 years later, our goal is the same—supporting women, empowering women, and to make everyone feel at home when they are in our space. We strive every day to be the best of the best, always training, always learning, and growing to be everything our guests need for self care.”