Business Spotlight: Styled Cactus
By Madi Dunbar
Jenna Bangs has always had a love of anything and everything style. After a few years of styling those closest to her, and with the encouragement of her best gal pals, the Styled Cactus was born during the pandemic as an outlet for Jenna’s creativity and to pursue her passion. “I started small. I offered styling services, then added closet/wardrobe evaluations where I met with the client to evaluate their current closet and talked about what pieces can be added for more versatility and complete looks. From there, I started ordering my own selection of clothing to style clients and broaden my offering.” Jenna said. “When I leaped into the boutique space I had absolutely no idea what I was doing but I just started and never stopped trying. After a few months I launched the website and started to branch out locally doing pop-ups and different events. Now, I’m focused on broadening my reach through my website and social media.”
The Styled Cactus offers hand selected, chic clothing/accessories with a western influence. On top of running the boutique itself, Jenna provides styling services locally but also virtually. Jenna explained what a virtual styling session can look like, “I connect with the client via zoom/Skype or a good old-fashioned phone call and we talk style. I build a presentation with looks and pricing then the client decides which pieces speak to them! I package the items and ship them with styling cards.” she said. “There is something so fun about building an outfit off a great piece and a total sense of accomplishment when a killer outfit comes together.”
Jenna currently resides in Pennsylvania but says Texas will always have her heart. “In my early 20’s I ventured off to Hill College with a friend. From there I made so many lifelong friends I ended up moving back permanently and lived in Stephenville.” She eventually made her way back to PA but says her roots remain in Texasand says that part of her goal for the boutique is to bring more of a selection/attraction for the western fashion industry on the east coast. She is a music lover, listening to everything from Texas Country to Rock-n-Roll to Mowtown. “When I have free time in warmer months I garden and love to grow peonies! If it’s snowing you can find me sledding or hitting the slopes!"
Though Jenna is new to the western fashion world she has been involved in the western lifestyle since she was a small child. “I grew up on the back of a horse. I stepped away for a few years to pursue my career in the corporate world but the western world always pulls me back.” she stated. As her “day job”, Jenna works a high intensity corporate job (Claim Operations Manager/Insurance Industry) by day and commits every other hour to the boutique. She packages orders and responds to clients throughout the day in between meetings. She is a one woman show, spending her early afternoons taking new product photos and planning posts for the week on Sundays. She spends evenings unpacking product, tagging and steaming or breaking down boxes. Jenna has long days, but doesn’t seem to mind. “I typically log back on to my computer from 10pm-midnight which is when I find I’m most creative. I use this time to create marketing flyers, graphics, etc.” she said. “Every day is different but generally consists of the same goal. On days I have a styling session I commit my time fully to prepping for the client or travel to clients to style or complete closet evaluations.”
When it comes to the Styled Cactus, Jenna believes every woman should feel beautiful in their own skin and says she is eternally committed to making women feel their best in any outfit. She hand picks pieces that she believes will boost confidence and allow women to step out of their comfort zones, trying to balance the looks to meet all body types and needs. “You will always have access to me and my support when shopping. I love when supporters reach out for details on a piece. ‘How does this fit?’ ‘Is there stretch?’ ‘What size do you think I will need?’ I love those connections and I love helping women.” Jenna emphasized. “For me, it’s more about thoughtful and honest connections rather than a sale. If I don’t think a selection will work for someone, I will kindly share my thoughts and help them find the right item.” For the boutique, she likes to pick pieces that have a “little flare” as Jenna puts it. She likes to push the limits when styling clients and when ordering products and tries to find unique pieces that are still versatile.
Jenna’s tagline for her business is “Be Authentic. Stay Stylish” and she has embed that into everything she does for the Styled Cactus. She has big goals and dreams for both her shop and her styling services. “I’m an open book and want to be accessible to other women. I see SC branching out more in the clothing selection as my base grows.” To see what she has to offer, you can visit her website or find her on social media through her Instagram or Facebook.
