Meet Jen Dayton | Business Owner & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Dayton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking is often considered a gamble, but I saw it as a calculated step toward achieving my long-held dream. My name is Jen Dayton, and I own Homecrest & Co. My journey into entrepreneurship began with a bold decision to leave a successful career in sales to pursue my passion for the home and garden space.

For years, I thrived in sales, enjoying the stability it provided. However, I felt a persistent dissatisfaction, knowing my true calling lay elsewhere. It was through a process of self-reflection and exploration that I discovered my passion for the home and garden space. Outside of work, I immersed myself in home decor trends, garden design, and DIY projects, activities that brought me immense joy.

The turning point came when I realized I had to follow my passion to live a fulfilling life. Leaving a stable career was daunting, but the potential for personal and professional fulfillment outweighed the fear of the unknown. I meticulously planned my transition, saving funds, researching the market, and developing a comprehensive business plan. I began designing and creating Homecrest & Co. This involved conducting market research, identifying target customers, setting financial goals, and outlining strategies for growth.

The initial stages were challenging, with many uncertainties and a steep learning curve. However, each challenge was a learning opportunity that brought me closer to my vision. Taking this risk has been the most transformative experience of my life, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of following one’s passion.

My story is about the courage to pursue a dream, face uncertainty, and create something meaningful from the ground up.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Thank you for featuring Homecrest & Co. again in VoyageMichigan Magazine! Homecrest & Co. is an e-commerce store specializing in carefully curated home and garden decor, dedicated to bringing style and warmth to every space. Recently, we launched Jen Dayton Lifestyle, a platform that extends beyond home and garden products to encompass the essence of cozy living and everyday inspiration.

Our passion for various decor aesthetics that work in any home or space sets us apart. Each piece at Homecrest & Co. is thoughtfully selected to reflect quality craftsmanship and functionality. With Jen Dayton Lifestyle, we aim to inspire a lifestyle rooted in comfort, beauty, and personal expression.

I’m most proud of our journey in promoting other small businesses and artists throughout Michigan. Whether purchasing from various Michigan wholesalers or working with other local Kalamazoo Artists and photographers to craft Jen Dayton Lifestyle into the vision we hope to create. From sourcing high-quality, hand-crafted Michigan-made products to supporting local business owners, we strive to positively impact our community and our state.

The road to where we are today hasn’t been without its challenges. Like any business, we’ve faced hurdles – from navigating market trends to scaling operations. We’ve overcome these obstacles through perseverance and a commitment to our vision and have grown stronger.

A key lesson learned is the importance of authenticity. Our customers appreciate our genuine care for every product and the content we share through Jen Dayton Lifestyle. It’s about fostering connections and creating spaces that feel like home.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Kalamazoo for five days, I’d craft an itinerary highlighting our vibrant culture, culinary delights, and natural beauty. Here’s how we’d make the most of their visit, including some top-notch places to stay:

Stay: For a unique and historic experience, check in at The Kalamazoo House or The Stuart Avenue Inn. Both options provide delightful accommodations that blend our city’s iconic history with modern comforts.

Day 1: Welcome & Relaxation

Morning: Breakfast at Sarkozy Bakery, a local institution known for its fresh, handcrafted bread and pastries.

Afternoon: Stroll through Bronson Park, a living testament to the city’s rich history. You’ll encounter some of the city’s most significant landmarks, each with its own unique story to tell.

Evening: Pizza Katerina for dinner, known for wood-fired pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients. Then, head over to the Green Door Distilling Co. for craft spirits in an industrial-chic setting.

Day 2: Arts & Culture

Morning: Visit the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. This renowned institution has a diverse collection of contemporary and classical works—perfect for art enthusiasts!

Afternoon: Savor lunch at Ty’s Joint, a soul food staple offering hearty, flavorful dishes. After lunch, explore nearby Twine Urban Winery, Michigan’s first Black female-owned winery, for a delightful wine-tasting experience.

Evening: Dinner at WL Socialhouse, a trendy eatery offering a modern take on classic American dishes.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure

Morning: Enjoy breakfast classics at Studio Grill, to indulge in hearty favorites made with fresh, local ingredients.

Afternoon: Picnic by the lake with sandwiches and salads from Water Street Coffee Joint.

Evening: Brick and Brine, an American dining experience, offers seasonal cuisine, artisanal cocktails, and an inviting open layout. Then, enjoy a live performance at the Kalamazoo State Theatre, a cultural gem.

Day 4: History & Local Flavors

Morning: Explore the historic Kalamazoo Mall, the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the United States. The outdoor mall features restored Art Deco buildings and specialty shops along this iconic landmark.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, learning about the area’s rich past. Stop by Cherri’s Chocol’art to experience “The Art of Chocolate.”

Evening: Enjoy a tasting tour at Bell’s Brewery, sampling locally brewed beers and fantastic food with live music.

Day 5: Farewell & Memories

Morning: Visit the Victorian Bakery, to indulge in a delightful assortment of European-style pastries. Then, head over to Factory Coffee to savor expertly crafted espresso drinks that are sure to fuel your day.

Afternoon: Spend the final afternoon exploring the Kalamazoo Nature Center, a serene spot perfect for reflecting on the week’s adventures.

Evening: Dinner at Principle Food & Drink, known for organic and sustainable cuisine. Then, unwind at Dabney & Co., a cocktail bar with creative drinks and a soulful vibe. An establishment paying tribute to black mixologists who have significantly impacted the cocktail industry despite facing adversity.

Throughout these five days, we’d have the opportunity to meet some of Kalamazoo’s most passionate and creative people, from local artists to chefs and shop owners. This itinerary is designed to ensure my best friend leaves with unforgettable memories and a true sense of what makes Kalamazoo special: a community that values its history, culture, and natural beauty.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this interview to my best friend, Precious Walker. Her unwavering dedication and support have been instrumental to the success of Homecrest & Co. Precious has put in countless hours, offering her time, energy, and insight to help bring this vision to life. Her commitment and encouragement have been a cornerstone of this journey, and I am immensely grateful for her contributions. Thank you, Precious, for being such an integral part of this story.

Website: https://www.jendaytonlifestyle.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homecrestandco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092322270228

Other: Homecrest & Co. Online Shop: https://www.homecrestandco.com/

Image Credits
Oh Shoot Photography, Kalamazoo MI

Homecrest & Co. Kalamazoo, MI