Meet Jen Scanlon of henjen handbags

Your Name: Jen Scanlon

How many children do you have? 3

Your Business Name: henjen handbags

Brief Description of Your Business: I design and manufacture fun, functional handbags that feature bold, funky fabrics covered in a clear, super shiny vinyl on the exterior

When do you make time to run a business with your busy MOM schedule?

My youngest started kindergarten this year (it’s full day) so I work while the kids are in school, mostly. I try (emphasis on TRY) to designate some chunks of “work time” at the beginning of each week. Of course, as we all know, things don’t always work out the way they are planned and then I just have to improvise and prioritize. Also, some of the stuff that I used to always do, like have my house really picked up, just doesn’t happen anymore and I have to live with that. Something’s gotta’ give!!!

What is your favorite beauty tip?

I am pretty low-key in the beauty department so am no expert, but I do love Bobbi Brown’s Brownie lipstick because I can use it as both lipstick and blush! It gives me a really natural hint of color for those times when I just haven’t had time to put on any makeup. Like when you have to run to school because one of your kids is sick and you were still in your pjs when you got the call! Not that that has ever happened to me……but I’ve heard stories! My theory is that it might not make me “beautiful” but definitely cuts down on the scary factor. It’s all relative.

What did your mother teach you about beauty and fashion?

Honestly, not much. She is not very into a lot of skin care products or makeup so I think that rubbed off on me. She did teach me that you should always wash your face before you go to bed, which I am pretty good about doing, even though I never want to. With all that being said, I have always been very proud of my mom because growing up people always told me how pretty she is and it is a very natural pretty!

What beauty/fashion tips will you be sure to share with your daughter, niece or neighbor girl as she grows?

I have one daughter who is 11 and right now, I just wish that she would clean her fingernails! Sounds silly, but having clean, nicely manicured hands really makes a difference in how you present yourself. That and having a great haircut I think are really key in looking put together. If those things are looking good then you can get away with the occasional unfashionable days.

What is your favorite outfit in your closet and why?

I am really a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. Usually a black t-shirt. And I have these black sequined Chuck Taylor low tops that I love. They add funky to the outfit. And then of course I always carry one of my Mother Clucker bags which is great for upping the score on my fashion rating! I really like to be comfortable and to be able to move around easily. Mom’s don’t sit still and we get dirty sometimes so being comfortable, but not sloppy is usually what I go for.

What’s your favorite online site to shop for beauty or fashion?

I actually really like to get my basics for everyday like t’s and jeans from LLBean.com. I know it sounds terribly unfashionable but they have a great stretch bootcut jean that is not cut so low that I have to pull it up all day (remember, moving around?) and their ts come in pretty colors and are not so snug that I have to pull them down all day. For fun things I usually like to do boutique shopping to get those one of a kind items that really make an outfit pop, and that no one else has!

What motivates you to look your best?

Oooh, hard one. I think it is because I really know that I will feel so much better if I have taken time to be well-groomed. It is so easy to just skip all that in the morning because there is so much going on and time seems so limited. And also, things like manicures and great haircuts and color are expensive so sometimes that can feel limiting. But they really do make a difference in how you feel and so everyone can benefit from giving that gift to themselves, at least once in a while.

As a mom, “Me Time” is limited… what are your time saving beauty tips?

I have really short hair and so I can put product in and let it dry if I am short on time. I love not having to fool with my hair and can’t imagine going back to lots of blowdrying, etc.

Name one product you can’t live without:

If it is ONLY one I guess I would have to go with a hair product, Blend De-Frizz by Keune. It is what I put in my hair wet and it keeps it from getting “big” because my hair has natural wave. I would really like to have my Bobbi Brown Brownie lipstick too and then I would be the bomb, no problem!

Heels or flats? Describe your favorite pair.

Realistically, flats, and if it is summer, flip-flops. LOVE them. I do love heels and buy them occasionally but hardly ever wear them, sadly.

Lip gloss or Lip Stick? Which brand/color?

By now, I think you know the answer. Bobbi Brown Brownie. And she better never discontinue it!

Editor’s Note: Jen mentions she likes shopping at LL Bean. No problem there! You should shop at places that are “you”. Don’t feel limited by what you think you should be wearing, wear what feels right to you. Within your own style, find pieces that look and feel good on you. Remember, half the battle in looking good is feeling good. It’s called confidence!

Please be sure to check out Jen’s fun and funky bags. She blessed A Mom in Red High Heels with a contest a couple of weeks ago and the response was amazing. If you missed your chance to see the Mother Clucker bags, go now! You’ll love the styles!

If you are a mom who owns a business, wrote a book or is otherwise an entrepreneur, I’d love to feature you on Real Moms. Real Beauty. Please email me for information( tammy[at]amominredhighheels[dot]com).

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