Jen Novak

Suite 115 Salon & Extension Bar • Stratford Crossing • Bloomingdale, IL

For a lucky few, life’s calling comes early. That was absolutely the case for Jen Novak. Like many girls, Jen was fascinated by her Barbie mannequin head, constantly creating new updo styles with its waxy blond hair, and admiring her work for hours. By 12, she had moved on to her own head of hair, achieving perfect blowouts and already looking ahead to greater possibilities.

Just 16 and still in high school, Jen landed her first salon job while also attending cosmetology school. As a newbie and the team rookie, she tackled a little bit of everything — organizing the stockroom, shampooing countless heads of hair, and tackling all the grunt work nobody else wanted to do, and she loved it! The energy and hustle at the salon stoked a fire in her that had already been lit by parents who were small business owners. Entrepreneurship in her blood, she was known to proudly and often proclaim, “I’m going to open my own salon someday!”

As Jen continued her quest to conquer the salon world, she was surprised to hear that her enthusiasm wasn’t always shared by the stylists she admired. They were often unhappy, and Jen came to recognize that it wasn’t their lack of passion, but something missing at the salon—consistent mentoring, education and a family energy. She was determined that her salon would have all of that and more. The time had come to venture out on her own, and Jen would need all of her enthusiasm and drive to make it happen.

By the age of 24, Jen had saved 60% of the capital she needed to get started. She had worked tirelessly for that capital—at 2 salons during the day and tending bar at night. Her persistence in finding a space at Stratford Crossing ultimately led to a deal, and she officially opened Suite 115 Salon in 2008. Timing could have been better. With the country in a deep recession, Jen had to continue her night job for a year to keep the lights on. More than 16 years later, the lights are still on and Suite 115 Salon has evolved from a 1 stylist shop into a sophisticated hair mecca with 32 stylists. How did she do it? Jen’s advice to other entrepreneurs is follow your passion, keep educating yourself and continue to evolve as times change.

Jen also credits NewMark Merrill as integral to achieving her dreams. Not only did they work with her on finding and procuring her space, but they continue to maintain a retail environment that elevates her business. “Our shopping center is top of the line. Gorgeous landscaping, safety during bad weather, community outreach, the overall class of our property and team. NMC takes pride in choosing the right tenants so we are all able to be successful,” she says. In 2022, when Jen sought to double her salon space, they were right there to help her do it.