What is your hometown?
At age 3, our family moved to our horse farm, Southern Serenity Ranch in Cedar Grove, from Jackson. Horses have always been a part of my life, competing at shows including the Celebration in Shelbyville, TN. I graduated from MTSU and moved back home where I opened a boutique, and met my forever love, Christopher King. We married and had an extra special reception at my grandparents’ farm, now known as Madison Downs. We live in Jackson, along with our son, Slayton (4), and our daughter, Swayze (18 months). I feel blessed to live in Jackson.
What is your profession?
I opened my formalwear boutique, My Best Friend Jenna, 14 years ago. I enjoy having my sister, Lauren, working alongside me. We have a wonderful team of assistant stylists and a fabulous seamstress. Together, we serve the needs of brides, grooms, their wedding attendants, and families as they find what they envisioned for their special day. We also have the latest formal gowns for adults and teens along with prom dresses and tuxedos.
Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back?
I am a member of Faith Community Church in Humboldt, where I serve on the Board of Elders and soon will be serving on the Finance Committee. I am the producer of a prom runway event, Lights, Camera, Fashion of Tennessee with a focus on enriching the lives of Tennessee’s young women and raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We are preparing for the 13th annual event on February 15. I am humbled that this program has raised over one million dollars for St. Jude.
What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?
Jackson has something to offer everyone. I love the small, hometown feel, but we have big-city amenities. However, the wonderful people of Jackson are what make this town unique.
Three words that best describe you.
Cheerful. Reliable. Giving.
Favorite place for going out?
I prefer to host gatherings at home or go to a friend’s home for a ballgame, laughter, and tasting everyone’s yummy appetizers. We enjoy dining at Jackson Country Club, Rock N Dough, Picasso, and Hana.
What is one thing that you do not go a day without?
Saying prayers of thanksgiving for my family, home, church, and community.
Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…
I am passionate about philanthropy, scholarship, and giving back to the community that has supported me. Jackson is loving, kind, generous, and caring. The people of Jackson give their time, their God-given talents, resources, money, and love. They pray for others, not only for personal friends, but for complete strangers. Jacksonians are always lending a helping hand. They encourage our youth by saying yes when they are asked to support their schools, their sports teams, their educational trips, and their fundraisers. I know of no other town Jackson’s size that has as many fundraisers going on simultaneously as my town does.
This article is from VIP Magazine, a premier publication for events and local coverage throughout Jackson and West Tennessee. https://www.vipjackson.com/feed/2023/ii-am-jackson-jennaking
