Jayna has been navigating the start-up world in various sales roles over the last decade. Most recently, Jayna was Vice President of Business Development at Groupon (GRPN), where she grew and maintained their largest book of business, and was responsible at one point for as much as 25% of the entire company’s revenue. She was also responsible for launching various national and local sales strategies. Prior to GRPN, she managed the largest book of business at Echo Global Logistics (ECHS), while also holding various positions such as sales trainer, sales manager, and regional manager. She started her love for fashion as one of the youngest DSM’s and buyer for St. John Knits. Her expertise lays in the start up world, strategy, processes and business development. Jayna has recently been featured on Oprah’s final season’s “Favorite Things” show. Along with her partner Regina Franchini, Jayna founded Closet Angels, a non-profit organization benefiting St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. Closet Angels accepts gently-used luxury items that are then marketed and sold with one-hundred-percent of all proceeds given directly to the hospital. Jayna lives in Chicago with her dog, Coco.
Where were you born ?
West Lafettye, Indiana
How long in Chicago:
7 years
Neighborhood:
River North by way of Gold Coast and Streeterville
Occupation:
Founder of Closet Angels.org. People donate their designer goods for the tax donation benefits and we resell them, all proceeds go to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital!
Favorite Restaurant:
Tough one. Right now I am really into Dragon Ranch Moonshine & BBQ.
Best Ethnic Food:
Kan Zaman or Greek Islands
Best Italian:
La Scarola
Best Sushi:
Sunda
Best place for late night dining:
Avec
Best dessert:
Molten Chocolate Cake at Quartino’s
Best place for a romantic date:
Piccolo Sogno in the summer. In the winter I like Avec.
Best Sunday brunch:
Little Goat
Haute Night Club/Lounge:
Paris Club
Best place for a power business meeting:
Chicago Cut
All-around favorite spot in Chicago:
Sunda
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend?
Trump.
Favorite shopping venue/boutique:
Intermix
Best place to buy Jewelry/Watches:
Dana Rebecca
Best Spa:
Waldorf Astoria (Formerly Elysian) is beautifully designed.
Favorite Cultural Institution:
Shedd Aquarium
Best Aspect of Chicago:
Summer, People, and Food.
Best Steakhouse:
Gibsons
Best Pizza:
Lou Malnati’s
Best Quick Lunch:
Graham Elliot Bistro
Best Gym/Athletic Facility:
Trump because it is not too busy
Best Massage:
Arturo at Mario Triccio on Michigan Avenue.
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore:
Navy Pier
Nail Salon
Arbre
