We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jenna Smith. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Jenna , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Honestly, no day looks the same—and I love it that way. I manage the boutique while also working remotely in marketing for two organizations, so my schedule is always shifting. Some days I’m home with my dog Sparrow, walking for miles with a podcast in my ear. Other days, I’m volunteering abroad, exploring new cities with friends, or road tripping to our beautiful national parks. Whether I’m in work mode or off on an adventure, one thing’s constant: my laptop and passport are always within reach.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jenna, the owner of Sparrow+Mason, a boutique I founded in 2017 in the historic town of Kimmswick, Missouri. What sets our story apart is that I launched and operated the shop remotely from Thailand for more than six years. The boutique is named in honor of my two beloved dogs—Mason, who has since passed, and Sparrow, who came back to the U.S. with me after being rescued in Thailand.
Sparrow+Mason is more than just a retail space; it’s a reflection of global influence combined with small-town charm. We specialize in curating unique, thoughtful finds that bring joy, spark connection, and add a touch of personality—and sass—to everyday gifting and home décor. Whether I’m working from our storefront, exploring new cities abroad, or discovering hidden gems across the U.S., I’m always seeking out meaningful pieces to share with our customers. I’m currently focused on growing the brand and finding creative ways to connect with and support our community.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My grandmother saw me clearly long before I ever understood who I was becoming. No matter how unconventional or unexpected the decision, she has always been my unwavering supporter—offering encouragement, not judgment. As a farmer and a woman who lost her husband far too early, she’s shown me what true strength, perseverance, and dignity look like. Her quiet belief in me, even in my wildest moments, gave me the confidence to trust my own instincts and take big leaps. She taught me that resilience isn’t loud—it’s steady, grounded, and full of grace.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say something to my younger self, it would be this: Stop trying to fit in. The world doesn’t need more people who blend in—it needs bold, brave, strong-willed women who know who they are and aren’t afraid to show it. You don’t have to earn your worth by impressing others or seeking validation. You’re enough exactly as you are. So go after what you want, live with intention, and don’t apologize for being different. Be you—fully, proudly, and without hesitation.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself is that productivity is tied to a 9-to-5 schedule plus overtime. There’s this outdated belief that putting in long hours somehow equals greater value or dedication. But the truth is, working smarter—not longer—is what actually drives results. Efficiency, creativity, and impact don’t come from clocking 40+ hours a week; they come from balance, flexibility, and allowing people to show up as whole humans. Time spent doesn’t always equal work done—and it certainly doesn’t equal worth.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell when I’m gone is that I always said “yes”—to adventures, to late-night phone calls, to the people and moments that mattered. I hope they remember me as someone who was fearless but grounded, content in her own company, and unafraid to explore the world solo. Whether it was hopping on a plane alone or treating myself to a movie or dinner table for one, I never waited for someone to go with me to do the things I wanted to do. I simply did them—and welcomed others to come along if they wanted. I hope people say I lived fully, honestly, and joyfully, and that I showed them it’s okay to choose your own happiness and go after it boldly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sparrowandmason.com
- Instagram: sparrow_and_mason
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-smith-521550b/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparrowandmason
