Back: Rebekah Iliff, Director of Marketing/Partner Rockit Ranch Productions Click Here Why Jen's it: Jenifer Hansen joined Le Colonial and Le Passage as Director of Operations in July of 2003. Hansen oversees all aspects of restaurant and nightclub operations, including menu and concept development, onsite operations, staff hiring, marketing, promotions, and public relations. Spot her for a Cause: On September 22nd, 2005, over 500 influential Chicago females will gather at one of Chicago’s favorite places to “see and be seen”, Le Passage, to benefit the American Cancer Society from 9pm to midnight. The first 50 females to donate to the ACS will receive a Razor Phone from T Mobile. Click Here for all the details and to sign up.

Jen Hansen pictured left

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IT GIRL: JENIFER HANSEN

FACTIO MAGAZINE: What do you think makes a person "It"?
JENIFER HANSEN: Passion for everything that they do – work, friends, family –

FM: Describe your signature style.
JH: Conservative with a kick.

FM: Give us an inside look into your career.  
JH: The career is really about being hospitable – making guests happy, directly or indirectly.  In my case, this is done through marketing, cost control, ambiance, quality food and beverage and a thousand other things that fall under operating successful establishments. Luckily, each day is different, as “operations” encompasses every aspect of the restaurant and club.  Though many times, I think my career looks like all play, there is certainly a “work hard, play hard” mentality.  I work with such a diverse group of personalities within each aspect of the job, so each day brings something new and exciting.

FM: Define the style in Chicago.
JH: Moderately trendy with a definite emphasis on comfort.

FM: Which woman (past or present) has impeccable style and why? What women in which city worldwide have the best style?
JH: A tie between Julia Roberts and Sienna Miller. Julia is elegant-classic-timeless, and I read somewhere that Sienna cuts up her clothes if she sees someone wearing the same thing. Neither are trying to be someone they aren’t.

FM: What is your biggest fashion vice? What are your favorite shops in Chicago? How about worldwide?
JH: My vice(s) : shoes and bags.  Shops: Akira, a few little ones on Southport, and the street fairs in the summer for jewelry.  I also like Zara – good quality staple items at a good price.

FM: Where do you love to travel? And, what do you always pick up for your wardrobe while on vacation.  
JH: Anywhere really, so long as it’s by plane.  There are a few un-incorporated cities outside of Mexico City that I love to visit.  My favorite place that I have visited was Interlaken, Switzerland, hands down. 

FM: Do you think money and style go hand in hand or can style never be bought?  
JH: I think style resides in confidence.  Someone could be wearing a $10,000 outfit and if they aren’t comfortable, it won’t look good.

FM: What key fashion pieces do you always have in your wardrobe?
JH: Jeans that fit really well, big silver jewelry, a few great pairs of heels.

FM: What's a fashion no-no when attending special events, galas and more?
JH: Not smiling and not being comfortable in your own skin, you can sense it a mile away.

FM: What would people be most surprised to know about you?
JH: That I never thought I would end up in this business.  I grew up thinking social services would be my career. I went to school for social services, and paid the bills working in hospitality.  When it became crunch time to “grow – up”, I challenged myself to get an industry gig before I got a social service job.  It worked and I stuck with it.

FM: What are your own personal standards of beauty? And, what are your standards for style?
JH: Again, confidence and really taking care of yourself – don’t skimp on the things that make you feel good.  For style, wear what makes you walk out of the house with a smile.

FM: What tips would you give women in general to be well rounded, balancing out life and business?  
JH: I’m still learning this, but taking one day at a time, and remember your goals – both short and long term. Remember what really matters when you find yourself in a tough work situation. Also, try new things to expand your horizons, you never know where your passion may lie if you don’t try it.