Hidden Gems: Meet Jenny Ukaj of Red Rose Hype Shop

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Ukaj.

Hi Jenny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I came up with the idea about 7 years ago, during my last semester at Belmont University. I’ve always had a passion for unique fashion – pieces that I couldn’t find just anywhere, especially at the mall. I was always on the lookout for cool streetwear and sneakers, and I noticed there was a real gap in the market in Nashville. There wasn’t anything quite like that here, so I decided I wanted to create a cool and unique shopping experience for the people in my city.

I started off 6 years ago in Nashville, working out of my dad’s small office space. Over time, I ended up taking over the entire space as my business grew. After COVID hit, sneakers really blew up in popularity, and that gave the shop a huge boost. What started as a one-woman operation quickly grew into a full team of employees.

As time went on, we eventually outgrew my dad’s little office space on Antioch Pike. Just recently, we opened a brand new store in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston area, right next to Soho House! It’s been a wild ride, but I’m so proud of how far we’ve come.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Honestly, when I first started, I thought it would be a lot easier just because I was doing something that had never been done in Nashville before. But I quickly realized that it was much more challenging than I had imagined. One of the biggest struggles I faced was being a woman in a male-dominated industry. There were a lot of moments where I felt doubt from others, and it was hard to relate or be respected on the same level as some of my male counterparts.

I was also really young and naïve at the beginning, which led me to trust the wrong people. I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but each one taught me valuable lessons. I had to learn to be a stronger leader for my team, especially since I was used to working alone for so long. It was a journey of personal and professional growth, but I’m grateful for the lessons, even the hard ones, because they’ve shaped me into the person I am today.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Red Rose Hype Shop is a female-owned sneaker and fashion boutique. We specialize in offering a curated selection of high-end streetwear and designer clothing and sneakers, with both men’s and women’s items available. Our store is a buy, sell, trade destination, and we pride ourselves on carrying over 500+ sneakers and 1000+ pieces of clothing, all of which are 100% authentic, guaranteed.

What truly sets us apart is not just the products we carry, but the experience we provide. We’re all about creating a community, especially for Nashville’s streetwear enthusiasts. Our mission is to be the premier destination where streetwear and high-end fashion meet. We offer our customers the opportunity to not only shop for the rarest and most sought-after items but also to touch and feel them in person before making a purchase – something you can’t always do online. It’s all about giving our customers a hands-on experience that’s as unique as the products we offer.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the strong bond we’ve built with our customers over the years. We are known for our exceptional customer service, treating everyone with the patience, respect, and attention they deserve. We don’t just sell sneakers or clothes; we give people a full experience. From helping someone find the perfect pair of shoes to offering style advice or discussing the latest trends, we’re here to make sure that everyone who walks through our doors leaves feeling valued.

Above all, we’re more than just a store – we’re a sanctuary for the Nashville streetwear community. Our brand is built on trust, authenticity, and inclusivity, and I want our readers to know that when they step into Red Rose Hype Shop, they’re stepping into a space where they belong.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without a few key people who played major roles in my journey. First, I have to give credit to my parents. At the start, they were understandably skeptical about the idea, especially since they didn’t fully see the vision I had for the business. But despite their doubts, they’ve always tried their best to support me, even when it was tough to watch me struggle. My dad and I even built the first store by hand, which was an unforgettable experience and one that I’ll always cherish. Their support, even when it wasn’t easy, means the world to me.

I also owe a huge amount of thanks to my team. Without them, there’s no way I would’ve been able to grow the business to where it is today. I can’t be a one-woman show forever – there’s only so much one person can do. My team shares the same values I hold dear, and their passion and dedication truly shine through in everything they do. They’ve played an integral role in not only keeping the day-to-day running smoothly but also in helping the business grow and thrive in ways I couldn’t have done alone. Their belief in the vision and their hard work has been a massive part of our success.

So, I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been by my side, from my parents to my team, and all the other supporters along the way. They’ve helped me turn this dream into a reality, and I’ll always be thankful for that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://redrosehype.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redrosehypeshop/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Red-Rose-Hype-100063493210897/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@redrosehypeshop