Article and Photographs by: Ericka Santos

They’re best friends chasing a dream, business partners determined to inspire others, and two young women motivated to create positive change through their scarf line branded Marjorie Linnea. Together as owners and designers for Marjorie Linnea, Jenna Hall, 25, and Anna Freedenfeld, 25, have embarked on a journey to combine words, flowers, and clothing into a beautifully motivating concept. The perfect accessory to carry out their vision became the scarf. In sharing a strong bond with their mothers, the choice name for the fashionistas’ line was also an effortless decision.

“[Marjorie Linnea] is our mothers’ names combined,” said Freedenfeld.  “My mother’s name is Linnea, and Jenna’s mother’s name is Marjorie.”

“They have both been such an astounding inspiration in both our lives,” said Hall. “But they have endured their share of battles. We had always been inspired to use our mothers’ names and then realized that Marjorie Linnea had a wonderful ring to it,” said Hall.

Currently Hall and Freedenfeld’s collection offers a pair of light-weight, breathable linen scarves blended with rayon and linen. Customers can opt for an elegant white wrap-around scarf, perfect for a variety of casual or classy ensembles. Clients may also choose a soft mint green piece with subtle white detailing that is easily incorporated into any trendsetter’s wardrobe. Expected to expand their collection in the Spring of 2010, Marjorie-Linnea is looking forward to introducing an eco friendly scarf line made of tencel as well. With a variety of new colors, mantras, and designs on their way, there will be plenty of exciting new pieces to choose from.

While the short-term rewards of building a loyal customer following is important for Marjorie Linnea as a business, Hall and Freedenfeld have a greater purpose in mind for their professional journey.

“The long-term reward will be collaborating with a charity that supports women in need,” said Hall.

“We want to be successful enough to be giving a portion of our proceeds to a charity that supports women who have suffered,” added Freedenfeld.

For Freedenfeld, the challenges she witnessed at a young age while her mother went through a difficult divorce have had a tremendous influence in her perseverance.

“My mother never gave up and always provided for my three sisters and I. When times were tough, she got tougher. I thank her for where I am today,” said Freedenfeld.

For Hall, the strength in her determination also came from her mother’s character. Unfortunately, her mother has since passed after a tough battle against depression. But even though Marjorie may not be living today, the fight Hall saw in her mother during the illness continues to be an unforgettable inspiration.

While there are a mountain of obstacles and unforeseen trials yet to come for the freshly launched Marjorie Linnea collection, neither Hall nor Freedenfeld is willing to shy away from making their dreams into reality. Amidst the tension of juggling full-time jobs, grueling school schedules, personal obligations, and the responsibilities of a successful business plan, these ladies are not easily discouraged.

“We are determined,” said Hall, “and [we] remind each other every day how wonderful it would be if we could reach a point that we could dedicate our lives to our line.”

By finding support in each other and inspiration in friends, family, and the world around them, this relentless duo are set to infuse the world with sophistication, motivation, and dedication to helping others through fashion.

“We want our customers to not only like the color and style of our scarves, but also to choose a scarf with the words that mean the most to them, words such as Humble, Kind, Sweet and Live Loudly, Love Deeply, [words] that they can feel a connection with when they wear [our scarves],” said Hall.

For those interested in learning more about Marjorie Linnea, where you can purchase scarves from the collection, or finding out how you can have Marjorie Linnea sold at your retail location, visit www.marjorielinnea.com.

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Spec Sheets:

Name/Nickname: Jenna Hall/ Jen Jen

Birthplace: –

Height: 5′4”

Random/quirky facts: “I have so much energy sometimes that I don’t know what to do with it, so I can get really goofy and quirky. I love to turn up the music by myself and dance in front of the mirror and pretend im auditioning for a reality dance show. I was a hardcore skier for many years and aspired to be in the Jr. Olympics like my brother. I am super sensitive, I will cry when a sentimental cotton commercial comes on.”

Favorite things to do: “I love hot yoga and get really frustrated when I don’t break a sweat during a workout. I think everyone should have a therapist. And I would die without my daily intake of chocolate.”

Most embarrassing life moment: –

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Name/Nickname: Anna Linnea Freedenfeld

Birthplace: Stoneham, MA

Height: 5′5”

Random/quirky facts: “I love hot sauce on just about everything. I over think everything in my life. I come off as very serious at first but once the ice is broken I am a completely different person.”

Favorite things to do: “Love yoga, drinking wine, going on long walks, listening to music, going on road trips, apple picking and bargain shopping.”

Most embarrassing life moment: –

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Connect with the Marjorie Linnea:

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