Social Awareness
Everything Jes creates is an extension of her heart, born with a deep sensitivity and inherent compassion for all living things Jes believes it is absolutely vital to align her personal and professional life with socially responsible sourcing and ethical production.
DIAMONDS & STONES
The KPCS or Kimberly Process Certification Scheme is a process introduced by the United Nations in 2003 designed to insure that all rough cut diamonds originate from sources which are Conflict-Free. The United States participates in the KPCS and Jes uses only reputable diamond suppliers that strictly adhere to this agreement. Since gemstones are often mined in developing nations where workers are easily taken advantage of Jes also acquires her precious stones from only socially responsible companies. They provide monthly medical camps, educational programs that ensure all minorities are provided proper education and are not forced into a life of labor at an early age.
RECLAIMED METAL
Conventional precious metal mining has always been an area of controversy as it generates significant waste, and contaminants the land and its inhabitants. For this reason Jes only sources from companies that use reclaimed and recycled metal. She also recycles all scrap metal here in the studio and uses only lead-free pewter.
GIVING BACK
Jes believes that life flows in a circle and that as much as you receive, so must you give in order to maintain life's healthy balance. "With all the goodness that fills my life, I am always looking for ways to give back and create uplifting change," says Jes. She adds "After all, what is the point of this life without exchange, without being able reach out to each other in a time of need?" Jes has a regular list of charities she contributes to and causes she supports - everything from animal rights to human rights to environmental issues. For a list of all her interests go to the "What's New" section and scroll down to the "Links" page on this website.
HELPING COMMUNITY
From within the colorful walls of her Sun Horse Studio, Jes not only creates beauty through her art, but she inspires beauty in each one of her many local employees. Well it's a little strange saying "employees" because we are really way more like a tight knit family. Jes encourages the best in all of us and gives each individual an opportunity to shine and the freedom to be ourselves. There is nothing ordinary about the work environment at Sun Horse Ranch. Turns out the people are happy and love what they do. With regular company outings, hikes and potlucks, as well as benefits, Jes feeds the souls of her employee's not just their paychecks. Jes also extends her hands further into the community through her involvement with animal rescue, volunteering at her daughter's school and she is currently setting up a scholarship incentive program to support youth in the arts.
ANIMAL ACTIVISIM
Ever since she was a little girl Jes has felt deeply connected to the animal kingdom. Her empathy shines through her designs and has always been a major inspiration for what she does. Devoted to animal rescue, her ranch is alive with creatures of all shapes and size. Many roam the studio and sleep on our laps or under our feet. Horses, dogs, cats, donkeys, goats and sheep needing homes have found one here. Jes stops by the pound regularly to save animals from being put down and boarding them until she can find them a loving family. Donating to animal rescue programs and educating people about the importance of spaying and neutering, adopting instead of buying, and not supporting puppy mills and unethical breeding practices are some of the ways she helps give our loyal friends a second chance.
ORGANICS, RECYCLING & DAILY LIFE
The recent expansion of Jes' product lines has given her even more opportunities to enforce socially responsible practices in crafting her goods. Her clothing line is 100% organic and all garments are locally hand-sewn and dyed using low impact natural pigments. Her line of essential oils are derived from wild or organic plants whenever possible. The frames she paints and embellishes are made from recycled and reclaimed glass, cardboard and solid pine, assembled by young people working alongside adult mentors in a supportive non-profit environment. Jes has had some inquiries about the leather used in her products; she wants to reassure everyone that she only uses leather acquired from cattle already being used for their meat; in addition, the deer suede she designs with, is collected by a woman who reclaims the skins of deer left by hunters.
Virtually every aspect of her business is in line with the highest environmental standards including the day to day; eating local organic foods, using recycled paper goods, earth friendly cleaning products, driving a hybrid and always keeping herself educated on the latest in alternative solutions.
Thank you for your interest in a sustainable future.