We are continuing our fun series of Vendor Highlights so you can learn more about the people and processes behind what you find in our shop. Today, we are talking with Jeanna Simonsons, founder of Karma Stacks (such a staple at Jewelweed!). Jeanna's story started with the scary challenge of cancer and grew into a wonderful business centered around spreading kindness, finding support, and giving back.
- Hi Jeanna! Let's start at the beginning... What is the origin story of your business? How and why did you start?
I began making bracelets back in the fall of 2016 after I was diagnosed with advanced-stage colon cancer. I knew I had a long road ahead of me with surgery and chemo treatments and needed something to help take my mind off my worries. Making the bracelets was incredibly therapeutic. I would make them and just give them away. I had always been fascinated with crystals and their properties, so it just
felt right to spread the good energy with others. My oncologist kept asking me if he could buy my bracelets for his wife, I insisted that he just take them and give them to her, but he kept on me about selling them. Finally, I decided to sell my creations, but it was important to me to have a give-back process. So, I donate a part of all sales to
cancer foundations.
- What did you want to do/be as a child?
Ha! I wanted to be everything! From a doctor to a vet, to a fashion designer, to a shop owner...
In general, I think I just wanted to help others. - Do you see this childhood dream present in some shape
or form today? Absolutely! I feel like I have the best of all worlds. I get to
create my own jewelry AND help others.
- What are the foundational values of your business? What is really important to you?
My personal value and what I've brought into my business is simple: spread kindness. You never know what people are going through. My biggest joy is that I get to connect with people, listen to their stories and where they are in life... the good, the bad, and the ugly.
- What is the story behind the name of your business?
Karma Stacks is all about spreading good karma. When you wear and share Karma Stacks, you are wearing good energy and sharing good energy. And, by purchasing Karma Stacks jewelry, you are supporting cancer foundations.
- Being an entrepreneur is not always easy; what has inspired you to keep going in the low moments?
I always remember my "why". Knowing that a simple Karma Stack can bring a tiny bit of happiness to someone's day helps me to keep going. I love spreading joy!
- What is your favorite of all the products you create, and why?
My rose quartz and garnet bracelet. It was the first bracelet that I ever created and I wore it to all of my appointments. I feel like it's a bracelet that anyone can wear and feel good about. Love and courage.
- What practices bring you joy and inspiration?
I find so much joy in just walking in nature. I love taking it all in, the air, the trees, the flowers, the sky, the sun - everything. Bonus if that walk is in the mountains! And I am always inspired by my clients. I appreciate every single one of them and I am grateful they share their stories with me.
Thank you, Jeanna, for answering our questions. We are so happy you are healthy and bring joy and beauty to others through your meaningful creations. Everyone who works at Jewelweed has a few Karma Stacks, and they are always on our gift list!
You can follow Jeanna and Karma Stacks on Instagram or Facebook.
Choose a Karma Stack (for you or a friend)
If you are not able to come to the shop or if you want to order one for a friend as a gift, we have Karma Stacks bracelets in the online shop: you choose the intention you want your bracelet to embody, and we ship it for you in a beautiful package.
We are very grateful for the wonderful people we work with at Jewelweed. We look for the best products for our customers, and we know each of our vendors. We like to feature artists, companies, and businesses with values that match our own: sustainability, wellness, connection with nature, beauty, and community.
Thank you for supporting us!