Kristine Jenson spends a lot of time creating in her workshop. It’s where she finds solace and taps into her creativity when designing jewelry.Her journey began with making malas in 2015, delving into a workshop that introduced her to the art of crafting these spiritual strands of beads.
Kristine was completely fascinated by mala making. Knot by knot she fell in love with the process. Enthralled, she found it to be more than just creating jewelry; it became a form of meditation, blending her scientific background with her artistic expression.
Fast forward to 2016, during her yoga teacher training. Kristine’s head instructor planted a seed in her mind – start your own business selling jewelry. Hesitant at first, Kristine took the plunge after some soul-searching. And from the get-go, she knew it had to be about more than just making a buck.
This is where a personal family tragedy intersected with her purpose – Devon’s Legacy.
Devon Renae Jenson was born in June 2000, the second child for Kristine’s brother and his wife. When Devon was about one day old, she went into distress and doctors discovered she was born with a rare and complex heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). In the simplest terms, the left side of Devon’s heart was extremely underdeveloped. Both sides of our hearts are necessary for pumping blood and moving oxygen through the body so something had to be done in order for her to survive.
Despite undergoing numerous surgeries, Devon passed away in 2003, leaving behind a profound impact on KristineIt was a heartbreaking loss, but it became Kristine’s driving force. As Kristine meditated on creating a jewelry business searching for her purpose she said Devon’s voice resonated clearly, urging her to make her creations a tribute to Devon’s memory.To this day Kristine proudly donates ten percent of her profits to the Heart Program at Children’s Hospital of Minnesota where Devon received care.
Kristine’s commitment extends beyond honoring Devon; it encompasses environmental stewardship. With a background in environmental conservation, she prioritizes ethically sourced materials and eco-friendly practices. From authentic crystals and gemstones to fair trade tassels sourced from a US woman-owned company working with women in India, Kristine ensures her creations uphold sustainability standards. Additionally, she partners with the company Planet to offset her shipping’s carbon footprint, proudly maintaining carbon neutrality in her business.
Her jewelry, crafted with meticulous care, can be found on her website and in select Minnesota stores such as Joy and Company in Grand Marais, BKV in Isanti, and The Yoga Center Retreat in St. Louis Park.Moreover, she engages her audience through a VIP Facebook group, offering sneak peeks and live trunk shows. Beyond her jewelry business, Kristine mentors others in the industry and embraces her roles as a Shaman and Medicine Woman, guided by Devon’s spirit every step of the way.
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