A season of reflection

And a thank you to the Jake and Jones community

In 2017, I was going through a tough period — a divorce, two young kids. I felt directionless and uninspired. Then I opened the shop. Over the past seven years, Jake and Jones (along with Menswear and The Eddy) has been a springboard for so many creative pursuits. Most importantly, it has been a place of connection. Within these walls, I met my husband Taylor, and we now have a beautiful daughter Noa. Deciding to open the shop ultimately taught me to believe in myself and to make choices that lift me up — and in doing so, help lift up the larger community.

When I was living in New York studying Art Therapy in my twenties, I remember feeling this constant need to create — to paint and write and make things. I feel reconnected to that part of myself now. I also feel a new sense of urgency, the feeling that time is running out and I need to push the boundaries more. It’s a practice to stay committed to my creative pursuits, to let go of what other people might think and to stay committed to my path.

The greatest thing about the shops is the people who work in them. I am inspired by our interactions and the relationships that have built up over the years. I know everyone’s partners, families, and children. Often, they’re my first phone calls in the morning. I trust this group of people completely and know how much they care about the shops. You can tell from the detail of their work. Each person has their own connections with customers and has contributed immensely to the Santa Barbara community.

I used to be someone who would spend quite a bit of time complaining about Santa Barbara, saying “There is no good food, no good shopping, no art.” Then, I opened a shop and saw firsthand how hard it is to be a small business owner. I stopped complaining and started being part of the solution. Now, I like to think I give people a lot more grace and legroom before jumping to criticize them. I am grateful for that.

The holidays have never really been about the gifts for me. This season gives us permission to pause, to take stock and cut through the bullshit and focus on the people and things that truly make us happy. It’s a forced breath in and out of control world. For me, it’s also an opportunity to let go of our differences and be reminded of the things that ascend beyond our grudges: forgiveness, empathy, and compassion.

So, while there is so much heaviness to be feeling at this time, so much hurt and so much darkness, there is also so much light. We are Jewish, and the story of Hannukah has always been about how lightness will find its way in the darkness (the poem below speaks to that). This community — our customers, this beautiful city, the artists, our neighbors, our staff — these are the things that give me hope. Really it’s as simple as showing up each day with openness and kindness to keep ourselves feeling connected.

Wishing you a light filled Holiday Season.

Jen

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Sweet Darkness

When your eyes are tired
the world is tired also.

When your vision has gone,
no part of the world can find you.

Time to go into the dark
where the night has eyes
to recognize its own.

There you can be sure
you are not beyond love.

The dark will be your home
tonight.

The night will give you a horizon
further than you can see.

You must learn one thing.
The world was made to be free in.

Give up all the other worlds
except the one to which you belong.

Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet
confinement of your aloneness
to learn

anything or anyone
that does not bring you alive

is too small for you.

- David Whyte