OUR TEAM
Jessica Jesse
CEO, Founder & Creative Director
Jessica Jesse is the visionary force behind BuDhaGirl®, holding the titles of Founder, Chief Visionary, and Creative Director. Beyond her professional prowess, she’s a loving mother and devoted spouse, a skilled contemplative practitioner, a style icon, a globetrotter, a culinary enthusiast, an accomplished chef, an avid art aficionado, and a dedicated philanthropist.
Her life story unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of her rich heritage...Read More
Her superpower: Creativity
Bill Jesse
Chairman
In 1986 Bill founded San Francisco-based H.W.Jesse&Co, since then he has been an active investor and advisor to founders, families, and entrepreneurs focusing on consumer-oriented enterprises. Bill has served on over 20 boards during his career as an investor and advisor and currently serves on the boards of BuDhaGirl, Swensons Drive-In Restaurants, Rack & Riddle, The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley, and Rishi Tea.
Prior notable investments include Peet’s Coffee & Tea, where he served as an investor, board member, and Chairman, Serena & Lily (Chairman), and The Wine Group (TWG), where Bill served as a board member since the company’s inception in 1981, including service as its chairman (2012-2015).
Bill has helped guide the success of numerous other consumer companies and has served on the boards of Specialized Bicycle Components, Troy Lee Designs, Aidells Sausage, Smith Sport Optics, Western Athletic Clubs, Stanislaus Food Products, and Wired Ventures..Read More
His superpower: Analysis
Todd Eckardt
Chief Finance Officer (CFO)
Todd Eckardt has been helping BuDhaGirl for six years and was made the CFO in October 2020.
A bit more about Todd...when not at the office, Todd is probably found on his bike, road gravel, or mountain biking.
His superpower: Accountability
Chris Hartley
Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)
Chris Hartley is the Chief Revenue Officer at BuDhaGirl, where he leads the company’s strategic growth initiatives. With a wealth of experience in sales, marketing, and leadership, Chris has held prominent roles in multiple industries, most notably in luxury consumer goods and technology. His expertise spans brand development, market expansion, and customer engagement strategies that drive sustainable revenue growth.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the latest trends in wearable technology, and watching his daughter and son pursue their athletic passions.
His superpower: Empathy
Sam Hupp
Executive Vice President of Revenue and Strategy
Sam brings over 20 years of experience in driving both retail and wholsale revenue growth and building strategic partnerships. While leading our wholesale partnerships team Sam will ensuring Budhagirl continues to innovate and expand market presence with a focus on strategic revenue generation.
Outside of work, Sam is passionate about spending time with friends and family, cycling, and fostering pit bulls with the goal of helping them find their forever homes.
His superpower: Problem Solver
Idrees Rasheed
Director of Business Analytics and IT Development
Idrees handles our SEO, IT, website functionality, and anything that needs some tech magic. Always ready to assist when logins aren't working, emails aren't sending and coupons aren't working.
A little more about Idrees...he loves gaming, music, drumming, and road trips on motorcycles, and is done with his master's at UTD in Business Analytics.
His superpower: Curiosity
Sydney Schweizer
Assistant Creative Director
Sydney is responsible for planning and developing BuDhaGirl’s email marketing campaigns. She also manages the company’s team of Influencer partners and coordinates influencer campaigns.
A little more about Sydney...she has a passion for fashion, loves traveling to California with her family, has the biggest sweet tooth, and is obsessed with her dog, Mable.
Her superpower: Dedication
Paige Kirkham
Social Media Manager
Paige is responsible for developing eye-catching social media campaigns across a multitude of media platforms. She also specializes in maintaining the integrity of our customer relationships while ensuring that all customers have the perfect BuDhaGirl experience.
A bit more about Paige...she enjoys running and attending live musical events. She also enjoys spending time cooking and reading about the latest fashion trends.
Her superpower: Awareness
Cindy Ngo
Photographer/Videographer/Graphic Designer
Cindy is responsible for developing beautiful photography, and videography, that is used across a multitude of digital platforms. She also specializes in creating inspiring digital graphics and short-form videos for social media.
A little more about Cindy...she is an amazing artist and enjoys creating art in a multitude of forms. She also loves thrifting and spending quality time with her friends.
Her superpower: Artistic Creativity
Tony Guerrero
Operations Manager
Tony Is responsible for leading and ensuring all operational functions are running smoothly and effectively to BudhaGirl standards. He manages all aspects of product flow, order fulfillment, inventory, and after-sales customer care.
A bit more about Tony…He loves classic cars, sports, music, a great seafood meal, and his German Shepard Stella.
His Superpower: Dependability
Irma Peralta
Fulfillment Manager
As Fulfillment Manager, Irma makes sure all our orders reach our clients in a beautiful and timely manner. She makes sure each package is lovingly assembled making sure that all our good energy and gratitude arrive as well.
A bit more about Irma...she is super shy, a fabulous artist and jewelry maker, loves spicy (and I mean spicy) food, and is a great mom.
Her superpower: Efficiency
Bangle
The BuDhaPuppy
Bangle is responsible for gracing the office with her loving presence and for keeping a smile on everyone's face. Bangle, the puppy princess is known for her celebrity appearances on BuDhGirl’s social media and her impeccable fashion sense. She has been admired for her pure beauty and her incredibly mischievous but adorable behavior. Her favorite fashion accessory is of course… our BuDhaGirl Bangles.
A little more about Bangle...she is an amazing companion who loves being pampered by her loving parents Jessica and Bill Jesse.
Her superpower: “I didn’t do it”
Fred
The BuDhaKitty that resides in eternal peace
Fred, also known as the BuDhaKitty was a magical tiny cat. Arriving at Jessica’s house after laying on a reclining statue of the Buddha that is found in her backyard, Fred just appeared…and never left. Technically he was a feral cat, although he was caught and released…notice the clipped ear.
More about Fred: He was Jessica’s love, pain nubbin, nush nush, & buddy. He lowered Jessica’s anxiety instantly. Fred gracefully taught all how to see the magic of simply living in the now. Fred loved to eat…and loved to be sung to (unfortunately by Jessica).
His superpower: Being.