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

 

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.

 

Susan Alvarez
President & Chief Operating Officer

Alvarez joins BuDhaGirl after serving as CEO of Dormify, the home decor and furnishings company. Before that, she was chief merchandising and marketing officer for Things Remembered, a home decor, jewelry, and accessories brand. Her earlier positions include executive director of Nordstrom, where her purview encompassed women’s jewelry, accessories, and home, and director of merchandising of women’s and men’s accessories at Banana Republic. “As we broaden our client base in North America, Europe, and select other geographies, and introduce new product lines within our lifestyle portfolio, Susan is the right person at the right time to help steer our growth and optimize operational efficiency,” said BuDhaGirl’s founder, CEO, and creative director Jessica Jesse in a statement.

 Her superpower: Clarity.

 

 

Todd Eckardt

Chief Finance Officer
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

 

 

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: Persistence.

 

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

Kristin Smith
Manager of Retail Partnerships

Kristin manages and advises the Retail Partnerships team. She is responsible for maintaining existing partner relationships while also strategizing in and outside of her team to expand brand awareness. She is the woman behind the planning and running of all domestic and international trade shows.

Originally from Mississippi, Kristin is a Southern girl through and through. She enjoys reformer Pilates, visiting new places, attending sporting events, and walking the Katy Trail with her pup Rosie.

Her Superpower: Passion

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.