Meet Jenny Ho | Designer & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenny Ho and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenny, how has your work-life balance changed over time?

I think about work life balance as sustainability. I’m discovering that an efficient way to create sustainable environments in my life is to integrate both my work self and personal self to function together. It’s efficient because it doesn’t require extra energy to keep things separate, to pretend to be something else or to pursue things not aligned with your values.

Thinking about it in this way allows me to ask the question, does this task/project/schedule contribute to sustaining the priorities in my life right now? This might mean being deliberate and thoughtful in managing expectations or offering more grace when it comes to timelines and goals. Or taking on exciting opportunities that intersect beautifully with my current work. It could also mean declining until a more aligned moment arises.

At any given point in time, I’ll find myself with varying levels of motivation, inspiration, drive and energy. These are dependent on what’s happening in my life at that moment. And so, being diligent about holding certain spaces sacred and cognizant of what’s serving me right now is crucial to my well being…and can have a direct impact on my family’s well being.

How has your work-life balance changed over time?

During the first several years of working, I thought of work–life balance as a battle between effort vs time. I hoped to simply rearrange the items on my plate in some fashion and still somehow get it all done. I had a scarcity complex. If I don’t do it now, it probably won’t come my way again and so it’s just as urgent as everything else. I wanted to do all the things and do them well. I held a “work harder” mindset in my job which translated to the more-effort-the-more-achieved kind of thinking.

Ultimately, what it accomplished was mental and physical exhaustion. A self punishing cycle that valued zero sum thinking and perfectionism. What was lost on me was vulnerability and courage to define the things that helped me to thrive as a human so that I could optimize my work. Over time, how I look at it has evolved to be more of a marathon than a sprint. Asking how to create a more viable work-life harmony has helped me to view work as a collection of all my needs/goals/partnerships over a long period of time. Zoomed out and in tandem with my inner self.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I started Sea & Pine to fill a need of alternative leather goods with vibrancy, intention, and culture. I come from mixed heritage – Asian & Pacific Islander – and my designs reflect the places I’ve been, the values I hold, and the different parts of my identity. My handmade handbags and accessories present a unique blend of texture, color, vibrant prints, form and function. It has become a form of expression in how I interact with the world.

Functional style, attention to detail, inspiring prints that cultivate joy, and different ways to hold and utilize art are central to my designs. I also wanted to create something that connected to my community and eco system. My work is cruelty-free and continues to give. A tree is planted with every purchase and my commitment toward sustainability has led to a big project this year. Sea & Pine is one of the first small businesses to offer plant based leather — Cactus leather — in the Pacific Northwest.

I am honored to be a Woman/Asian and Pacific Islander small business owner sharing the many facets of my experiences and helping to lift the identities of my community. Sea & Pine’s mission is to build uniquely beautiful products, do socially conscious work, amplify the lived experiences of womxn & womxn of color. I’m committed to infusing innovation into creative design to offer intentional products with purpose.

I love teaming up and so being able to partner with national non-profits National Forest Foundation and Best Friends Animal Society to support their mission has been so much fun. Through local, non-profit collaborations I’ve had the honor of working with Refugee Artisan Initiative, Treehouse for Kids, and Westside Baby. 10% of my Maya Collection goes to racial & social justice organizations including this past Spring’s recipients: Advancing Asian American Justice (Atlanta) and API Chaya. Supporting the robust and beautiful BIPOC artist community is one of my highest priorities.

Earlier this year, I celebrated four years of sharing arts and culture with my community. Sea & Pine is here today because of the beautiful souls who’s’ values aligned with my mission. They believe in who I am and my work. My husband, daughters, extended Ohana of family and friends helped cultivate this in a generous way. From my first opportunity with a local surf shop to my creative peers who’ve been a support system navigating the small business adventure together. Plus each and every customer & client. Every relationship has been like opening a gift. Each one has offered me support and creative joy. These people have carried me through ups, downs while also taking me on some pretty incredible adventures. I’m still here creating and connecting because of all of them. Thank you!

Lessons I’ve learned have everything to do with reaching out, showing up whenever possible, and the trust built in relationships. It might mean asking for help, anticipating a need or loving without borders. Paying it forward brings about a flourishing for everyone. There’s no zero sum on that. It can level playing fields and make visible all kinds of art/people/beauty.

Sea & Pine It is my commitment each year to becoming a better version of the what, how and why — this drives my dedication to unique quality, sustainability and intentional purpose.

Aloha Pumehana.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d take my best friends on a camping trip in the Cascades to paddle in turquoise waters at Lake Diablo. Sprinkle in day hikes near Ross Lake Recreation Area and campfire cozies for the ultimate recharge adventure.

Back in the city, it’s happy hour just a few minutes away on Il Nido’s patio nibbling on burrata and king oyster mushrooms before heading to Communion or Archipelago for dinner. If we can snag a reservation at these two gems, that is. Soul food and Filipino food at its finest.

We’re definitely going to get treats like Dim Sum and pastries in the International District–visiting Jade Garden, Fuji Bakery, Maneki, Hiroki and The Panama Hotel. The cutest shop with aloha, Sairen, is also a fun stop.

On a sunny weekend, we’d cycle down to Marination for liliko’i malasadas before heading over the low bridge toward Pioneer Square. If we’re not at a Sounders game then we’d pedal through the Sculpture Park along the water all the way to Ballard Avenue for exquisite eats and shops.

We’d totally catch a local art & food market such as the BIPOC founded Makers Market, the vibrant Fremont Sunday Market or the always fun Tacoma Night Market plus so many more. For more local gifts, the perfect card and all the laughs we’d head to Alair in West Seattle. We might even catch an interval class at HIIT LAB and get a dose of sweat and swag at one of their 90’s themed classes.

On long summer days, it’s hanging out at Lake Washington as we paddle, bbq, and let the kids run wild. It’s also when we catch those laid back but vibrant outdoor summer concerts at Magnuson Park or indoors pre-pandemic where we saw a fav indie band Kuinka play at Nectar Lounge.

But on chill nights, nothing beats the sunset and stargazing near Constellation Park on Alki. It’s bring-your-own beach chair and favorite drink as we catch up and let seal pups listen in on the fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Thank you Shoutout LA!

Absolutely, the love from others has been the reason for all the goodness in my life.

My family and friends have given me purpose, accountability, steadfast love and the ability to keep dreaming. They are there every step of the way. My partner in life, Brett, not only champions my endeavors but he does so in the most empowering and generous way. My daughters inspire me to keep learning and keep beautifying.

My mom and grandma introduced me to sewing and creating. I had the gift of seeing them both in action, learning from them and discovering more ways to express the way I interacted with the world.

Christy and Sarah of the former Coastal Surf Boutique took a chance on my designs and helped me to create on the fly what is now Sea & Pine. So much love to these two beautiful and strong mamas and friends.

Shandon Graybeal and the Alair family has shown me in real time how believing in people can move mountains. I’ve had the honor of bearing witness to her love in action–the power of tapping into courage and showing up for others of all experiences. She’s been this for me and my whole family.

A big shout out to my lovely and steadfast group of West Seattle creatives and local vendors & stockists who keep me inspired…as well as to the supportive small business communities across the country who takes the time to pay it forward. Love also to the incredible non-profits I’ve worked with for their beautiful collaborations and generous spirit over the years.

And to all of the wonderful humans who have supported my endeavors whether through purchases, partnerships, sharing, showcasing and connecting. I appreciate you so much and thank you for trusting me. I love seeing your positive collective power.

Website: www.seaandpinedesigns.com

Instagram: instagram.com/seaandpinedesigns

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jenny-ho-seattle-washington

Facebook: facebook.com/seaandpinedesigns

Image Credits
Samantha Witt Annie Golding