Who is the Yogi behind Tree Star?

While you may know my face, a bit about my journey thus far and about the Tree Star manifesto, I realized that you may not know about me, so allow me to introduce myself...

My name is Jennifer Dawn Verardi and I am the CEO, CFO, Founder, Designer, Jewelry Crafter and Customer Support Team of Tree Star, the Yogi Lifestyle Brand that is bringing you inspiration and simple yet thoughtful designs through graphic apparel and handmade jewelry. #bossbabes

Here are some things you need to know about me (in point form so it's easy to skim):

• I love tea, quiet moments, family, friends, typography, painting, yoga, meditation, cats, doggos, the universe, the earth, truth and personal development. I love life and I love love!
• I am a lifelong yogi and have been practicing yoga since the age of 16, which brings me to about 16 years of practice and it has saved me in many ways.
• I am a local actor, mostly working in community theatre and independent film. I have been acting in the community for 1 year longer than I have been practicing yoga, 17 years.
• I have a wee podcast called "FolkTales" that explore sharing stories of others + my own poetry. It has been an up and down experience, but I am still trucking along with it!
• I am officially a published Poet! You can check out my first collection on the website under the Poetry Collection menu option!
• Dedication, passion and creative humbleness drives my soul.
• Graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design and have been practicing my design skills since I was 16, too.
• Wow, I just noticed, all of my biggest loves blossomed around that age!
• I worked as a Freelance Designer in the community after College for 3 years before I found a highly engaging job at a start up company in Canada, where I learned a ton about e-commerce and Leadership.
• I was lucky enough to design the McMahon's House of Flowers logo which hangs with love and joy on the storefront in Kingston, Ontario and also to design promo posters for the Eastern Ontario Drama Festival (EODL) and some local theatre companies.
• I grew up crafting on all sorts of levels! Some examples include: At 9 years of age I created a magazine that I used to send to my cousin, Alexandra, who lived in another city. At 13 years of age, I began making jewelry; beaded bracelets.
• When I was 15 years old, a friend of mine taught me how to weave hemp, and from that point on I used to be the girl carrying around the "toolbox" of hemp and beads making jewelry for all of my friends and acquaintances alike. 
• I shifted gears and focused on my acting and graphic design craft for many years and in the winter of 2017, I began making jewelry again. 
• I was lucky enough to have the best-est friend growing up, a Chocolate Seal Point Siamese cat named Joey, who was in my life since I was 9 years old and he was 9 weeks old.
• Joey lived until he was 21 years and 3 weeks, and the winter before he passed, I started to come back to my crafting in jewelry as a healing mechanism. I knew it was approaching and needed the outlet. 
• The oldest collection used to be called "The Joey Project" because each and every piece was completely unique and made with love, inspired by the one and only Joey, who had vitiligo and was one of the most unique souls and beings I have ever met, and I also heard this from everyone who met him. We're not sure he was a cat to be honest, because he grew up with kids and lived so long, we're pretty sure he thought he was human.
• "Tree Star" was the business name I chose for a lot of reasons:
  - The Land Before Time is one of my favourite films, yes, because of the family love, strength, courage, hope and friendship themes it bestows
  - Joey and I used to watch this movie snuggled up together in bed. Like a few songs that make me think of him and feel his love, this film has that effect on me too.
  - I seriously LOVE trees and stars! If I had been better at math and science, I would have studied the stars.
  - The synchronicity of life between the earth and the stars fascinates and moves me.
  - The balance of grounding and dreaming is a truth of mine which I hope to share with the world.
  
  
• Now, here I am at 31 years of age discovering, learning and growing in ways I never imagined. Having started Tree Star has been one of the best things in my life and I am forever grateful to have the skills to be able to do so in hopes that I can bring to you mindful, thoughtful and long lasting designs that bring you inspiration and joy!
• On the Move: I am currently working to receive my Practitioners Mindfulness and CBT Therapy certification + Exploring new trends for apparel and jewelry design.

What's next for Tree Star?

• Healing Stones, Minerals and Gems Jewelry Collection to bring you the wondrous healing of the earth and universe that I, myself, have found much comfort, joy and inspiration in.
• Selling in Person at local markets, craft shows and in local shops that share the same manifesto.
• Expanding the Graphic Apparel Design Collection to include imagery that inspires and brings peace to all, especially Yogi's. 
• Building a Mini's Collection for all of your tiny wee humans so you can match and grow them up with light, love and joy. (Stay tuned, because I will also be offering a swap service because Kid's grow so fast-which will allow people to purchase garments at a discounted rate + send in your old garments for a credit/rebate)
• Expanding into Services to include weekly Meditation Practices

So who am I? I am just a Yogi, trying to live her best life by using her skills and sharing her love of life in hopes that I can bring you inspiration, joy and strength to live your best life!

And please don't hesitate to reach out anytime to connect, or ask questions about the products! I am always happy to help! treestarprojects@gmail.com  

*And if you live in the YGK area, I am always happy to provide free shipping in person! :)

It's so nice to meet you and I look forward to sharing this journey with you as I am grateful and thankful for your support and good vibes!

With love and light, Namasté <3

Jennifer Verardi