Desert Rose Trading: September 2010

When you’re called upon to write a ditty about the C.O.O. (this is the best way to describe her since we don’t have titles here at DRT) of your company there are two things you can do – panic or realize that you’re so very lucky to have the chance to work with such a compassionate and dedicated person that it will be easy as pie. Of course you may think, “Well, anyone would say that about their boss in a blog,” – but in this case it’s spot on.

Kenna’s Most Favorite Guy on Earth T-Roy having fun in the New Mexican snow.

Kenna with Sheryl Crow at the Andre Agassi Grand Slam Benefit Event

Kenna is a true blue Texan at heart even though she now calls Albuquerque home. Graduating with a Bachelors degree in business administration/labor and human resource management, she put herself through school with various jobs and a partial athletic scholarship. Her office is often filled with music, exotic smelling aroma sticks and a desk that looks like she has organized a small army. It is by no means messy – from rock samples, to new jewelry designs or the latest update to insurance rates - a busy girl has to stay extremely structured. So, not only is she creatively talented, but with a corporate background she brings the best of both worlds to our team (btw - I’ve never met someone who gets more excited or delighted about our new designs as her). But I don’t have to convince you. Just read below :

I am in the jewelry business, I believe, because when you are open and receptive, you end up where you are meant to be. I tend to love details, and this business certainly has considerable room for details. I appreciate being able to put thought, effort and even love in to what we create, how we create it and the people who make it happen. It is important to me to provide an environment and a culture in which everyone here feels free to bring all of who they are to work. I subscribe to the “in a world where you can be anything, be who you are” philosophy.

We have assembled a work “family” that inspires me on a daily basis. I find such joy in observing how each individual applies their gifts and talents in an unassuming fashion yet always with the ultimate goal of either creating another remarkable design, making sure our customers know they are the back bone of our business or ensuring that each and every piece meets our quality standards. A more caring and sincere group of people you will never find.

I love the design process. I love to see how simple cutting and polishing can transform a “rock” into an amazing piece. Each time this happens I am reminded of the wonders that surround us. I so enjoy the people that find and harvest the stones we use from all over the world. I love the “romance” or stories behind the stones, how they are mined, etc. So many of the miners are second and third generation rock hounds. It really is in their blood. I appreciate that what we do brings income to places and people that most likely otherwise would have none. Having a hand in helping support my fellow human beings, in any way, is something I cherish. I appreciate all of my “bosses,” the customers and the amazing team who makes what we do possible. Every new find humbles me…Nature is amazing!

Jay is the “King” of many things, not the least of which is adventure. It is always fun when we get a chance to travel, explore and often times “discover” materials with windows of endless possibilities to one day become a true work of art that in some way shares our passion for what we do with our glorious customers.

Kenna enjoying an elephant ride during a recent trip to Thailand with Jay.

Kenna’s Favorite Stones: Petrified Wood (mine too!), Turquoise, Lepidolite & Sugilite---or anything naturally purple….how amazing is that!, Seraphinite -I think I like chatoyancy what do you think?, Rutilated quartz

I always romanticize that when Kenna leaves for the weekend I see her driving out to the mountains on her Harley and enjoying a moment or two of sticking her toes into a small New Mexican stream. Soaking it all in, remembering that the joy is in the journey.