Jessica Jesse seamlessly blends mental well-being and fashion through her global jewelry brand, BuDhaGirl.
Louis Vuitton turtleneck, us.louisvuitton.com; Ralph Lauren pants, ralphlauren. com; Gucci boots, gucci.com; BuDhaGirl All Weather Bangles, budhagirl. com; BVLGARI watch, bulgari. com; Cartier rings, cartier.com. PHOTO BY RUVEN AFANADOR; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY ABOUT FACE PROS
‘I wanted to tell a story and highlight the significance of mindfulness.... Science shows us that starting the day with clear intentions and a contemplative practice is beneficial.’
Rooted in ritual and gratitude, Jessica Jesse, the founder and creative force behind the lifestyle brand BuDhaGirl (budhagirl.com), envisioned a new path in the fashion world—one where mindfulness takes center stage and brings a deeper conversation about intentional living into the industry.
“I wanted to tell a story and highlight the significance of mindfulness,” Jesse explains. “Science shows us that starting the day with clear intentions and a contemplative practice is beneficial. Why are we so hesitant to believe it? As mindfulness apps and products flourish, BuDhaGirl has been ahead of the curve, championing this mindset from the beginning.”
Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello tuxedo, ysl. com; Ralph Lauren blouse, ralphlauren.com; Chanel heels, chanel.com; BuDhaGirl All Weather Bangles, budhagirl.com; Chopard earrings, chopard.com; Swarovskiring, swarovski.com; her own necklace. PHOTO BY RUVEN AFANADOR; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY ABOUT FACE PROS
Now, 11 years later, with over 170 styles of bracelets, BuDhaGirl is on track to reach $20 million in sales, all while promoting mindful living. At the heart of the brand’s success is the iconic All Weather Bangle—a nonmetal, waterproof design available in multiple colors. The idea for the AWB was sparked by a visit to Thailand, where Jesse received a bangle in return for her donation to a monastery.
“I returned to the U.S. with a wrist full of these bangles, and people were drawn to them,” Jesse recalls. “It struck me that something born out of giving could continue to give.”
BuDhaGirl’s bangles are more than fashion accessories— they are woven into daily routines and a reminder to begin each day with gratitude and reflection. Each bangle, crafted by over 20 skilled artisans, is intentionally designed to have a soul. These bangles become personal talismans for Jesse, embodying her mindful approach to living.
“We want people to pause and ask, ‘How am I feeling? What do I want today? What am I doing that’s meaningful?’” Jesse emphasizes.
Drawing from the Buddhist adage, “We are what we think,” Jesse says she hopes her bangles inspire wearers to embrace self-reflection and awareness.
The All-Weather Bangles, sold in sets of nine, six or three, come with the Serenity Prayer Bead and the Mindful Glamour Ritual.
“If I had a magic wand, I’d want everyone to follow the ritual. But, ultimately, it’s about focusing on what matters in your life and bringing awareness to it,” she says. “People can create their own rituals… it is whatever feels right.”
Alex Perry gown, alexperry. com.au; BuDhaGirl gold bangle stacks, budhagirl.com; Rene Caovilla shoes, us.renecaovilla.com; Cartier rings, cartier.com. PHOTO BY RUVEN AFANADOR; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY ABOUT FACE PROS
For Jesse, her ritual begins with two bangles dedicated to her children. “It’s instinctual—I want my children to be safe, happy and find joy in their pursuits,” she shares. “Taking a moment to affirm this intention makes it even more meaningful.”
The remaining bangles are used for self-reflection and setting intentions for her day—whether preparing for a meeting or checking in on her well-being. “It’s not the grand moments that define life; it’s the small daily choices we make that shape a fulfilled, well-lived life.”
Continuing her entrepreneurial spirit, BuDhaGirl is now expanding into the beverage sector with the launch of the award-winning BUDHAGIRL Sparkling wines and BuDhaGirl Tea. The sparkling wines, which include brut, demi-sec and rosé, are designed to align with ritual, a core pillar of the brand.
“Sparkling wine is a celebration—a moment of focus and presence. We didn’t invent ritual; we bottled it,” Jesse says.
Similarly, the tea collection emphasizes rituals, with blends crafted for different times of the day.
“Our teas take you on a journey from morning to night, but the key is to choose the one that resonates with you,” Jesse explains. Made in the U.S. with butterfly-pollinated flowers, the teas reflect BuDhaGirl’s dedication to mindfulness and intention.
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Jesse’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. Her son’s personal health struggles inspired her commitment to ritual practices. “When my son became very ill, we chose to avoid a drug-based recovery and instead focused on contemplative practices. These small, daily rituals brought us awareness and understanding—making all the difference,” she says. “Science proves we can reintegrate our brains through daily practice, extending cognitive longevity.”
As BuDhaGirl continues to grow, with plans for further expansion into new sectors, Jesse remains dedicated to guiding others toward well-being. What began as a simple bangle has evolved into a movement that encourages joy, intention and the power of mindful living on a global scale.
“SPARKLING WINE IS A CELEBRATION—A MOMENT OF FOCUS AND PRESENCE. WE DIDN’T INVENT RITUAL; WE BOTTLED IT.”
Photography by: Photo By: Ruven Afanador
