Welcome! I’m Karen. I’m a psychologist and a jewelry maker, and I’ve always been drawn to the ways stories connect us — the little moments, the shared experiences, and the paths that shape who we are. My own creative journey began years ago, making jewelry with a friend in what we called “bead therapy.” I quickly discovered the special joy of creating together — the laughter, the ideas, and the spark that comes when people craft side by side. Over time, that joy grew into a love of designing pieces that carry meaning, celebrate stories, and honor the paths we’ve traveled.

A recent family trip to a natural history museum sparked a whole new wave of inspiration. Walking among the stunning gems and stones, each formed over millennia, I was struck by the wild creativity of our Earth. It felt almost magical — how our planet crafts such beauty, each piece unique, just like us. That sense of wonder inspired my recent collections, focused on gemstones and freshwater pearls, celebrating the beauty and resilience of our planet. Each piece is designed not just as adornment, but as a reflection of the Earth’s artistry and a reminder of our own stories.

All of this led to Juniper Skies: a place where creativity, friendship, family, and community come together. It’s a boutique designed to uplift and inspire — a space where stories are celebrated, connections are nurtured, and every piece carries a little spark of joy, beauty, and meaning.

Juniper Skies brings together so many of my passions, becoming a project that fills me with both joy and purpose. In early 2024, I stepped back from what was then Juniper Designs to focus on other priorities. But with time and reflection, I realized I was more passionate than ever about growing Juniper into a thriving, meaningful legacy as I enter the second half of my working years.

That clarity led to a new chapter: renaming Juniper Designs to Juniper Skies, opening a brick-and-mortar boutique, building a small team to help run the shop while I continue my private practice, and creating a space for social/crafting events and classes. Juniper Skies is a mission-oriented artful living and gift boutique — a place where creativity, friendship, family, and community come together. It’s designed to feel uplifting, inspiring, and welcoming, a space where people can connect, explore, and celebrate stories, art, and the beauty woven into everyday life.

A friend once told me, “God is already there where you are going,” and that sentiment resonates deeply. Juniper Skies reflects that calling — a space created with intention, optimism, and heart. The sun in our logo represents warmth, the juniper tree symbolizes strength and resilience, and the skies themselves are limitless — offering endless possibilities for connection, creativity, and growth.

With our doors now open, Juniper Skies is a place where stories are shared, inspiration is sparked, and every visit leaves you feeling a little lighter, brighter, and more connected.

Where did the name come from?

The name Juniper Skies has roots in an unexpected place — a beloved horse from my kids’ favorite show on Netflix, Spirit. The horse, Junipero, was rescued by a group of friends who showed him kindness, patience, and loyalty as he healed from an abusive owner. That story of resilience, compassion, and the power of connection stayed with us, and the name “Juniper” became a symbol of strength, hope, and second chances.

Over time, the name evolved right alongside my work. As my designs grew more grounded in nature, storytelling, and the blend of earthly and celestial elements, Juniper Skies became the perfect expression of what I hoped to create — a brand inspired by the natural world, guided by light, and connected to something bigger than ourselves.

Juniper Skies reflects both where the story began and where it continues to reach: rooted in the earth, reaching toward the sky, and always guided by creativity, meaning, and connection.

OUR MISSION

Juniper Skies is committed to supporting mental health education, advocacy, and economic opportunity, a key determinant of health. We do this through directly supporting the mental health education and advocacy work that I do and by providing a marketplace for other businesses that provide resources for economic opportunity, safe work for exploited people, and other important social missions that create a healthier world for us all.