Arte = Art
Vista = View
a. A distant view or prospect, especially one seen through an opening, as between rows of buildings or trees.b. An awareness of a range of time, events, or subjects; a broad mental view.
I have a dream. That one day I will have my own business. But not just any business. I wanted it to be mission-driven, to somehow give back to causes I support and combine it with the things I love: travel, culture, and art. During my travels, I would always buy handmade souvenirs from local artists and artisans unique only to that city or country. From jewelry, accessories, pottery, and textile usually made from indigenous materials. I’ve collected a LOT over the last ten years. When it became clear to me that I won’t stop doing this any time soon, I knew I had to do something about it.
So during my last few trips to the Philippines, I slowly laid down the foundation. I looked for handmade products that I love and brought tons of them back to the States. I was planning to buy more stuff the next time I go since I visit the motherland every couple of years. But then the pandemic happened. This just made things more difficult but it also gave me the sense of urgency I needed. Now more than ever, a lot of local artists and artisans, especially those in underserved communities, lost their livelihoods.
With the help of family and friends, I have been busy reaching out to artisan communities in the Philippines for the last year. Communities that share the same ethos as I do: ethical production, fair trade, sustainable livelihood, culture preservation.
The last few months, I have extended my reach to other artisan communities around the world as well as local artisans here in the US. I love hearing their personal stories and their drive to do something they love. Or simply survive. I am especially inspired to support women entrepreneurs. Especially the women of color. Like me. I’ve also been inspired to finally share my own art. My photography and designs that I’ve never really shared before. I draw my inspiration from my love of arts and culture, travel memories, my understanding of women and being a world citizen.
And so The Arte Vista was born.
Thank you to my family and friends who helped along the way and crossed international borders for me when I couldn’t travel.
Thank you for supporting my little endeavor.
Jen is a Chicago-based traveler and creative. She is a full-time development & communications executive specializing in non-profit organizations. Originally from the East Coast, she created The Jetsetter as a place to share her travel stories and photos with friends and family. Now, it is a place for adventurers and dreamers. Its purpose is to inspire and encourage busy professionals to see the world and achieve a better work-life balance.