In our world the entrepreneur is the basis for all things big and small. So many companies that are now giants in our industry came from small shapers or guys making t-shirts or some new kind of board shorts. California itself is a breeding ground for entrepreneurs, you could go all the way back to the gold rush and the possibilities and dreams that the great west held.
California is full of people taking a chance to build something of their own. Donna Von Hoesslin is one of those people. I met her years ago not long after hearing about this brand Betty Belts that was growing and getting some attention up and down the coast. We later worked together on a couple ideas that raised money for a non-profit and Donna herself has been doing that for years. In fact she has put a tremendous amount of thoughts works and resources into running a business that does what it can to make a difference and follow sustainable practices where it can. This is a tough thing for a small company to shave any margin off profits can be that amount that breaks the bank but she has stayed with her values and continues to work by her plan. Betty Belts, simply put is a line of accessories and jewelry for woman and a little for the guys. But as it grows ideas of Donna and her designers continue to expand into all sorts of items.
With a solid team of beautiful California women modeling, Betty Belts steps forth as accessories that bring out the beautiful California woman in you. Now I haven’t tried it personally but I bet even I would feel beautiful in one of these belts or necklaces!!
I was lucky enough to get some time with Donna and asked her some questions, lets learn more about the woman behind Betty Belts.
R: Donna where you are from originally?
The Bay Area California
R: You started in California but left for Europe at some point, What took you to Germany?
I wanted to live in Europe, but ended up in Berlin after a drummer boy I was in love with went there to play in a band.
R: What brought you back to California?
My love of surfing and a desire to be close to the ocean where I could surf every day.
R: Tell us about “the big house”
Oh, the Road House at Pleasure Point, also known as Casa del Mar. I have so many fond memories of time spent in that house. My friends lived there, I even did very briefly. This house was one of the reasons I fell in love with Santa Cruz and made it my destination when I left Berlin.
R: What did/do you like about Pleasure Point?
The community... always seeing your friends walking along the cliff... checking the surf... surfing...
R: Favorite local hangouts in Pleasure Point area?
Paradise Surf Shop
Coffee-topia
Pink Godzilla Sushi
The Thrift Stores on 41st (if they are still there)
R: How did you end up in Ventura?
I fell in love with my friend David Pu'u and he asked me to move in.
R: When did you start Betty Belts?
2003.
R: When did you make the decision to gear Betty Belts toward making a difference?
It was like that from the very start. I didn't see the point in starting a business purely for profit.
R: What products focus on making a difference?
The SurfAid Wave necklace gives back 10% of sales directly to SurfAid International. 1% of ALL my sales go to East Bali Poverty Project and Surfrider Foundation. I've donated countless products to various fundraisers, both local and not. I use my products to create awareness for countless causes, the number I support in many ways grows all the time. An example is selling certain belts to raise money for our local Surfrider Foundation Chapter. 100% of the sales go directly to Surfrider.
We are also on our way to Bali in August to start working with the East Bali Poverty Project on products made from Vetiver Grass and Bamboo. Both of these plants are used in the groundbreaking sustainable land and rainwater management they have been implementing. The grass can be woven and used for a variety of products so we are going to start using that. This will provide income for the villagers that the EBPP is helping to guide out of poverty step by step by helping them help themselves. East Bali Poverty Project is also a major beneficiary of 1% For The Planet.
R: How do you find designers and lines to include in Betty Belts?
Word of mouth brings in local artisans. Many of them just getting started. I help them, mentor them, give them pricing advice to make the most of it and create a sustainable, viable income source. Right now we sell the designs of five local artists, as well as the photographer of local lens man and icon David Pu’u. I want to work with some of the to develop products we can design together and add to the Betty Belts Collection for sales worldwide.
R: When did surfing become important to you? And what does surfing mean for you?
Surfing became a very important factor in my life from the day I started at the age of 31. Surfing is my spiritual time. Almost daily immersions in the ocean are life-giving, inspiring, healthy and fun.
R: What does California give to you?
The ocean, the sun, inspiration, a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, cultural diversity, friends visiting from all over the world.
R: Favorite place to travel to in California?
San Francisco and Big Sur.
R: What is important to you about Ventura?
Ventura is becoming a very stimulating place to live with many creative people moving in. I am thrilled to be a part of the community and have so many opportunities to give to so many causes.
R: What is your favorite time of year in Ventura?
As David says, our winters are the best summers. The surf is best!
R: Name a couple of your favorite dining spots in Ventura?
Taqueria Tepatitlan
Paradise Pantry (Wine Tasting, Cheese and other tasty treats)
Candlelight Kitchen
Aloha Steakhouse
R: What is in store for Betty Belts in the near future?
This summer we just released the Team Betty Cause Collection designed by Mary Osborne, Jeanette Ortiz, Sierra and Hailey Partridge. Each design donates 10% of sales to a cause of their choice. They chose Project Kaisei, Bali Dog Rescue, Women's Sports Foundation and Doctors without borders. I expect this collection to do very well for many years due to the timelessness and quality of the designs.
Several exciting new projects are in the works. I just started working on some new designs with Artist Robb Havassey that are both for men and women utilizing his famous "Sunshine" icon. I am also working on some awesome and very unique new designs utilizing excess resin created from surfboard manufacturing.
And we are introducing our first Betty Boards, beautiful one of a kind long boards shaped by master craftsman Dennis Ryder. They will only be made to order for individuals or surf shops that would like to carry them. I design the deck utilizing the Betty B. Shell flower and we use really nice tints in the resin for a truly beautiful piece of ride able art. They start at 7-foot mini-long boards starting at $690. The new designs and the board will debut at the Sacred Craft in San Diego next to the ASR show.
R: Thank you so much, Donna.
Stay tuned to find out more about Donna and Betty Belts. Betty Belts can be found in the Re:Cal online store and try to visit the Betty Belts retail store in the heart of Ventura at 12 North Fir Street in Ventura California 93001 (805) 648-6997. There are products that you can only find available in the retail store and the store is cover with amazing prints available by photography legend David Pu’u. One of the few places you can few and purchase his amazing works.
www.bettybelts.com
www.davidpuu.com
http://shop.recalmag.com/Betty-Belt
Words: Lou Niles
Great Photos: David Puu medicocre photos: Lou Niles
