Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Burns.
Tess, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In March 2012, I packed whatever I could in my Jeep and set out to Oregon with a wide-open spirit and zero plans to stay long-term. I’d never experienced the West Coast before, but I met my husband and started a lovely little family. The natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest helped the transition to call this “home”.
For years, my days were split between working as a legal assistant and a personal trainer. Then, one night, inspiration struck out of nowhere. I woke up at 3 a.m. with this undeniable urge to make jewelry—something that had never once been on my radar, but my hands had been craving a true creative outlet. Unable to sleep, I got out of bed, started researching, and mapped out a plan before sunrise.
The early days were full of trial, error, and finding my rhythm through countless styles and techniques. Today, that middle-of-the-night spark has evolved into Blue June Outfitters—a full-time creative brand rooted in local markets, boutiques, and pieces crafted for the mystical at heart.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Is there such a thing as a “smooth road”? Haha. Anyone running a creative business will tell you the road is anything but smooth. My journey has had its fair share of growing pains—from the steep self-taught learning curve of jewelry construction to the sheer hustle of scaling a brand from a 3 a.m. brainstorm into a full-time job.
One of my biggest hurdles was learning the business engine behind the art: navigating wholesale, building an online presence, managing social media, taking photographs, networking, and physically hauling gear to outdoor markets through unpredictable weather. Creative burnout is real when you pour so much of yourself into your work, but every “win” feels extra special and gives you such a great sense of pride.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
It took several years of exploring, experimenting, and letting go of what felt safe before I really honed in on my niche. Once I leaned into what naturally fascinated me, everything fell into place. Today, and for years now, Blue June Outfitters is known as a mystical, celestial, witchy, and bohemian brand.
I specialize in statement earrings and celestial jewelry designed to feel like personal talismans. I’m best known for dramatic moon motifs, mixed metals, and natural stones like labradorite and obsidian—pieces that blend earthy stones with dark elegance. Alongside jewelry, I carry that same spirit into apparel and accessories, like my custom fedoras finished with celestial details under the brim and sassy tote bags.
What sets my work apart is that edge. It’s not delicate, pastel bohemian; it’s moody, grounded, and bold. Packed with a lot of personality yet crafted to be lightweight enough to wear all day. What I’m most proud of is that evolution itself—taking the time to fumble through the noise until I built an authentic identity that a loyal community seeks out season after season.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
At first, I was worried that the art world may get lost in the noise of rapidly evolving AI, social media trends, viral videos and influencer culture. However, it’s been refreshing to see that the artisan community is doubling down on human connection and hands-on involvement. I believe that you can expect to see that reflected in artists’ work with more intentional pieces, pieces with a story, pieces that are unique and have a story. I’ve also noticed that customers are noticing this shift as well and actually want artwork and jewelry that is handmade, individual and personal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bluejuneoutfitters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_june_apparel/
