Jess Ekstrom - Founder
Favorite headband(s): Obviously, all of them! Knotted and Twist Turbans are my top ones!
Favorite quote: “But my fear of failure never approached in magnitude my fear of what if. What if I never tried at all?” ~ Will Ferrell
Quirky fact: I once made it on CNN when I completed the Krispy Kreme Challenge (when you eat a dozen donuts and run 5 miles!).
Why Headbands of Hope?
When I first started Headbands of Hope out of my dorm room in college, I had no idea if it was going to work or not. Then one day I received an email from a mom whose daughter was in remission and was supposed to start kindergarten in a week. She said her hair hadn’t grown back yet so she didn’t want to go to kindergarten because she thought all the kids would call her a boy. Then she got her headband from us in the hospital and immediately laid out her kindergarten outfit and all her school supplies.
It was that moment that I realized this was going to work … and it did :)
Lauren Dellinger - President
Favorite headband(s): ALL the scrunchie sets and Velvet Infinity Turbans!
Favorite quote: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Quirky fact: I get huge satisfaction from physically crossing things off my “to do” list each week with a sharpie. It helps me stay organized. :)
Why Headbands of Hope?
During my first-ever major retail event that I worked for HOH, we were slammed packed at an expo booth in Richmond, VA. I was going cross-eyed from all the transactions and headbands we were gift wrapping when a man approached me with such grace and dignity. In the mix of the frenzy, he stopped to show me a picture of his daughter, Emma. Emma was currently at Richmond Children’s Hospital receiving chemotherapy. With tears in his eyes (and as mine began to water), he thanked us for bringing a moment of joy to his daughter’s day during such a difficult time. At that moment, I knew what I was doing was changing the world.
Ashley Anastasio - Director of Marketing + Social Media
Favorite headband(s): All the scrunchies (especially the darling scrunchies) and the knotted headbands are my faves!
Quote: “Be happy with what you have while working on what you want” ~ Helen Keller
Quirky fact: I literally live on Pinterest. My entire life is organized throughout my Pinterest boards and my next project is an organized pantry.
Why Headbands of Hope?
Being a part of such an amazing group of people is so inspiring for me. Social media and marketing has always been my passion. I have followed Headbands of Hope for over two years and love that the company has such a positive impact on so many people. The smiles on all of the children’s faces are the icing on the cake for me.
Samantha Woods - Warehouse Manager
Favorite headband(s): Wire Ties & Clips!
Favorite quote: “The heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.” ~ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Quirky fact: I might not have a human baby, but I have a dog, and that is more than enough for this momma.
Why Headbands of Hope?
It’s easy to get caught up in the mix of the real world and the duties of “adulting,” but then I snap out of it and realize the impact Headbands of Hope makes on the lives of children battling cancer. We really are changing lives, one headband at a time.
Susan Fochs - Director of Sales
Favorite headband(s): I'm a sucker for the glitter headbands!
Favorite quote: “Every time you say 'no', you're fostering a more valuable 'yes'" - Paul Wesselmann
Quirky fact: I was a competitive Irish Dancer, Miss America local titleholder in Wisconsin, and am currently an obsessive fur mom to 3 rescue pets.
Why Headbands of Hope?
I met Jess back in 2014 when I attended a conference for Greek Life in Indianapolis and I was in charge of community service and philanthropy for our campus. All the seats were full and she and I were the only 2 sitting on the back wall. After chatting about my love for non-profits, and her business with Headbands of Hope, I was immediately a super fan. I've been following with Jess, Headbands of Hope, and seeing the company grow ever since. When I saw the opportunity to work here pop up, I knew I couldn't resist!
Destiny Ankarstran - Operations Administrator
Favorite headband(s): Anything Pink like the Brooklyn + Pink Specs
Favorite quote: "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.”
Quirky fact: I'm a sucker for an action packed thriller movie
Why Headbands of Hope? I've always wanted to work for a small company that values people over profit. I ended up meeting Lauren while working for a dog kennel that worked for during the first few years of college. We bonded over the love of her super awesome dog, and when the opportunity arose, she hired me as an intern. The rest is History!
