Our Story

Good Goods, Delivered with Heart

We believe the best gifts come from stories, not just products. Here is how a small market stall in Portland grew into a community of makers and dreamers.

Read Our Journey
Founder Sarah Jenkins standing in a sunlit studio surrounded by ceramic mugs and dried flowers

From Market Stall to Online Home

It started with a simple question: Why do we have to choose between "good" and "convenient" when it comes to gifts?

In the summer of 2018, I set up a small cart at the Portland City Market. I wanted to sell the things I made—hand-thrown mugs and scented soy candles—but I quickly realized the real magic was in connecting the makers to the people who loved their work.

What began as a weekend hobby grew into a mission. By 2020, we launched our online shop, pivoting to meet our community during a difficult time. Today, we are a team of 12 people working out of a shared studio, dedicated to bringing you the best small-batch goods from around the country.

  • 2018 — The First Market Stall

    Sarah sets up a small booth at the Portland City Market. Sales are modest, but the feedback is overwhelming: people want to support local, small businesses.

  • 2020 — The Online Launch

    Amidst a challenging year, we launched our website. We focused on community and connection, delivering joy to people stuck at home.

  • 2024 — A Community of Makers

    We now partner with 120+ independent makers. Our studio is full of laughter, good coffee, and packages waiting to be shipped.

The Values We Live By

We don't just sell products; we sell a philosophy of care and responsibility.

Honest Sourcing

We never buy from factories we can't visit. Every item on our site comes with a story of its maker. We ask the hard questions about labor and materials so you don't have to.

Community First

Our team is small because we believe in quality over quantity. We are neighbors, friends, and active members of the local support ecosystem.

Zero-Waste Packaging

We are committed to reducing our footprint. Our boxes are 100% recyclable, and we use soy-based inks and biodegradable fillers for every shipment.

Meet the Vexon Team

Portrait of Sarah Jenkins, Founder and Creative Director

Sarah Jenkins

Founder & Creative Director

Former graphic designer turned pottery enthusiast. Sarah manages our creative vision and still hand-throws a mug every morning.

Marcus (Placeholder)

Marcus Thorne

Head Curator

Marcus travels the country visiting studios. He has a taste for single-origin coffee and a knack for finding hidden gems.

Elena (Placeholder)

Elena Rodriguez

Operations Manager

Elena keeps our studio running smoothly. She ensures every package is packed with love and sent out on time.

As Seen In
MODERN LUXURY THE EVERYGIRL PORTLAND MONTHLY GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Community Giving

We Give Back to Our Neighbors

We believe that business can be a force for good. That's why we pledge 1% of every sale to local food banks and hunger relief organizations.

Since 2019, we've helped provide over 5,000 meals to families in our community. We are proud to partner with local shelters and food banks to ensure no one goes hungry.

Learn About Our Partners

5,000+

Meals Donated