Jennifer Jaqua is a Santa Barbara native who has worked in fashion design and glassware importing, and founded Jaqua Bath & Body with her sisters. She’s bringing that wealth of experience to her new position as the buyer for Upstairs at Pierre Lafond in Montecito’s Upper Village. “There is always a risk of trying something new, so it’s gratifying to see the good responses,” she says.
Jennifer Jaqua is a Santa Barbara native who has worked in fashion design and glassware importing, and founded Jaqua Bath & Body with her sisters. She’s bringing that wealth of experience to her new position as the buyer for Upstairs at Pierre Lafond in Montecito’s Upper Village. “There is always a risk of trying something new, so it’s gratifying to see the good responses,” she says. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo

The second-story showroom at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond in Montecito’s Upper Village buzzed with energy last week for a special Meet the Artists event.

The evening, featuring local artists Rob Robinson and Tom Henderson, marked Jennifer Jaqua’s first showcase as the venue’s new buyer.

Against the backdrop of mountain views, guests mingled over wine and cheese from the downstairs Pierre Lafond deli while George Quirin provided guitar accompaniment.

The setting perfectly embodied the Santa Barbara lifestyle that the showroom celebrates.

Jaqua, who took the helm in June, brings a rich creative background to the role.

  • Plein-air landscape painter Rob Robinson with some of his work featured through December at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond in Montecito.
    Plein-air landscape painter Rob Robinson with some of his work featured through December at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond in Montecito. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • Wendy Foster and artist Tom Henderson, whose work is featured at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond through December.
    Wendy Foster and artist Tom Henderson, whose work is featured at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond through December. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • Jennifer Jaqua is a Santa Barbara native who has worked in fashion design and glassware importing, and founded Jaqua Bath & Body with her sisters. She’s bringing that wealth of experience to her new position as the buyer for Upstairs at Pierre Lafond in Montecito’s Upper Village. “There is always a risk of trying something new, so it’s gratifying to see the good responses,” she says.
    Jennifer Jaqua is a Santa Barbara native who has worked in fashion design and glassware importing, and founded Jaqua Bath & Body with her sisters. She’s bringing that wealth of experience to her new position as the buyer for Upstairs at Pierre Lafond in Montecito’s Upper Village. “There is always a risk of trying something new, so it’s gratifying to see the good responses,” she says. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • Art illustrates life at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond.
    Art illustrates life at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • Kate McMahon and Saben Perkins.
    Kate McMahon and Saben Perkins. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • A Tom Henderson beach scene.
    A Tom Henderson beach scene. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • Artist Susan LeVine also has work on display at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond.
    Artist Susan LeVine also has work on display at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • In addition to art and apparel, Upstairs at Pierre Lafond features home furnishings.
    In addition to art and apparel, Upstairs at Pierre Lafond features home furnishings. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • Strum roll for guitarist George Quirin, please.
    Strum roll for guitarist George Quirin, please. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo

A Santa Barbara native, she’s worked in fashion design, glassware importing, and co-founded Jaqua Bath & Body with her sisters in 1997. She also managed retail operations for the Music Academy’s CircaSB until 2020.

“The most exciting part of becoming the buyer Upstairs is to see how people react to things I’m bringing in,” Jaqua told Noozhawk.

“There is always a risk of trying something new, so it’s gratifying to see the good response.”

Robinson’s and Henderson’s landscapes will remain on display through year’s end.

The next Meet the Artist event on Nov. 21 will feature fine-art photographer Robert Stivers, whose work has graced the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.

Upstairs at Pierre Lafond, at 515 San Ysidro Road, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Judy Foreman is a Noozhawk columnist and longtime local writer and lifestyles observer. She can be contacted at news@noozhawk.com. The opinions expressed are her own.