Intent evolved from a desire to unify a passion for yoga, design, health and sustainability. Though formed in the early part of 2003 the passion developed over a lifetime. Jean Hoiland, the founder of Intent, grew up in Washington State in a small town with a stunning view of Mount Rainier. It was here that she developed a love of nature through family camping trips to State and National Parks.

Summers were the most fun with camping, baseball, picnics and trips to orchards to pick fresh peaches, apricots, and cherries. Apples, pears, plums and vegies were abundant just out back in the yard. Along with the fun came responsibility. Weeding, picking green beans, or peeling apples came before swimming or a game of tag.

Jean's design career began at eight years old when she enrolled in 4H and began sewing and designing her own clothing. Inspired by her mother's cooking, painting and the fact that she sewed clothes for five kids, Jean was naturally drawn to the same things. After several years of college trying to figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up, Jean finally chose what came naturally and studied Home Economics at Seattle Pacific University, with a focus on fashion design.

In 1989 Jean left the Pacific Northwest to live in Southern California, and in 1993 suffered immune system problems caused by the environment she was living and working in. Fortunately she was able to find a holistic practitioner, who helped her detoxify and rebuild her immune system. It was during this time that Jean realized the importance of organic foods and purified water, things readily available to her growing up. She quit her job at a major surf wear manufacturing company and in 1995 began designing bags made from old jeans, vintage fabrics and recycled buttons. She’s been creating her own bags ever since.

Her passion for yoga began on December 31, 1999, when a visiting friend introduced her to the practice of Ashtanga. After more than two hours on the mat she was hooked. Five days of muscle recovery did nothing to dampen her enthusiasm, and the healing power of yoga became apparent after only a few more sessions. Suffering major neck damage in a car accident in 1994, Jean soon realized the restorative effects of her practice. Since then Jean has practiced many forms of yoga from ashtanga and power yoga to kundilini. All of them inspire and nourish her passion for the environment, and encourage a healthier more enlightened existence.ba