An Exploration in Life – The Story of Jacob Wentz & Hagen Heights

Early Life in Bellingham, Washington

Jacob Wentz was born and raised in the picturesque city of Bellingham, Washington, nestled between the towering Cascade Mountains and the serene waters of Bellingham Bay. With roots stretching back to the late 19th century, Bellingham evolved from a gritty logging and coal hub into a vibrant community known for its natural beauty, progressive spirit, and thriving arts scene. Growing up in this idyllic setting, Jacob developed a profound appreciation for the outdoors and a deep, almost instinctive connection to nature.

During his school years, Jacob discovered a love for painting. Art classes opened the door to creative exploration, allowing him to express his connection to the natural world through oil and acrylic painting, as well as ceramics. His teachers quickly recognized his gift—encouraging him to lean into his creativity and helping him build the foundation that would carry him into his artistic future.

Transition to Utah and the Beginning of a Woodworking Journey

After completing his education, Jacob moved to Utah seeking new landscapes, new inspiration, and new opportunities. Utah’s diverse terrain, ranging from desert canyons to alpine forests, became a fresh canvas for his creativity. Immersed in its rugged beauty, Jacob discovered woodworking: a medium that combined his artistic instincts with the tactile joy of working with natural materials.

He began by building furniture for their home: coffee tables, dining tables, chairs, and other functional pieces. His creativity later expanded into carving cedar wood spirits and animals, a nod to his Washington roots. Over time, woodworking led him to woodturning, where he uncovered the stunning character of Utah Juniper. Today, Jacob is most recognized for his Juniper vases with turquoise inlay—each piece shaped by the landscape that inspires it.

A New Chapter with Leesa

Utah not only shaped Jacob’s artistic journey, it introduced him to Leesa, who would become his wife, creative partner, and greatest source of encouragement. They met on a blind date at a company Christmas party, and what began as a casual introduction quickly grew into a deep connection rooted in shared creativity, faith, and a love for the outdoors.

Leesa grew up in Orem, Utah, surrounded by mountains and art, finding inspiration in the landscapes of Sundance, Park City, and Salt Lake City. The two began dating in their early twenties and were later married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony that honored their shared love of nature. Today, they live in Spanish Fork, Utah, where Leesa remains the quiet strength and visionary behind Hagen Heights.

Family, Flowers, and Creative Partnership

Creativity runs deep in Jacob’s family through his mother, Debbie, a gifted floral artist whose work brings warmth, elegance, and life to Hagen Heights. Debbie creates custom flower arrangements for weddings, events, and special occasions. Her organic flower garden in Salem, Utah serves as both her studio and sanctuary.

Her fresh florals include roses, amaranth, lisianthus, dahlias, eucalyptus, and more. Her dried floral collections feature dried grasses, pampas, strawflower, statice, ammobium, celosia, lavender, and gomphrena. All florals are hand-harvested and hand-dried using her refined, built-to-last preservation process, perfect for any season or occasion.

As a lifelong painter, Debbie approaches florals with a painter’s eye, balancing texture, movement, and color in every arrangement. Her florals soften the strength of wood and add a living layer of natural beauty to each Hagen Heights vessel.

A Creative Life in Motion

Jacob’s journey from the Pacific Northwest to Utah reflects his adventurous spirit and commitment to craft. His workshop is not just a place of creation, it is a sanctuary where craftsmanship, nature, and imagination intersect. Through his art, Jacob invites others to see the world through his eyes and to appreciate the intricate beauty of the natural world.

Hagen Heights -Present Day

Today, Hagen Heights stands at the crossroads of craftsmanship, creativity, and intentional living. What began as a personal exploration has grown into a collection of hand-turned vases, sculpted bowls, curated dried florals, and a thoughtfully designed apparel line.

Leesa guides the creative direction, while Debbie brings living artistry through florals. Together, their combined talents create a brand rooted in family, collaboration, and enduring beauty.

From seasonal Park City shows to an evolving online shop, Hagen Heights continues to grow, rooted in craft, inspired by nature, and shaped by timeless design.

“Ars longa, vita brevis”. Art is long, life is short.