You probably already recognize Ann Sacks’ name for the beautiful designs she brought to Ann Sacks Tile and Stone, a company she founded in 1981 and successfully grew into a new industry standard.

In 1987, Ann made a call to the marketing department at fixture giant Kohler with an idea: matching natural stone to their fixture palate and creating counters for baths and kitchens. The suggestion to Kohler specifically proposed offering these "color matched" and economical counters to their customers, as a way to set apart Kohler’s plumbing from their competitors. What began as an idea quickly evolved. Ann recalls, “They called, we met at 3 AM at a builders show, and they asked if I would come to work for them. At that time, I had three showrooms, two kids, and a husband—so the answer was "no". They then asked if I would sell the company to them and work for them; to that I said, "I am interested".

The sale to Kohler closed in Spring of 1989, and Ann worked to expand and develop the line until 2003; during that time Ann Sacks Tile and Stone went from three showrooms to nineteen. Today, there are additional showrooms planned for Paris and London.

Ann’s business savvy and eye for design led her to create AMY SACKS eyewear and accessories. Her designs create eyewear products which are at once hybrids of past successes yet also innovative. Ann’s ability to find efficient manufacturing processes without compromising quality sets her apart from other designers.

However, Ann Sacks is far more than just the company she pioneered, the industry magnate she became, or the new endeavors she continually pursues. She’s also a fiery personality with fabulous ideas, two new businesses and many causes close to her heart.

Ann has served on numerous boards and committees including Become X (a career and life skills development program for young women), Lighthouse International (an organization helping blind or partially sighted people overcome vision loss challenges), the Jewish Federation, the American Jewish Committee and Self Enhancement, Inc. (a youth development organization). Ann and her husband Robert also support Big Brothers Big Sister and have sponsored a child for three years.

At the forefront of Ann’s vision is the care and well-being of animals in need. For nearly forty years, she and her family have not only supported animal clinics, but have also fostered and adopted stray pets.

Ann’s love of animals has led to the creation of The Pixie Project, a non-profit organization named in honor of her rescued terrier mix and run by her daughter Amy Sacks, for whom the collection is named. The project was a labor of love for years until becoming officially established in 2007 to provide veterinary services (especially spay and neuter) for low-income families. Ann is proud to contribute all profits from Amy Sacks Eyewear to the Pixie Project, to further their important work in Portland, OR and beyond. However, the support Ann has given to Amy and the Pixie Project goes far beyond the financial. Remarks Ann, “Not looking away from a situation in which you have the ability to help was always something we taught our children to value. It often made for a lot of chaotic, hard work, but it certainly made an obvious impression on both of our children.”

She continues, "My new business means more to me than the challenge of successfully weaving together art and commerce. My vision is to create products that can be enjoyed by men and women, while working with my daughter Amy, and helping the animals we love."