Peter Hess – Pioneer of Sound Work
Inspired by the healing power of sounds that Peter Hess discovered during his travels to Nepal, he established sound massage with Singing Bowls in 1984. In 1989, together with his then-wife Jozina Hess-de Korte, he began manufacturing his own Singing Bowls, subjecting them to the highest quality standards.
Own Singing Bowls
From the very beginning, when producing new Singing Bowls, it was important to Peter Hess to combine tradition with modernity, create fair working conditions locally, and support his second home, Nepal. To this day, this remains a central concern of Peter Hess® Singing Bowl production. Through his work, Peter Hess has positively influenced the lives of many people and written a success story: his sound methods are used in various fields ranging from wellness and prevention to education, counseling, therapy, and healthcare.
Peter Hess® Institute
People can train in sound work at the Peter Hess® Institute, in Peter Hess® seminar houses and centers, and at more than 20 Peter Hess® academies abroad.
Jana Hess – Second-Generation Management
Today, the distribution of high-quality Peter Hess® Singing Bowls is managed by his daughter, Jana Hess, in the second generation. She has been co-responsible for the sale of Singing Bowls, gongs, and many other products for sound massage and sound work at Hess Sound for over 20 years. In 2018, she took over the company from her mother, Jozina Hess-de Korte. Hess Sound advises and supplies people interested in sound worldwide.
Jana Hess has been closely connected to the family business since childhood, accompanying her father to trade fairs and sound massage seminars from an early age. Her design studies gave her further creative inspiration. The company continues to benefit from her fresh, modern approaches today.
"We are constantly evolving and have many ideas that we want to implement step by step. Our products are becoming increasingly sustainable. We put a lot of thought into this and are always happy to receive new inspiration! The team is growing and we love our connection to sound enthusiasts in Germany, Europe, and the rest of the world."
Jana Hess
In addition to distribution, the Hess Sound team organizes the annual SummerKlangEvent (June/July) and Open Days (November). Both events have become special highlights with many free workshops, discounts on Singing Bowls, and more. Hess Sound, together with the Peter Hess® Institute, can also be found at numerous trade fairs covering therapy, education, lifestyle, beauty, and spa. Visitors can try out Singing Bowls and enjoy free mini sound massages there.
Fair Working Conditions
Many of our products, such as Singing Bowls and gongs, are manufactured in their countries of origin: Nepal, India, and China. We pay special attention to ensuring good working conditions during production. Among other things, it is important to us that
- a fair salary is paid
- no children work in the workshops
- we provide financial support to the artisans in case of illness and for weddings.
Furthermore, we try to have as many products as possible, such as mallets and other accessories, manufactured in Germany.
Sustainability
In addition to ensuring our products are durable, we work to use as few resources as possible. It is a matter close to our hearts to completely eliminate plastic in the long term. We strive to anchor sustainability more and more in every aspect of our business operations.
We try to use natural and renewable raw materials for our products wherever possible. We are also expanding our range to include vegan products. Online retail generates a lot of packaging material, which is why we have given this special consideration and continue to look for ecological alternatives and ways to reduce waste.
Reuse of packaging material
Most of our packaging material is reused or recycled. For example, we use cushioning pads made from shredded old, unusable cardboard boxes.
Avoiding plastic in shipping
We avoid using plastic for shipping wherever possible. We reuse the plastic bags needed for transporting goods from production to protect them from saltwater and corrosion during sea freight.
In our shipping department, we use paper tape instead of plastic tape, as well as paper cushioning and packaging peanuts made from starch.
Reducing paper through digitization
We are also gradually switching to digital media. Our catalog can be viewed and downloaded online and is only sent in printed form upon request. Whenever possible, we have printed materials produced climate-neutrally on recycled paper in Germany.
Social Commitment
We support the association CHANCEN – Bildung in Nepal. The association's goal is to promote charitable purposes and development cooperation in Nepal, focusing on education and youth welfare. In cooperation with the non-profit organization "Boris Hess Foundation" in Bhaktapur, named after Jana's brother Boris who passed away in 2013, and other non-profit organizations in Nepal, the primary aim is to provide underprivileged children with free education, accommodation, food, and adequate healthcare. Find out more at: www.chancen-nepal.de