The journey that brought Memet and Jennifer Ertas together spans thousands of miles, two continents, and a love story that began in Türkiye before leading them to Southwest Washington. Today, their adventures have brought them to Ridgefield, where they’ve built a life centered on family, meaningful work, and a community that feels exactly like the place they always hoped to call home.

Jennifer grew up in Vancouver after spending part of her childhood in Phoenix, Arizona. Along the way, she also lived in Sarasota, Florida, Seattle, and eventually found herself working for an airline, a career that would unexpectedly change the course of her life.

Memet’s story began thousands of miles away in the Kurdish region of Türkiye. Born into a village where his father served as the chief of their tribe, he grew up surrounded by generations of tradition. His family handcrafted tribal rugs, and from an early age he learned that every rug carries a story, its colors, patterns, and craftsmanship reflecting the history of the region and the people who created it. That appreciation for culture and storytelling has stayed with him throughout his life. Neither Jennifer nor Memet could have imagined their paths crossing until a vacation in 2004.

Jennifer was traveling through Selçuk, Türkiye, with friends when she met Memet through mutual acquaintances. Although they connected, life took them in different directions at that time. Two years later, Jennifer returned to Türkiye, and this time Memet asked her out on a date, which changed everything. Thanks to Jennifer’s job with an airline, the couple was able to spend the next several years traveling back and forth, exploring Türkiye together and creating memories across the country. Eventually, they decided they wanted to build a life together in the United States.

Though an exciting journey, it wasn’t without challenges. The couple navigated the lengthy K-1 fiancé visa process, an experience Jennifer describes as unforgettable. Once Memet received approval and arrived in the United States, they had just 90 days to marry. On day 88, surrounded by a small group of family and friends, they exchanged vows on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Newport, Oregon. “It was beautiful,” Jennifer recalls. “A simple, intimate wedding in one of our favorite places.”

Today, that spirit of adventure continues to define their family. The couple’s son, Marley, will be a sophomore at Ridgefield High School this fall. Much like his parents, he enjoys traveling and loves spending time outdoors. Hiking has become one of his favorite hobbies, and whenever the family has free time, they’re usually planning their next adventure.

The family also includes Chloe, their lovable nine-year-old Labrador Retriever.

“She absolutely loves people,” Jennifer shares. “Other dogs…not so much.” One of Chloe’s most memorable adventures came after she slipped out of the house one day. After searching for her, the family eventually found her calmly sitting at their own front door, patiently waiting to be let back inside. “It’s like she took herself for a walk and decided she was ready to come home,” Jennifer says.

After living in Vancouver for several years, the Ertas family made the move to Ridgefield four years ago. The decision was largely driven by one important priority, which was the schools. A close friend had encouraged Jennifer to consider Ridgefield years earlier, but at the time they weren’t quite ready to make the move.

Looking back, she wishes they had listened sooner. “The schools were our biggest reason for relocating,” Jennifer says. “Now that we’re here, I honestly wish we had moved even earlier.”

Since arriving, Ridgefield has become everything they hoped it would be.

The family appreciates the quiet neighborhoods, clean streets, and welcoming atmosphere that first attracted them to the community. Even as Ridgefield has grown, Jennifer says it has managed to keep the small-town charm that makes it so special.

“Wherever you go, you see someone you know,” she says. “People are friendly, and there’s still that sense of community.” She’s also amazed that, despite the city’s continued growth, Ridgefield still feels peaceful. “I’m always surprised by how quiet it is here,” Jennifer says. “And I love that we can actually see the stars so clearly at night.”

Professionally, both Jennifer and Memet have built careers centered around craftsmanship and helping others. Jennifer is the owner of Zen Glow Esthetics, where she works as a Master Esthetician, helping clients feel confident and cared for through personalized skincare services. Memet co-owns Zagros Rugs, where he shares not only beautiful handcrafted rugs but also the rich history behind them. His lifelong knowledge of tribal rugs allows him to explain the symbolism, artistry, and traditions woven into every piece. “Every rug tells a story,” the family says. “Whether it’s where it came from, the tribe that created it, or the symbols woven into it, Memet loves sharing that history with people.”

When they aren’t working, the Ertas family loves doing what brought them together in the first place, traveling. Whether it’s hiking scenic trails, cooking together at home, or spending time with family and close friends, they enjoy creating experiences more than collecting things. Major milestones are often celebrated at home surrounded by loved ones, while life’s biggest moments usually become an excuse to pack their bags and head overseas for another adventure. No matter where they travel, however, one destination always calls them back. “The beach is our favorite place to be,” Jennifer says.

Closer to home, you’ll often find them exploring Ridgefield’s waterfront or enjoying dinner at BevRidge, a local favorite they say stands out not only for its food but for the incredible people who work there. They also love supporting Ridgefield’s locally owned businesses. Jennifer enjoys browsing Ridgefield Mercantile, discovering home décor at Hallstrom Home, finding thoughtful gifts and unique greeting cards at Copper Bell Bookshop, and exploring the treasures inside Rare Earth Décor. “It’s one of my favorite things about Ridgefield,” she says. “There are so many locally owned shops with unique finds, and you always feel welcomed when you walk through the door.”

That same sense of connection is one of the reasons Jennifer enjoys reading Greet Ridgefield each month. “I’ve discovered so many local businesses that I probably wouldn’t have found otherwise,” she says. “I also love learning about the people who live here and finding out about community events. The magazine really captures the small-town, friendly feeling that makes Ridgefield such a wonderful place to call home.”

For the Ertas family, Ridgefield has become more than just the place they live. It’s where friendships have grown, where neighbors become familiar faces, and where a life that began across two continents has found the perfect place to put down roots.