Jared Burnsed, Statesboro businessman, dead at 35

Local businessman Jared Burnsed owned the highly popular Reflective Collective in downtown Statesboro.

The downtown Statesboro business community was rocked twice on Tuesday. First by learning that Jared had sold Reflective Collective and then learning hours later that he was dead.

This was Jared's last post to the businesses social media page.

Reflective Collective transformed lives

Jared and his business was an incredible addition to downtown. He and his partner Tre Knight created a business that transformed lives, just as Jared had transformed his. The concept was curated consignment.

Tre Knight and Jared Burnsed — **Tre Knight with Jared Burnsed inside the Reflective Collective**

But the secret sauce was Jared. I recall my first meeting with Jared to discuss an upcoming story I wanted to write on his new business.

My first impression, was "is Statesboro ready for Jared Burnsed?" WOW, what charisma, grace, compassion, passion and talent he brought to every customer who walked through the door.

Well the answer was resoundingly YES.

What we all learned to love best about Jared is that he was 100% Jared. Like him or not, he was a living, breathing statement of the power of finding yourself and being absolutely comfortable with being who you are. To heck with whatever anyone else thought of you.

He didn't try to camouflage this at all. This I later learned was part of his magic. By being so bold and comfortable, he immediately gave permission to everyone who walked into the door of his store to be yourself.

Jared would go to work for his clients helping them rediscover every beautiful thing about themselves. He was frank, honest and direct. But for the ladies who trusted him, they left his store with a new since of confidence. Many would say, they never felt more beautiful after wearing his designs.

Because of this, his business was a success with highly loyal customers who loved him and more importantly, loved what Jared did for them.

Whenever, Lori, Edie or I were having a bad day, we would visit Jared's store for some retail therapy. For me, he knew the sizes and style my girls loved and always had the perfect gift to help me brighten their day.

My daughter Edie Grace, shared this post about Jared with a wonderful video of Jared, being Jared. She loved Jared, as anyone who spent time with him did.

A long challenging Journey

Jared had overcome mountains of challenges to peruse his passion and dream in opening Reflective Collective.

Jared Burnsed and Jane Burnsed — **Jared Burnsed with mom Jane Burnsed**

A few months ago, he was in a car accident and struggled to recover. This started a chain of events that led to his selling the business. Which proved to be the final straw for this amazing man. He couldn't imagine life in pain and more importantly without the Reflective.

I will deeply miss Jared and the respite he provided for me.

Join our family in sending prayers and condolences to his beautiful, loving parents, Jane and Johnny Burnsed. Jared was their only child.

Below is Jared Burnsed's Obituary:

Jared Winfield Burnsed, age 35 passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at his home.

Jared was born on March 13, 1986 to Johnny and Jane Miller Burnsed.

Jared had many interests that included fashion, music and a constant curiosity of learning new things. He was someone you could talk to without judgement.

He brightened everyone’s day and made everyone feel like they were important. He loved to laugh and his laugh was contagious. He impacted everyone who entered his life.

Jared was the owner of Reflective Collective in Statesboro, GA which was an upscale consignment boutique. He created the shop with the help of his best friend, Tre Knight.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Vernon Miller, Corine Brown, Hannie Burnsed, Sr. and Mary Burnsed.

He is survived by his parents, Johnny and Jane Miller Burnsed, his grandfather, William Brown and his extended family to include aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be held 5-8 P.M. Saturday, August 14, 2021 at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be 4 P.M. Sunday, August 15, 2021 in the chapel of Flanders Powell Funeral Home with Rev. Tab Miller officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bryan County Shrine Club or the charity of your choice.

Due to COVID-19, face mask and social distancing are mandatory.

To sign the online register, please visit www.flandersmorrisonfuneralhome.com.

Flanders Powell Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Jared Winfield Burnsed.