About O&Q
Olivia & Queen began with a simple idea…what would it look like for me to create for the fun of it? How would the things I make change?
After years of side-hustling with multiple creative brands, I’ve been on a break since 2019. At the time I was working on a rebrand to Global Girl Apothecary, then the world shut down and I never fully launched it. Last year the desire to participate in shows returned. I really enjoyed connecting with other creative people and the customers who love and buy what we make. The challenge now is figuring out what to make.
Balancing Fun & Business
Having a creative business is always a balancing act between spending time creating what you think or know will sell vs exploring new things. This time, I want to be intentional about exploring what’s interesting and enjoyable and beautiful to me.
Exploring Style & Design
Looking at the handmade landscape, I see a lot of same-ness in the goods being made and sold. They seem to all lean into an aesthetic that’s nothing like my creative voice. It made me wonder how those products would look if I applied my design aesthetic to them. This is very interesting and I’m attracted to finding this out.
The products in the shop will evolve as I explore different creative methods, products, methods, those answers unfold. Some pieces will be simple. Some will be beautifully complex. All of them will be made with care.
Mindfulness & Health
Now is a great time to do this after seeing some research around how spending time sewing and other creative activities can help with weight loss which is a goal of mine.
Lower stress may support weight loss and metabolic health. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which is associated with increased appetite, fat storage (especially abdominal fat), and insulin resistance. Activities that reduce stress—like crafting—can help counter these effects.
You can learn more about this in this blog post –
Repurposing & Sustainability
Another goal is to make use of my collection of supplies: fabrics, paints, paper, beads, clay, trims, and many other things that are just sitting in storage bins. Like many creative people, I’ve purchased new things that I always planned to use but never got around to it. Now is the right time.
I also want to explore repurposing things like clothing and home décor items. Tip: Don’t sleep on the clothing and home décor sections of your local thrift store to find fabrics to use for projects.
Come Along for the Journey
Olivia & Queen is not just a shop. It’s also my creative journey I’m documenting along the way. I want to share the process — the ideas, explorations, successes, and epic fails — on my social channels and blog.
If you enjoy watching the creative process, rediscovering old crafts, and seeing how handmade objects come to life, I’d love for you to follow along.
For the Love of Handmade + Independent Design
Whether you are someone who loves slow creative hobbies, is rediscovering crafting after years away, or simply appreciates beautiful handmade things - you are welcome here.
