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Olive Ateliers - Curating The Past & Collecting The Future
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On the mic with me today are the Olive Ateliers trio of founders, Laura, Kendall, & Ben. If you’re familiar with the brand, you’ve seen that their meteoric rise in the realm of vintage and curated design has been nothing short of remarkable. From their humble beginnings out of their backyards to establishing a thriving in-person and online presence, they’ve navigated the landscape of collecting and community with grace and speed.
We get to know the heart of Olive Atelier, discussing their passion for sourcing unique, globally-inspired items and how they’ve crafted a brand that resonates deeply with collectors. Their aesthetically pleasing brand isn’t just about the products; it’s a holistic experience that emphasizes thoughtful design and presentation. Each piece is meticulously curated, reflecting a blend of vintage charm and modern sensibilities, which enhances the shopping experience.
We chat about the stories behind their curated selections, the psychology of their innovative drop model, and the emotional connections they forge with their customers. Their shopping experiences, both in-person and online, make you feel like you’re on the hunt in the middle of the European streets from which they source. Better yet, each item tells a story, as do the collectors and trade parents that choose them. So without further adieu, this is team Olive Ateliers, for Collectors Gene Radio.
Olive Ateliers - https://oliveateliers.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopn_mDlRIycpL_A4ufb_vKofjXG496Q6XgTrB3f4-oxfy0H5bBX
Collectors Gene Website - https://collectorsgene.com/
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Transcript
Building a Community Through Storytelling
00:00:00
Speaker
So it's not just about selling things for us, it's really about creating a community, creating an experience, you know creating a feeling, and being able to pass on not only objects that we have collected, but stories that we have collected. We work with you know incredible collectors across the globe, and they share the history and the story of these objects with us, and we think it's our it's our duty to pass those stories onto our community, which is maybe the best part about what we do.
00:00:35
Speaker
about diving into the nuances of collecting and ultimately finding out whether or not our guests have what we like to
00:00:54
Speaker
On the mic with me today are the Olive Itelier Trio founders, Laura, Kendall, and Ben. If you're familiar with the brand, you've seen that their meteoric rise in the realm of vintage and curated design has been nothing short of remarkable.
From Backyard Sales to Online Success
00:01:08
Speaker
From their humble beginnings out of their backyards to establishing a thriving in-person and online experience, they've navigated the landscape of collecting and community with grace and speed.
00:01:18
Speaker
We get to know the heart of Olive Itelier discussing their passion for sourcing unique, globally inspired items and how they've crafted a brand that resonates deeply with collectors. Their aesthetically pleasing brand isn't just about the products, though. It's a holistic experience reflecting a blend of vintage charm and modern sensibilities, which only enhances the shopping experience.
00:01:44
Speaker
which add about the stories behind their curated selections, the psychology of their innovative drop model, and the emotional connections they forge with their customers. Their shopping experiences, both in-person and online, make you feel like you're on the hunt in the middle of the European streets from which they
00:02:13
Speaker
Laura, Kendall, Ben, team, all of Atelier. Welcome to Collectors Gene Radio. Thank you. Thank you. Happy to be here. yeah Thanks for having us. It's great to be here. Of course. Yeah. So this is, I was just telling you guys, this is my first time having three founders on, but I know you guys have done this before. And I just have to say,
00:02:32
Speaker
Watching your meteoric rise has been so exciting to watch and the gracefulness and speed at which you all made this happen from in-person drops to shipping and online presence. It's truly impressive, honestly. Thank you so much. um it's been It's been a ride and we're we're holding on for dear life, but we're having fun along the way.
00:02:54
Speaker
I love it. It's really been
Unique Motivations and Collecting Rare Items
00:02:55
Speaker
fun to watch. And and today's conversation is going to be a little bit different as I want to chat more about Olivette Lie as a brand and try to relate things back to collecting and curation and community, because at the end of the day, it's what you three do best. And it's what keeps people coming back to buy all of your products, like the vintage pots and vessels and stone sinks and all that good stuff. So I just would love to start today by getting to know more, you know, what was the motivation from the beginning to collect?
00:03:23
Speaker
Such unique items from around the world and bring them in for your customers to experience were you guys collecting these things personally Absolutely. I'll take this one um You know the three of us really sharing innate love for interesting, you know one of a kind um and truly just kind of hard to find ah you know vintage and and just furnishings in general, so um In each of our experiences, both you know Laura and I having lived together in the past um as roommates and then Ben and I as a couple, um we always struggled to find you know that the style that we love at a fair price, if we're being honest. um And if you did, you know it was it was hard to to obtain. It was on the other side of the world and you are you know you had the the hurdle of shipping fees.
00:04:13
Speaker
um or it was in you know a beautifully curated local antique store, but it was you know out of out of our price range. So we really set out to make these objects more accessible for folks like us um and also you know create a beautiful lifestyle brand in doing so.
00:04:33
Speaker
We wanted to create a destination for um you know those who enjoy and are inspired by curious living. So it's not just about you know selling things for us. It's really about creating a community, creating an experience, um you know creating a feeling, and being able to pass on not only objects that we have collected, but stories that we have collected. We work with you know incredible collectors across the globe. and they share the history and the story of these objects with us. And we think it's our it's our duty to pass those stories onto our community, which is maybe the best part about what we do.
00:05:11
Speaker
Yeah, and you guys do such a good job at it. And I think it it sheds a light on just how interesting the the antique and and the pottery and the clay making market is and the furniture market is overseas, you know, in in all these European countries and other countries that you guys can still purchase them overseas and bring them into the US. And it's still more affordable than stuff that's made here. It's pretty interesting.
00:05:36
Speaker
Yeah, that is really interesting. And you know I think we owe that to the utilitarian nature of many of these objects historically. And that was maybe what was some of the most surprising to us and in starting and collecting things that we just saw as beautiful and saw as great objects to feature in style and homes and learning that in particular in pottery,
00:06:00
Speaker
those weren't designed and developed to put plants into. um They were designed all across the world to hold things like water, grains, olive oil, ah preserve and ferment foods. um And and this this was a universal thing across the entire world. And so ah we really have that to owe to it because there is such an abundance and a volume of these objects ah that existed in a former use state that people are moving on from for more modern techniques, but now we can celebrate them as as objects ah that can be imported and and shared um with others to style in their own homes.
00:06:41
Speaker
And you do call them and define them as objects with an old soul.
Maintaining Authenticity in Design
00:06:45
Speaker
How do you keep the integrity of the reproduced items to have that old soul feeling when you're merchandising them right next to vintage items? Yeah, it's a great question. um And it's something that we are learning and striving to really master, because we do we do offer all sorts of ages of products. We've got our vintage, our antique, and then we do have our reproductions. And right now we're um excited because we're diving into curating and um designing our own lines. And that's something that's really important to us with this, with new products that they have the feeling of something that has been used that has an old soul.
00:07:26
Speaker
um And so we've been on a journey with um a lot of our craftsmen on how do we capture that with a new object. um So it's a lot of trial and error. It hasn't been you know an easy road, but it's definitely something that we're exploring. um I think that we're getting very close to getting these beautiful products that really do feel so special, unique, one of a kind, um and they are reproductions. So yeah, it's a great question. I also, you know, from from the brand and retail perspective,
00:08:02
Speaker
For us, it's all about transparency. So you might have a reproduction you know sitting alongside a true vintage or antique piece. But as long as you're transparent about that, which we are, all of our labels, all of our you know product pages online, explain ah the origin story or the inspiration behind that piece, we think that you know that's the most important thing in what we do.
00:08:27
Speaker
Yeah, absolutely. And I think you know something that a lot of brands miss when they do things that involve vintage and or reproduction items is they forget to tell the story. And Laura, you know collecting is so much like you said about the storytelling and I find the way that you and the team merchandise You're able to effectively tell a story without words sometimes even though you have it on your website When you walk into olive atelier and you see a reproduced item next to a vintage item You can see that story. You can see the lineage of where these things came from and it's so important How do you decide what goes into each drop to convey that you know because a stone sink is not always obvious to some folks Yeah, no, definitely um
00:09:09
Speaker
Again, it it has been a journey in the very beginning. um The way that we merchandised was literally with what we had, um what containers had arrived, and the objects that were inside of them. We drew inspiration for that um and made sure that we were curating them in an interesting way, in a way that you know we see the objects overseas. like How could we give that feeling to our customers, that that feeling of the hunt,
00:09:38
Speaker
um Like how do we get that in our in our showroom? And so I think we draw, a lot of the time we we draw on inspiration of our objects. We draw on inspiration of how they are actually found overseas. Not only that, we we also, we we think it's so important to tell the story of these objects. And so now we've got little placards ah you know around the showroom.
00:10:04
Speaker
ah basically telling the interesting stories of these objects because that's what's so important to us. it's It's not only about curating beautiful objects, but it's about telling the story, telling the history of them. um So they become a speaking point to whoever ends up purchasing them and having them in their home. Yeah, and and further to that too, it's, you know, on social from the very early stages. We were not just posting photos of of of things. you know we were We were telling the story of that object and where it came from and how
Transparency and Sourcing Standards
00:10:35
Speaker
we found it. Similarly, you know we're not here to gatekeep. We want to share as much information as we have access to with our community. so you know Unlike you know maybe some traditional collectors or or antique ah you know destinations, we do have the price on display. um We price as fairly as we can.
00:10:56
Speaker
to make you know both the object you know accessible to um as many people as possible, but also to honor um the history and you know the true worth of those pieces.
00:11:08
Speaker
Yeah, absolutely, it makes sense. Something that you really have to do with sourcing vintage, whether you reproduce a design or it's an antique, is you have to put your collector's cap on. Because for you guys, you guys have a lot of collectors. In fact, most of your clients are collectors. And whether it's their first piece that they're adding to their collection, or it's their 20th, they're still the collector at the end of the day.
00:11:35
Speaker
How do you keep the collector in mind first and still run the business day to day? That's a great question. Really, we think about the products and the objects that we source as if they were going to enter our homes. And so even though we can't keep it all,
00:11:52
Speaker
no matter how much we wish we could, we focus on every object sourced and every object designed as if we were going to keep it forever ourselves. And so that puts a really high bar of quality and integrity on the objects that we bring and we believe translates really nicely to our customer experience and the experience of the community.
00:12:13
Speaker
Because if we could, and we didn't need to make money, we'd probably keep a lot of what we imported. it's Simply just not possible, and it's it's a bit of a discipline that we have to impart on our on ourselves. And Lauren Kendall will probably laugh about this, but I kind of refuse to allow us to keep anything for the first couple years of the business because you know we needed that capital to put back and into growing and you know providing and doing what we do for the community.
00:12:40
Speaker
Cameron imagine what that does to a husband and wife Ben Ben is my My life partner as well as my business partner and the fights we have had about whether I can keep Something or not are endless Hey, you know what if if those are the fights that you guys are having at the end of the day I think you guys are in a good spot That's that's true. Sorry to interrupt you Ben I mean, the great thing now is that they you know Ben and Kendall actually do have a house and they have furnished it with so many beautiful objects. It's it's almost like a museum, an ode to Olive. I love it. It's mini Olive. Yeah. but but Well, let's talk about that because at some point when it comes to collecting furniture and antiques, right space becomes an issue.
00:13:25
Speaker
And I'm curious to know how Olive envisions the current customer down the road, engaging with the brand and continuing to shop with you for unique pieces. Ideally, you know as a collector or for your customers that are collectors, you hope they keep everything that they buy and you hope it it moves through life with them. But at some point, you know people let go of things here and there, but you hope they keep everything. And most collectors try and do keep everything. So how do you deal with that?
00:13:53
Speaker
ah Yeah, listen, it's that's ah that's a tricky one for sure. I think as Ben stated you know earlier, we just hope that in the care that we take to source and create, um we hope that that is you know the intention of our community too, to keep, honor, um share the history of these pieces. If of course they need to make room for another beautiful piece, which you know kudos to you,
00:14:20
Speaker
We hope that that it's passed on to someone else who appreciates those objects um as much as we do and our community does. So whether they're leveraging a first dibs to resell, you know, or whether they're youre using Facebook Marketplace, which has so many gems, you know, um we just hope that, you know, they're keeping that integrity and sharing that story with whomever they choose to pass on um that object to.
00:14:43
Speaker
We all know kind of the story of fast fashion and and and you know the dark side of ah fast industries like that. and And while in our industry, the consumer or customer does like newness, um that is something that we can't ignore. um We aim to do that through you know adding unique and interesting source countries or or you know objects that we haven't been able to discover before. But ultimately, we we never ah want to import or design something that we would foresee you know tiring or aging out and essentially you know finding a landfill and decreasing in value rather than ah increasing in value and being passed on. Something that the three of you have done so well is creating demand and evoking emotion out of your customers with each drop. And as a collector, you want to feel the same if not more excitement buying as the person that's selling it to you. Was this haphazard from the beginning or did you always try and create that?
00:15:43
Speaker
um you know It's funny because it was part strategic, part just what was happening. We were importing objects that, again, as we mentioned, had traditionally been a little hard to find and definitely hard to find in abundance or at fair prices. So there was a natural excitement and demand and thrill for our community. We used to have Lines of 400, 500 people wrapped around the block when we first opened, and very limited brand awareness at that time. But that was created through, I think, um the beauty of and uniqueness of the objects we were importing. And also, yes, the the beautiful content and storytelling we were doing that was you know romanticizing um and heroicizing these objects, um which you know we're proud to do and and still do today.
00:16:35
Speaker
When it comes to the drop model, you know there's the a psychology in a collector that you know when something's limited or there's time to buy something, that you know you get this thought in your head that you have to get there. What do you think the psychology is behind the drop model that gets people so excited to collect things?
00:16:54
Speaker
It's not something that we intended to do originally. um So it just a bit of context historically for us, it's kind of an accident in some ways. And I think the accident in it actually answers your question in that we only had access to so many objects
Creating Demand with Limited Access
00:17:12
Speaker
in the beginning. um And whether it was the first time that we sold things on Instagram,
00:17:17
Speaker
it literally was objects that we had just collected and were already in our homes um that we used as a test and from there we slowly but surely were able to source and find more things um for for people to take excitement in and really it's it's from that point of of the natural authenticity that of course drives the scarcity that then matches to people's desire to engage and take part in something. And so again, it it wasn't something that was engineered, but it is funny in retrospect um that you can look back on those experiences um and really you know try to pick apart why that is so interesting for people. um I think we're all
00:18:03
Speaker
I'm really curious and interested by things that are you know limited in nature and that are scarce, just out of an instinctual curiosity. And again, I think that that's one of the reasons that curiosity is so central to our brands, because we're discovering things and we're working to discover on behalf of our community, um which drives a lot of excitement. Absolutely. So, curating is kind of the name of the game for all of Atelier.
00:18:30
Speaker
How do you balance between expanding the product offerings and maintaining that very collected and curated feel that collectors have come to know with all of and appreciate? Yeah, so we collect from at the moment, nine, soon to be 10 countries. It's a big world and there's a lot of really interesting products out there and we're excited to to keep expanding our collection. But I think Ben touched on it before. It it really is about what got us started was curating beautiful products that we love and that we would love to put in our homes. So when we come across as a supplier, it's, you know, as do we we listen to our gut? Are we really excited about this? Is this a product that we would love ah to bring home with us? And that has really guided us in the right direction. So it's it's about listening to that gut. um And it's it's the same with our product innovation. It's, you know, there are gaps when
00:19:30
Speaker
your sourcing, antiques, and vintage, and there are gaps in the market. So that's how we we look at product innovation. you know What are we looking for that we cannot find that we know everybody else would really love um to have in their home? And so that's how um you know we're trying we're we're thinking about our assortment and it's how we think about curating.
00:19:53
Speaker
we also you know very dedicated to the mission to expand access you know while also keeping that and a true brand identity, which Laura you know speaks of. so you will come into the Atelier and there will always be something new, which is likely old. Um, but you will also find, you know, as much of, you know, that staple object that we're known for, um, you know, the, the olive jar, the elm bench, et cetera, because we want to be able to be reliable, um, for our community. We have a huge trade community at this point ah in the business. It's about 40% of, of our community currently. Wow. um And so we need to be reliable for them. So it it is about balancing a curated look and feel with a level of abundance that can support that trade member and that average shopper that wants to come in every week and and find something new for their space.
00:20:52
Speaker
Right, because trade's not just one piece here and there. A lot of times they need it in bulk for a big project. Exactly, yeah. Trade is not just for themselves or their home or in many cases you know for their interior design clients that are also um individuals who own residences, um but also for restaurants and hotel projects and and large kind of you know commercial projects that you know we're only starting to scratch the surface of.
00:21:18
Speaker
but that has just naturally found its way to us as an opportunity to supply. um And so if you if you think about the scale of that, it is really important, as Kendall mentioned, to have a dependability on the core assortment um and then also at the same time have the increasingly scarce and really special pieces that can satisfy the collector. Right. Do you have to keep a certain amount of inventory aside for trade projects?
00:21:44
Speaker
We don't necessarily keep a specific amount of inventory aside for trade, but as Kendall mentioned, we're just keeping an inventory level across the assortment based on historical demand, largely. Certainly there are things that would have been in high demand or were in high demand that we can't replenish or restock and and hold at the necessary level if we were to perfectly fulfill demand.
00:22:07
Speaker
But that that's really like the nature of it for us. And so those are typically the pieces that are more special and desirable. um And they should be because they're inherently scarce. And the things that that we can stock and supply to trade and the larger customers, um we certainly do. And it just really varies by product.
00:22:28
Speaker
Absolutely. And another group of people that are hounding your products are influencers and they undoubtedly have played such a significant role. And while surely you would have succeeded without them, there's no denying that a shadow from the Kardashian Jenner family or Melissa McCarthy can be impactful.
Influencers and Diverse Industry Experience
00:22:45
Speaker
Did you ever imagine that your brand would be so collected and well received from both A-listers and the general clientele?
00:22:52
Speaker
Yeah, we're we're very lucky to have garnered um you know an incredible community of influencers and and celebrities who support us you know organically because of their love for the brand and the assortment. And you know we're still shocked to this day anytime someone wanders in. you know We had Aaron Paul in the other day who like who would know that he's ah he's a collector. And it's so cool.
00:23:14
Speaker
to meet these people, um interact with them, learn about you know what they love, um see their homes, um support their journey as a vintage lover or an antique collector. Yeah, we're very humbled and it's definitely something that has helped us grow and scale um quickly, um but it's also something that, you know, where It's not lost on us that they could go away at any point. So we're always focused on just um you know being true to the brand, true to the product that we source and true to the the really wide community that we have that are not influences and and celebrities that support us every day. Isn't it amazing how niche yet large the vintage furniture and antique market is?
00:23:58
Speaker
It's crazy. We're learning so much every day. um you know we did We came into this pretty blind, honestly, just as as we mentioned, as lovers of this product and doing things very instinctually to us. and and Obviously, we come with different strengths and experiences and you know we come from different industries. Me, on the fashion side, you know Ben, more on the consumer packaged goods side, um Laura from a traditional interior design background. But we we really built this business based on what felt natural to us and again, what what we would love to see out of a brand and out and add ah and out of a ah you know vintage destination.
00:24:38
Speaker
and We're learning so much every day about this industry and about you know other collectors, and you know there's there's still so much to learn um on this journey. Absolutely. And Kendall, i I kind of wanted to ask you you know about the collab that you've done with Forward. For those that don't know, Forward is owned by Revolve Group and Olive and Forward work together to make these stone and onyx handbags. And while they don't necessarily function as such, they are so innovative and such a smart design. Was this a full circle moment for you having worked at Revolve before this?
00:25:11
Speaker
You've done your research. um I love it, Cameron. Yeah, it it was a really you know big pinch me moment for me in particular to be able to bring this product to life with you know a platform like Forward, which is so renowned for their high-end designer um fashion product.
00:25:29
Speaker
and they the beautiful and and interesting you know lifestyle brand that they've created. We really wanted to meet at the intersection of fashion and home because we feel really passionate that you know the person that does you know love ah fashion and and vintage fashion in particular um also has a respect for and an interest in dressing their home. you know So we we kind of conjured up this really small um but special capsule, as you mentioned, of this beautiful onyx bag, these beautiful onyx candle holders that fit a tapered candle. um Really great gifts for the holiday, honestly. um And it's sold out within like, I'm not sure, Ben, do you remember a few hours maybe? Yeah, it sold out from forward in just a few hours. Yeah, which was so exciting. and
00:26:17
Speaker
such such a flattering um statement. And you know we want to do more of that. I i have other really beautiful um brands in mind and designers in mind that I'd love to collaborate with and curate with. And I won't mention them here because I don't want to jinx it. But I do think that out that our brand transcends beyond just the home. um I think that you know we speak to the customer that is um fashion savvy and interested in in that overall curious lifestyle. So we're excited for the future. Absolutely.
Transitioning to Collectibles
00:26:52
Speaker
And Ben, you're the operations and business mind behind a lot of what Olive is today. And I wanted to ask you what it was like coming from the CPG space where you sold your company Keto Farms and you worked at brands like Super Coffee, which are both in their own right, great brands, and you made a name for yourself at both.
00:27:08
Speaker
but they're cpg products and they aren't products that necessarily drive demand and collectability the same way that all of does so for you. What's been the biggest eye opener about the collector market that shocked you from coming the spaces you played in before. Yeah camera and i'm gonna echo kendall i'm just very impressed by by the research that you've done into us i promise i don't know your social security numbers.
00:27:35
Speaker
very collect Yeah, exactly. It's very Tim Ferriss of you, I would say. It's a great honor. um Yeah, thanks. i um you know My background in consumer package goods, you didn't name Red Bull, actually. Red Bull is, I would say, maybe like my most proud because Red Bull was the place that taught me almost everything that I know today. And I just carried that forward and all my future experiences. So big shout out to the Rebel team. And Rebel actually um had kind of a collector angle to it because Red Bull had you know not only all of these incredible events that they did,
00:28:15
Speaker
um ah That you know created you know merchandise and wearables that were collectible but also had the can right the hero is the can and and there was an event series around the art of can and so the Red Bull can the original 8.4 ounce energy drink can was used to create these like gorgeous art installations and designs architectural designs and that really celebrate all around the world. So I just want to give a little nod to the consumer packaged goods industry and and the collector angle for anyone out there that's interested. um But yeah, you bring up a good point. I mean, consumer packaged goods are inherently disposable because you consume them and then you throw them away. um And so what's tremendously different about what we do and especially you know the furniture industry is is people
00:29:03
Speaker
people are a lot more discerning um with their decisions because um they they do want to purchase these things um that will be with them, hopefully into perpetuity. But certainly it's not even like a garment where you choose the day in which you wear it. Our category and what we do ah it is so inherently permanent because it's in your home, in an area of your home, hopefully,
00:29:31
Speaker
that you see every single day and that really characterizes your life's environment. um And so it's a level of seriousness that I think we take ah with that as a result that you know isn't exactly replicated in my past experiences. So so for that, I think you know very inspired by that.
00:29:53
Speaker
it's a great reason to get out of bed um because you know you have the ability to to source, develop, and create things ah that will make you know a really special impact on people's lives. Sure. and Laura, I have to imagine with the interior design background that it's been probably really fun and exciting to be on the other side of things and working on these trade projects with these trade partners and seeing where these items go versus being on the other side where you have to source them yourself.
00:30:20
Speaker
Yeah, no, definitely. It really is. It's merchandising. You have to look through a totally different lens. And there was a lot of unlearnings that had to happen. um Merchandising and, you know, styling a home or designing a home um or commercial space is a completely different ball game. um So it's been it's been fun. I know I also I grew up um in a house full of my English grandmother's antiques my chores growing up were like polishing silver and waxing furniture. um And so I had this like innate love um for antiques and vintage and restoring furniture. I've carried that through my whole life. So it's definitely been very rewarding working with pieces. um I still love getting down dirty and refinishing and and getting that perfect patina.
00:31:16
Speaker
Yeah, I'm really enjoying that aspect of it. I'm very jealous of the upbringing. i Those are the chores I would have loved. Yeah, I didn't love them at the time, um but now I'm very thankful. I learned a lot um from my from my dad because he had to do the same chores growing up with the same pieces of furniture. That's great. Fun fact about Laura that some may not know is we used to live together um and I would come home, you know, every other week from a work trip and there'd be a new vintage or found piece of furniture in our home that she had spent you know a week or the weekend outside scrubbing or sanding or um I don't know the tools names but doing things you know to refurbishing essentially and I was always stoked because I don't know how to do those things but she just knows how to get down and dirty and DIY really anything
00:32:14
Speaker
um and It was such such a come up for me as someone who you know usually just goes and spends the money on the thing um to have this handy best friend who I'm living with who could ah find these ah these diamonds in the rough and then bring them back to life. and She's a good friend to have. She really is.
00:32:33
Speaker
Before we wrap it up with the collector's dream rundown, i I have to ask about my favorite product on the site, which is the reproduction of the Risley chairs.
Recreating Iconic Designs
00:32:42
Speaker
You could have gone so many routes of what to recreate for Bistro chairs, but you chose those and I love them. I want a pair of them for outside of our baby's nursery. So I just have to know what led you guys to choose these. I mean, we just think that they're so much fun.
00:32:57
Speaker
I think that they're just joyful and to have something like that in your house. I mean, I have them actually in my garden and it's funny that you brought it up, um putting them outside your your your um baby's nursery because my son, my two year old son is is actually obsessed with um with the chairs, always wants to sit on them and they actually double as um their their nose cut out so you can put a hose in between and it can you can fill up a baby pool. so um Good to know. I'll second that, actually. I first saw the original um at the house of Richard Christiansen, who owns the brand Flamingo Estate, um was lucky enough to visit his beautiful home. And I saw you know his his pieces in his insane garden. And and um it spurred the thought of, hey, you know can we source these? and
00:33:53
Speaker
we we kind of couldn't because they're so rare and hard to come by. So, um you know, cut to figuring out how we could reproduce and bring those into our collection um was important. And I think that there are a really interesting products for us because there are so popular, but they do they do sit on the fringe of maybe our style, um which I'm really proud of. It's it's something that's not necessarily like innately ah Frenchy farmhouse looking, which Olive is often known for, um but it's it's beautiful and it's interesting and there's so much history there and so much
00:34:30
Speaker
talent and and art that that goes into the design of these pieces. And so we're really proud to have the reproductions as part of the assortment and and something that we can pass on to future generations. Yeah, and I think that's what I love about them as well is that the design is just ah teetering on that avant-garde size, you know so you know, side of things where They could be at a French Bistro in the middle of Paris on a street, or they could be in Oprah's Rose Gardens. You know what I mean? So and there's something that's so interesting about them that they just work. They work anywhere.
00:35:05
Speaker
We have a client, actually a trade client, who purchased ah a large number for um a beautiful restaurant. It's called Cookbook, I believe, um in Larchmont. Is it, Laura? And they powder-coated them to be like a white color because they wanted to kind of create that look and feel for um that you know that restaurant. And it it's so beautiful. And it's really cool to have been able to help um that project you know Create this look and feel um by by you know reproducing something that is so popular and and special to others I'm gonna call them up because it seems they may be the reason I don't have a pair of them right now i can help you with that i do know someone Yeah, we'll we'll chat
00:35:51
Speaker
I love it. Let's wrap it up with the collector's gene rundown. These questions are based on things that you've collected for yourself or things that you've collected for the business. However you guys want to twist and answer them, it's totally up to you. So the first one is, what's the one that got away?
00:36:09
Speaker
i I'll take this. um Everyone knows this answer that's on this call except for you, Cameron, and you're about to find out. There was a French armoire that we sourced, um I don't know, maybe a year ago or a year and a half ago. um It was just that perfect Frenchy patina wood and it had this beautiful paneling um And it was a true armoire. It was you know, it was a closet I think, you know once you open up the doors, there was a little bit of a um a drawer within It was just perfect. But at the time Ben and I didn't have a home, you know that would house it we didn't have the space and
00:36:49
Speaker
I knew it would be popular for the trade and and for our customer. So we obviously merchandise and it sold instantly, but it was perfect in every way and it haunts me almost every day. So um I, you know, I don't mind talking about it, but I'd rather not continue talking about it. I will say if it cheers you up at all, we've manifested a lot of things coming back into collector's hands on this show. So I have a feeling something similar will come your way. I love it.
00:37:17
Speaker
All right, the on deck circle. So this is what's next for you in collecting maybe something you're hunting after or potentially something that you're excited about for the business to hopefully start working on. So personally, I'm actually looking for the perfect dining table right now. Um, but for, you know, all of, as we mentioned, we're always hunting. Um, a new hunt for us right now it is in Italy, which we're really excited about. Um, we're currently working with two master collectors who have,
00:37:45
Speaker
dedicated their lives um to finding interesting objects. So we're learning about a new region, we're learning about new pottery. I actually found this, what I thought was an amazing collection of pottery and I said, wow, like tell me the story about these products. They're so different. I've never seen anything like it. And the guy told me that they were um antique toilets.
00:38:12
Speaker
That's amazing. We did pass on those ones, but yeah, we are we're we we're learning and that's where we're focusing our sights on um at the moment. I love it. I can't wait to see what you guys find. How about the unobtainable? So this is something that's just too expensive in a museum, a private collection. It's just complete unobtainable.
00:38:32
Speaker
So like I mentioned, we're always looking to um expand our collection and um the categories that we're we're getting into. So we we're really excited to to start dabbling in art, um which we know is ah it's it's its own world. um We've had to pass on some heartbreaking pieces, um but we just want to make sure ah that we can ship it safely and um get it here um so that we can sell it to our customers.
00:39:04
Speaker
Yeah, art is one of those kind of daunting sort of categories that everybody really wants to tap into, and it's so hard to do it the right way, and I have no doubt that you guys will do it the right way. um But sometimes people focus, I think, on the wrong things with art, and I think it comes down to something you guys mentioned earlier, which is just buying what you like. Yeah. Sometimes it doesn't it doesn't matter if it's an original oil on canvas or a print. If the print is done,
00:39:30
Speaker
beautifully and it's museum quality print. Who cares? you know if if If someone you know has all the money in the world to go and buy only original art, there's plenty of places and auction houses to go do that. But finding something that is so curated towards what you guys do at Olive will be really, really special. Yeah, we're excited about it. A lot of what we're finding, you know the artists are you know, not famous or or we can't find them on the internet, but they're so beautiful and so true to our brand. and But we, as Laura mentioned, you know, we're in a position where we we pass on purchasing because we want to really make sure that we have our ducks in a row before we can um import safely and then ship safely to to everyone here stateside. Absolutely. Makes total sense.
00:40:20
Speaker
This one's the page one rewrite. So this is if money was no object and you guys could collect anything else besides antiques and and vessels and all that, what would it be?
Personal Dreams and Inspirations
00:40:31
Speaker
If I had my way, I would collect vintage trucks and utility vehicles. Very cool. I tried my hand at this a while back. I had ah a 1968 Ford F-250. Awesome. um It was beautiful. It was used in all the best ways. Had great patina on the white white paint. um Nice rusted bed.
00:40:53
Speaker
And I just love that truck, um but it was huge. It was a long bed. It was my second vehicle, which I absolutely didn't need at the time, especially living with roommates in in Venice, California. so um and And not to mention it broke down probably every other time that I drove it. So I i unfortunately didn't have have the time, ah the the attention, or the cash flow to keep you know bringing it back to life. So I had to let that one go. But um assuming we can be as successful as we would like, that's something that I would i would love to try my hand at is is kind of getting that era of of truck and utility vehicle back into my life and and maybe and in an abundance that would really constitute being a real collector in the space.
00:41:36
Speaker
and Cameron, while my husband's collecting trucks, I'd like to collect houses. If anyone's interested, I'm there. Yeah, you got to store the trucks. Exactly. So no one wants to help me with that. um Just give me a buzz. I love it. The hunt or the ownership, which one do you enjoy more?
00:41:56
Speaker
oh We're at a bit of a conflict here, as you kind of you know understood and mentioned earlier. is you know are Are we into the hunt or are we into the ownership? And unfortunately, um our business necessitates us not to be in it for the ownership. um But we still we still buy as if we are. um But I think that categorically put us into the hunt.
00:42:18
Speaker
um We just have to do it to stay in business. um And for us, we we really have to disassociate. So, you know, when we're sourcing and when we're hunting, we're doing it as if we are going to be the owner because we will at least temporarily. um And that's what's important for us and for our customer.
00:42:36
Speaker
um And maybe maybe soon like I said like with the trucks we'll be in a position uh that we have a big Extra warehouse somewhere and and we could be in position to buy and and hold for decades Um, but until then we're we're gonna stick our mentality on the hunt. I love it How about the goat? Is there someone that you guys look up to in the collecting world or just someone that you think is a great collector? axle the vort is an icon, honestly, and I don't really have many more words than that, but I really respect his work um as an artist and as a collector um and designer and everything else that he is. um I just, yeah, and just absolutely bow down.
00:43:19
Speaker
I think a lot of people bow down to Axel for sure. I mean, he his ability to mix so many different, ah you know, design styles in a single room effortlessly, you know, in in a lot of ways it reminds me of the Risley chairs because you can put them with any home, like I was saying, in any style and it just works and he's mastered that for sure.
00:43:41
Speaker
Absolutely. I think you know he's um quoted you know idolizing the the beauty of imperfection, which we strive for um at Olive. and It's you know really true to the brand identity. so um yeah if If there was anyone, it's him. I love it. and You guys can answer this last one either separately or unanimously. Do you feel that you were born with the collector's gene?
00:44:05
Speaker
I'll jump in first um and you know I'm sure these two will follow, but I'm a very sentimental girl um and maybe maybe innately a bit of a hoarder at heart. um I think I absolutely was born with the collector's gene before it was you know home decor or furnishings. I used to i remember as as a kid just collect Anything that had, you know, a positive memory or to me show beauty, it could have been shells or pebbles or buttons or string or even like and a note that someone had written me. I was that girl that was putting all of those memories into a box and burying them to kind of find later at life and, um, reignite that discovery and that excitement.
00:44:51
Speaker
And I think as I, as I've grown up, I have also tended to hold on to special pieces of clothing that, you know, I probably spent too much money on or maybe I didn't. And it's a really special vintage piece, but I've put in my closet and just been too scared to wear because I don't want to ruin the intrigue, um, or over wear it, you know? So.
00:45:12
Speaker
I think, you know, obviously now I collect as much as Ben will allow me to from you from the vintage furnishings side of things. But um growing up and I think, you know, truly through and through, I definitely I'm a collector.
00:45:27
Speaker
i can I can jump in. A resounding yes. um I feel like I was born into a family of collectors. um I mentioned before about my chores and and looking after my grandmother's and antiques. um And that love has always run through me and fueled my passion for for hunting and collecting. i'm I'm a very thoughtful collector.
00:45:55
Speaker
I look for the right piece for a very, very long time because I plan to hold on to it. um You can probably hear that I am Australian, Kendall's also Australian, but I used to think I used to find these amazing pieces ah when I first moved here and um To the states and I would think oh my gosh, how am I going to get them back to Australia? I'm going to need a whole container. um So that I can get these pieces because I could I just couldn't even imagine letting them go. So yes, definitely have the collector's gene. and How about you, Ben? I definitely have the collector's gene, but you know, it's it's a little tough for me because the things that I i love.
00:46:34
Speaker
and that I i guess ah collect, I like to use and and sometimes abuse. um So whether it was you know growing up, you know i I grew up a street skater. And so you know there was you know a never ending supply of new skate shoes that that i could ah you know buy for myself and kind of where is the badge of of a skater but they were getting used right i love them so much i couldn't just leave them on a shelf or or wear them to social gatherings i was ripping them up on on grip tape so um whether it's you know skate shoes or or hats that i you know the ones that i love i need to wear every day and you know we're often
00:47:13
Speaker
you know, working hard and and sweating all the time. So, you know, my style of collecting is one that imparts more of a story onto the things that I collect. um Same thing with, I bought, you know, my first watch ever, a Rolex Datejust, just prior to mine and Kendall's wedding, wore it on her wedding day. And I said, well, i'll I'll probably just wear this on special occasions. I really want to take care of it.
00:47:38
Speaker
um and and work, we we're like working with our hands off and I wouldn't want to mess it up. And it's I love it so much that I wear it every single day. And it's, you know, surely picking up little, you know dust you know, dust and scratches and all these things. But I think surely over over time, ah maybe I'll be able to collect, you know, more objects in the categories that I really love. And so I won't need to use ah the one that I've been able to collect for myself all the time. I love it. There you have it. Team Olive Itelier, thank you guys so much for coming on the show today. It's been such a pleasure to get to know the three of you a little bit more, and I look forward to seeing all the amazing things that you guys do and continue on this this rocket ship that you guys are on. Thank you, Cameron. Thanks for having us. Thank you, Cameron. My pleasure. Take care.
00:48:27
Speaker
All right, that does it for this episode. Thank you all for listening to collector's gene radio