One-of-a-kind Concept Designer - Olivia Halo Designs
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing and design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Olivia Dwyer, founder of Olivia Halo Designs, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I make sustainable clothing rooted in emotional vulnerability. Currently, I am in the process of developing a made-to-order line featuring a handful of knitwear pieces. I love the idea of wearing knit garments that hold and comfort you! All of the knits I personally hand make on my vintage knitting machine. My more one-of-a-kind, conceptual work is often made with tea-dyed silks and sheer woven fabrics.
My customers and community are full of individuals who view clothing as something precious – worth investing in, cherishing and passing through generations. As a whole, I feel that my community is very much made up of people who are in touch with themselves emotionally, who care about the world around them, and who appreciate wearing pieces that remind them of their own softness as they go through life.
Each piece is made from second-hand materials/deadstock whenever possible. Any new materials purchased are always made with natural fibers. Each piece is either a made-to-order design in a custom sizing or is a one-of-a-kind item available for purchase or rental.
Tell us about yourself
My business began almost immediately after receiving my BFA in Fashion and Textiles from Maine College of Art and Design and has been steadily growing and developing ever since! I am constantly inspired by the notion of "wearing your heart on your sleeve." What we wear is often a means of self-expression. Bringing that to the next level through garments designed to reference emotion subtly is an endless source of curiosity, excitement, and motivation. Additionally, I am very motivated by a desire to raise awareness and an understanding of the enormous amount of labor and heart that goes into the clothing we wear. I hope to encourage an appreciation for and shift towards slower, more thoughtful processes.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am always thrilled any time I make a piece where the concept and aesthetic feel like they align perfectly. The Vulnerability Dress definitely made me feel that way, and for that reason will always be close to my heart. It is the pillar of what drives me as a designer – the way that the delicate, intricate design mirrors the concept of vulnerability and patient compassion behind it.
Opportunities where I am able to collaborate with other artists and designers also always feel like a huge accomplishment. Any moment where I am able to embrace my creativity and am handed complete trust to design something beautiful makes me feel very seen and fulfilled as an artist and designer!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
In a general sense, wearing all of the business hats is very challenging! I do everything myself, so it can be difficult to balance the designing and making with the more business-oriented side of it all. In a more specific sense, I find that pricing work can be incredibly challenging as a one-woman-show designer. Fast fashion has severely altered our understanding and expectations when it comes to what goes into a garment and how much it should cost.
It feels so abstract to wrap our heads around the full process unless we've spent time personally engaging with each individual step – and few of us have had the opportunity to do that. Those of us who have are typically already involved in conversations of sustainability and ethics in the fashion industry. It is a really interesting challenge to raise awareness in a meaningful way outside of the community that is already interested and engaged with the topic.
There is often very little transparency in the fashion industry. Because of that, we are deeply disconnected from the many labor-intensive processes that lead to a wearable piece. One of the key challenges in being a small, sustainable designer is really just educating people about the full scope of that process. Luckily, my heart is in it. I sincerely enjoy discussing these things candidly and increasing understanding, but it is definitely a challenge!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never underestimate the importance of community. It is so essential to have strong and collaborative relationships with your peers so you can support one another through the ups and downs of business ownership. Not only is it important professionally – but it is also fun and helpful to get to know people! I think part of this is not getting caught up in comparing yourself to the business owners around you. It is absolutely essential to be able to celebrate the wins of your peers alongside them. Everyone moves at their own pace, and while it can be easy to forget and become frustrated or feel like things are moving slowly for you – it's totally okay to grow at your own rate! A fellow creative getting their break before you doesn't mean that yours isn't coming – it just means we're each on our own track, so it's important to put your energy into being genuinely happy for them. Chances are they'll be happy for you when your moment comes!
- Find ways to show your work. Your business can be the most incredible thing in the whole world, but if people don't know that it exists, they won't be able to shower you with the encouragement, support, and appreciation you deserve! That can mean showing your growth as an artist and business owner, which I think can feel a bit scary – but in my experience, people really enjoy getting to be along for the journey, even the parts that aren't quite perfectly developed yet!
- Trust yourself and your pricing! There will always be those who disagree with the way that you're running your business. At the end of the day, though, you are the only one that truly knows how much time and labor is involved and how high your material / operating costs are. It can be easy to doubt yourself – but try not to take it too much to heart. There will always be wonderful people in the world who see how hard you work, respect and understand your pricing, and who genuinely appreciate/want to support you!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Artist Bio: Olivia Dwyer grew up in Newcastle, ME and received her BFA in Fashion and Textiles at Maine College of Art in 2018. She is currently based in Philadelphia, and works at The Made Institute and the Fabric Workshop and Museum. She has worked as a freelance production seamstress, product developer, custom designer, and sample seamstress. Dwyer’s more conceptual garment work centers around emotional vulnerability and learning how to hold space for ourselves and those around us. She has been a recipient of the Belvedere Fund, and recently had the opportunity to dress the musician Dodie for her show in Philadelphia.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.oliviahalo.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviahalodesigns/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviahalo/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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