Raw Talent - OOLI DESIGN

I couldn't be more excited to write about my ever-so-talented friend Oli, jewellery designer and Founder of OOLI DESIGN. To say that this girl is ridiculously talented would be an understatement; her and her home-made jewellery are unique, raw and beautiful.

Oli

She was chosen as a featured artist at the RAW Wollongong Artists Festival so clearly I'm not the only one who thinks she's pretty amazing. First stop Wollongong, next stop.... THE WORLD!!!!

As the first of my posts about friends, I asked Oli a bunch of questions to help me put together something that would showcase her amazing talent. As it turns out, her answers were too good to be paraphrased. So, rather than me bumbling on about her...

When did you start OOLI DESIGN?

OOLI DESIGN officially started in 2014. I’d been hiding my OOLI DESIGN Instagram from my friends and family, slowly posting new designs and pieces I’d been working on, to see if they got any love from strangers on Instagram - and there was! Mid 2014 I spread the word, invited everyone to my Facebook/Instagram pages, started selling at markets around the South Coast and getting serious about jewellery design!

Why did you start OOLI DESIGN?

I’d been making crystal and gemstone jewellery for myself for over a year, with stones I’d collected while travelling. I ended up with hundreds of great one of a kind pieces that I just wanted to share!

Have you always been interested in jewellery and design?

Big time. I’ve always been obsessed with jewellery and have made pieces since I was in high school. Starting with bead and wire jewellery and slowly developing a serious love for lapidary, crystals and gemstones. Travelling through Sri Lanka, Nepal and Turkey in particular inspired my jewellery aesthetic, colour combinations and technique. So after getting back to Australia with crystals and stones I’d collected, I was itching to start creating!

What about OOLI DESIGN are you most proud of ?

The response and reactions from customers and ‘Likers’ of OOLI DESIGN! I love hearing customers tell me they’ve received compliments when wearing my pieces. I feel a lot of warmth and support from OOLI DESIGN lovers and its that love that drives me to keep creating. Also, proud of my website - it's pretty baben!

Amy's Mum surprised her with this gorgeous necklace that she'd had her eye on

What is your next big goal/dream OOLI DESIGN? 

My goals are always to create new pieces, that are handmade, one of kind, with stones I’ve personally pick up from around the world. Dreaming bigger I’d love to have a greater reach internationally, host pop up markets around Australia and feature in some more fashion publications and blogs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just bought my first OOLI DESIGN piece last week after waiting patiently for a green necklace to be available. I missed out on a few of Oli's market stalls and next thing I know, there were no green necklaces left!

But now this little gem is all mine! I honestly can't wait to wear it over something black so it can really POP! Not that it needs the help.

Oli has a wide range of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and body chains in silver and gold. Luckily for everyone she has just launched her website and is shipping domestically and internationally.


You can check out her designs at http://oolidesign.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/oolidesign/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oolidesign/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/oolidesign/

And of course, if you really love her, feel free to vote for her RAW: Accessories of the Year




Photos taken from the OOLI DESIGN Facebook Page.