How Ola Olayinka Created OlaOla
Find out how this creative founder infused everyday essentials with captivating patterns to assemble her exquisite stationary and accessories brand
Read more
How Ola Olayinka Created OlaOla
Find out how this creative founder infused everyday essentials with captivating patterns to assemble her exquisite stationary and accessories brand
By: Maddi John
Head up to our third floor in the stationary hall, OlaOla – the stationary and accessory brand combining functionality with personal expression to bring joy to your every day. What once started out as a passion project, quickly became a thriving brand thanks to brand founder Ola Olayinka’s deep love for handcrafted products and history in the textile industry. Here, we sit down with Ola to find out what goes on inside her vibrant design studio and how she brought OlaOla to life…
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THE MAKING OF OLAOLA
How Did You First Get into Accessories and Stationery?
I've always been drawn to the world of design and started my creative career in textile design. Accessories and stationery, for me, represent a unique blend of functionality and personal expression. The desire to infuse these everyday essentials with captivating patterns led me to start OlaOla.
How Would You Describe Your Brand in an Elevator Pitch
OlaOla is where vibrant patterns meet everyday life. A design studio crafting unique patterns for accessories, homeware, stationery etc inspired by the rich tapestry of my Nigerian culture, nature's wonders, and abstract art. Our products celebrate colour, uniqueness, and culture.
On Ola's Wishlist
When Are You at Your Most Creative?
My creative energy surges when I'm on holiday as I’m outside of my usual surroundings and have space to just focus on potential new ideas.
What’s Your Biggest Distraction?
The digital world is both a blessing and a distraction. Social media and endless notifications can pull me away from the hands-on creative process. It's a constant balance to use technology for inspiration without letting it divert my focus.
What Advice Would You Give Someone Looking to Start Their Own Brand?
Your brand is an extension of you, and that uniqueness is your greatest asset. Stay true to your vision, be persistent, and always seek growth through learning and adapting, which also means you don’t have to wait for perfection before you start.
What Does Success Look Like to You?
Success, to me, is comfortably living off my brand and being able to grow and collaborate with my dream brands.
What Are Your Three Best Tips for Creativity?
1. Explore Widely: Seek inspiration from unexpected sources – a book, a conversation etc.
2. Embrace Playfulness: Don't shy away from experimentation. Let yourself play with colours, textures, and ideas.
3. Capture Moments: Keep a sketchbook or a digital journal (even social media) to jot down spontaneous ideas. Creativity often strikes when you least expect it, and having a way to capture those moments is invaluable.
Where Do You Get Inspiration From With Your Unique Prints and Patterns?
My inspiration for my prints and patterns is drawn from the rich tapestry of Nigerian culture, nature's patterns, and abstract art.