Olivia makes bohemian chic hair accessories inspired by her life in California. She specializes in tie-dyed hair ties and headbands.
1. What school do you attend?
I go to Pitzer College. It’s part of the Claremont College Consortium in Los Angeles, California.
2. What are you currently studying?
I’m double majoring in Media Studies and Studio Art.
3. What types of classes do you get to take? Which one is your favorite, and why?
My main focus has been in digital art and media, which means I end up taking a lot of classes in computer labs. I’ve taken many production classes, such as video editing, photography, digital imaging and graphic design for my studio art major. The geeky academic side of me is fed by my media theory courses that require analyzing and dissecting media texts. The classes I most enjoy are the ones that incorporate both art and media theory. An example of this is a class I took last semester called “Media and Sexuality”. We grappled with complex ideas surrounding popular culture, pornography and cyberspace. All in all, my college experience has been both academically challenging and extremely fun.
4. What do you want to do when you get out of school?
My Etsy shop has actually taught me a lot about what I want to do when I graduate. I have known for a long time that I want to do something creative that involves computers. I’ve always been open to what field I might enter in the future, however, it wasn’t until I started Mane Message that I realized that I enjoy running a small business and hope I can continue to work for myself.
5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?
I love to bake. I’ve been on a bread baking kick the last few months. There’s something very peaceful about baking bread from scratch and as a college student I need that outlet.
6. What is your favorite thing about college so far?
Wow, that’s a hard question! There are so many things about being a college student that I love and try not to take for granted. At my school everyone pretty much lives on campus all four years, which means everyone eats together in the dining hall. There’s something special about the sense of community that happens in the dining hall. Everyone’s together talking, being goofy, sharing what they learned in class that day and eating. I think I will miss the mealtime moments the most when I graduate.
7. How do you manage your school work and Etsy shop?
It’s a juggling act for sure. I make strict to-do lists and try to follow them. I will normally wake up early and do reading for class then stay up late doing things for Mane Message. Honestly, there are times when I don’t go out with my friends because I need to do things for my shop. It doesn’t bother me though. My work on Etsy is very fulfilling and I love every minute of it.
8. What is the best advice you can offer to a fellow college student crafter?
I would say make sure you’re passionate about what you’re doing because in the end it makes everything easier. Also, try not to obsess. I’m completely guilty of that and it feels weird giving that as advice, but I’m starting to learn that checking Google Analytics every 10 minutes and staying on the computer all day checking in on things isn’t the way to go. Sales and traffic fluctuate and at the end of the day everything will be okay. Enjoy the ride and follow your gut.
