In this series, we delve into the works and reflections of artists, fashion designers, designers, marketing specialists and other creatives who continue to give a percentage of their craft and motivate others to chart their own path and tame a sense of hope and passion.
This verbal exchange has been modified for clarity.
“I divided the new general into 3 phases, the first when we were all in a full blockade, the moment of relaxation in GCQ (back to the paintings for us) and the third, which is now, the ‘after’.
“During the first phase, I was a little relieved during the break because the beginning of the year seemed more like a continuation of 2019 than a total new year. The Olivier was busy ordering and preparing wedding gift products for my 2020 brides I could even take part in a supply holiday to Ilocos North to make a stop at our weaver network and a mini-moon with my husband in Bangkok between January and March.
“When the closure was announced, I was only able to do it the first week until I knew (with the help of my wonderful entrepreneurial friends) that I had to start making plans for the year, as everything was going to change. At that time, the permanence of this pandemic was not yet evident to me, I believe that in a month or two the universe could be fixed alone … Thank God for that little voice in my head.
“Planning has been the biggest survival mechanism for me, being informed about what other corporations are doing, running a business within the WFH, making sure I could rent my clients without seeing them face to face, and the hardest component was making sure there were enough paints to keep our business alive.
“The line that resonated in my head was Jack Ma, it was something like ‘2020 it’s a year of survival’, even though the profits are developing businesses, I had to think of all the other people I was guilty for once I joined ECQ GCQ and how I can keep everyone together I’m very glad that our company is still intact and that we are effectively adapting to the new standard.
“In the other aspect of the spectrum, I was also able to deal with the new general knowing that my circle of relatives was safe and intact. After Jay and I got married last December, my husband moved into our space and I think this Total Test was like an extensive course on life in the Olives space. I don’t think we’ve spent as much food combined as we’ve spent in the last decade; it was really nice. Regardless, I made sure to be stimulated in an artistic way through reading, watching movies, listening to music, portraying and even gardening. Jay and I, as a tag team, have even traveled for 3 brands! Jay has never done a lookbook before and I don’t regularly have a model, but we control it (why not see something new, right?).
“Blocking helped me locate my center, knowing that taking a break isn’t bad, focusing on the things that are most successful in life, and getting rid of all the mess (physical and emotional).
“Since we’re all stuck at home, we’ve done everything we can to stay creative, whether it’s in the kitchen, moving elements around the house, exercising, doing a karaoke song, portraying or designing Olivier’s pieces. By being creatively well balanced, it’s helping me maintain a new attitude about what’s vital to me.
“Our collections in Olive Tree always start with a thought, feeling or an idea that really inspires me. This is usually the hardest part, pinning down what should be talked about or created at that specific time. Based on the current landscape and growing needs of the home linen industry, I try and create designs that tell a story or highlight certain aspects of Filipino culture that would spark curiosity and dialogue and increase awareness. Based on these stories and designs, I try to bring them to life and into client’s homes through throw pillows, placemats, blankets to mention some.
“I do my best to offer unique, intelligent and enduring designs. The challenge for me is to have a collection that other people still communicate years after its release, means that my pieces still resonate with the Filipino spirit. to capture the undeniable inconveniences, the mundane scenes and the life of us Filipinos and take a peculiar turn.
“I regularly start with a big yellow notebook and background music (Chopin Nocturnes regularly) and then let my mind flow. I write anyway if the mind is mixed, the end is a yellow block of about 2 pages with other doodles, image concepts, product details, even the names of the prints. Then I leave them and see them the next day. I have the impression that concepts deserve to rest one way or another.
“After that, I paint in a color palette and locate references for prints. The design team and I reviewed to locate inspiration in photographs and landscapes. From there, I create an undeniable narrative that I need to convey, adding elements that we need to come in each room, and then, once we are satisfied with the result, we begin the development of the product.
“The biggest change since the blockade is not being able to faint and locate inspiration freely. Sometimes, as the collection progresses, the undeniable act of being able to communicate with craftsmen can advance the paintings. My graphic design team and I regularly do a “design break”, which is a month to paint the new pieces, try, make a stop at the craftsmen and really concentrate on completing the collection. It is very difficult now because I can not be there personally to give orders on how I need this done, however, I accept as true in the skills of my colleagues and the evidence is in the pudding based on the correct paintings they have made for me in the last six years.
“Another impediment to the key to Olive is not being able to tell the stories to our consumers while keeping the pieces in bazaars and pop-ups. Normally we have a pop-up at least once a month to get to know our consumers personally so they can see the products first hand. We should not take part in any pop-up or bazaars to make our component to prevent the spread of the virus. Instead, we talk to our consumers through social media and the website.
“I am very fortunate that with the replacement of time in this new general environment /work from home, the exclusive quality sheets and accessories suddenly become so essential. People think that creating paradises deserves to be a priority because we now spend a lot of time at home.
“The biggest challenge right now is to achieve a broader visitor base without appearing in shopping malls or events. We have intensified our efforts on social media since the lockout and it is rewarded. We also make sure that our consumers are well cared for and involve them in the most productive way possible We realize that positive reports are so vital in those days that we review to make communication with our consumers as smooth and positive as possible.
“Another challenge is taking credit from the virtual market. I think of the paintings on the online page twice more, as a catalogue and as a store. Delight is as undeniable as possible. In addition, the language of the content (online and social media page) will have to be available and useful I need our customers to feel that there is some other user on the other side of the line with whom they feel comfortable to talk and ask for help.
“We are spacing out the launch of our items to every two weeks so we can continue to excite our clients without cluttering their social media feed. In terms of future plans, we are very open to collaborations, projects, and product development now more than ever. It will be challenging, but it will be worth it.
“Lately I’m waiting for rolls of fabric that I’ve asked of our friendly weavers from Paoay, Ilocos Norte. That’s what I’m looking for ahead of me. In addition, we are looking to launch a collection of padlocks that we hope will embody Filipino determination and in those difficult times. We need to launch a line that is a symbol of hope, and that despite all the negative things that are happening around us, the other Filipino people will prevail at all times. We plan to launch Until September if all goes well!
“L’Olivier seeks to diversify our diversity of products with exclusive Filipino elements or handicrafts. This year, I will continue to design for the house and hope to create more encouraging pieces that make other people happy.
“To my artistic colleagues, I would tell you that if you feel stuck, you come out completely. Watch a smart movie, read a smart book, walk, enroll in an education class, take care of your dog, check the gardening, watch the painting, cook anything or just do anything artistic that surely has nothing to do with what you’re running. There is nothing to take a step back and when your brain is rested and in a position to recreate; don’t stop. Always bring up a non-public touch and make sure it’s exclusive and inspiring. “- Kyla Olives-Laurel narrated to Carmencita S.Sioson
To be more informed about the olive tree, stick to @theolivetreeph and @kylaolives
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