OLIVO
Los Angeles, California
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Raquel: OLIVO
Photo Courtesy Brian Tencza
I am an artist making handmade bags and accessories. OLIVO are products made of canvas and leather and sometimes linen. Some pieces are block printed, my process for that is as follows; I draw and carve my own blocks then stamp on fabric to create one of a kind textiles and accessories using organic canvas as well as linen. For my leatherwork I use genuine leather sourced locally. I handcraft every single item by myself in my home studio in Los Angeles, CA
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
OLIVO is my family name. My father was always very proud of it and so I carried that same pride into each product that I make.
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
My signature style is timeless silhouette pieces that have custom branded brass hardware.
Photo Courtesy Raquel Olivo
What makes your business unique to the industry?
I feel my business is unique in that I am able to not adhere to the industry standard calendar by creating new products when ever I see fit.
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
As of lately Covid-19 has been the largest roadblock with events being cancelled and no where to sell my wares in person. The shift from bags to masks became a no brainer during this pandemic and has helped my business stay afloat.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
My favorite part of my job is being able to come up with an idea and designing it on the fly and seeing people love it as much as I do!
What is your *must do* local activity?
My must do "hyperlocal activity" is hands down getting an Acai bowl at UBATUBA! My "local" must do is getting outdoors in my camper and visiting local campsites and beaches throughout California.
Where to find OLIVO:
Online: byraquelolivo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byraquelolivo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byraquelolivo