Olivia Christian has been a budding entrepreneur since she was ‘little’.
“I used to always want to start businesses, like making hair clips or stickers that I would sell to my family,” the Year 7 student from Canberra said.
“During the second COVID lockdown [in Canberra], I was feeling pretty down and knew that doing something creative would make me feel brighter. I’ve always loved art and crafts so I decided to use some Play-Doh that Mum had stashed away to make some earrings.”
Inspired by her mum, who used to make beaded earrings, and access to “lots of hooks and things that I could use,” Olivia made some cute shapes and combined colours to make earrings that she attached to the hooks.
“They took forever to dry but when they did, I attached them and realised it was something I really enjoyed doing! I loved wearing my own earrings and loved seeing Mum wear them on her online work meetings!”
When Olivia’s neighbour saw what she had been up to, she gave her some of her old clay to get creative with.
“She is such an inspiration! She has her own business pressing native Australian flowers and using resin to turn them into stunning pieces of jewellery. She gave me her clay and I had the best time mixing colour combinations and making my own designs.
“We ordered more clay online and it was honestly what kept me going throughout lockdown. I made sure I did my school work but I also had down time when I could relax and play with clay.”
Olivia continued to follow her dream and set up an Instagram account where showcased the pieces she had made for family and friends. In return for the gifted jewellery, she simply asked for feedback – allowing her to continuously improve the product and establish what was in demand. This led her to create her own brand, Ola Sea, her first sale and eventually, a story in the local newspaper after The Project’s Carrie Bickmore wore them on live TV!
“I don’t sell them for much at this stage as I’m only 12 and I don’t know all the important business stuff yet, but I hope to learn one day. I just make enough to buy more clay. I used my Christmas money to buy a clay roller machine and have had so much fun experimenting with gold leaf and mica powders.
“I have just allowed myself to learn along the way. I’ve had a few doozies, when I’ve overcooked clay or made the shapes too thin so they broke. I look back at my first products and… I think the quality of what I’m producing has improved a lot. It has been an interesting journey, learning how to get better at my craft. I can’t wait to see what is to come!
At the local markets, Olivia is delighted when she sees people’s faces light up when they see her creations.
“I just love that even when things in the world are sad sometimes, there are still little things to smile about.
“Hopefully I will always enjoy making my creations. Mum and Dad often say, if it stops being fun then I need a break. For now it is definitely fun and it has been great for me to meet people and know that I am making hearts happy just by doing something I love!”
