Happy Monday! I'm back with another installment of my "Meet the Maker" series. Today I'm introducing you to Erin of Laurel and Olive!
I first found Erin while down the rabbit hole that is Etsy. If you didn't know, I am an alumna member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and I look for fun items from time to time. There is SO much more out there than there was when I was an active member! And some of that is thanks to Erin! She creates fun and totally unique sorority items! Not gunna lie, I have several in my cart currently. Let's get to know her!
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Southern California and only live a quarter mile from my parents. Family means the world to me, which is why I started my business; to raise my kids and provide a little extra income. I am an alumna of Phi Sigma Sigma at Chapman University. After I graduated, I was the recruitment advisor and then chapter advisor for a total of 12 years. I am still actively involved in the international organization as the Awards Committee Chairman.
I met my husband Cory, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, at Chapman. The Greek blood runs deep. We got married on St. Patrick’s Day in 2007 with 200 of our closest family and friends and green beer, of course. We have two kids that are the loves of our lives, daughter, Elliott (7), and son, Avery (4). On the weekdays, you’ll find me helping in their classes and on the weekends, on the soccer field watching their games.
What is it that you make and how did you get started?
After I graduated college, I went to work in the fashion industry. My career has included running the t-shirt lines for little girls at Roxy and being an Art Director at a private label. In 2009, I became the swimwear designer and the little girls clothing designer at Quiksilver for the licensed brand Hang Ten, sold at Kohl’s. I have taught courses at Chapman University in the Art Department, as well as freelanced for various companies.
After being laid off in 2011, I decided to work from home so I could raise my daughter and start designing freelance income. I soon figured out that I would love to work for myself, but also create some amazing things! I decided to combine my love for fashion and my passion for Greek Life and sororities. In 2011, The Greek Supply was born. I saw a need for on-trend clothing for sororities that could be bought in bulk or online individually. I wanted to provide sorority women with affordable and fashionable items that they could wear while in college and after. I recently changed the name of the business to Laurel & Olive so that I wasn’t limited to just sorority items. I sell t-shirts, other apparel, water bottles, buttons, hats, and a variety of other items. I also sell my signature floral tanks which are some of the Pinterest-famous items from my shop.
Love: Jesus
My kids, my husband, my family
My kids, my husband, my family
Vacation
Any type of sweets
Photography
Water, because I’d like to think I am really a mermaid
Hates: Mean people - being nice goes a long way in life.
Any Guilty Pleasures: Netflix
Big Brother Chocolate of all kinds
Cocktail of choice: Wine
What advice do you have for fellow makers?
Work to fine tune your business in all areas (photography, marketing, product, accounting, etc.). No one can be an expert at all things when running a business, but learn as much as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
One of my favorite quotes is “Nothing is a failure, it’s just not supposed to work out that way because something better is supposed to come along.” - Sandra Bullock
Thank you Erin for being a part of this Meet the Maker series!
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