As we continue our Influencer Interview series, today’s spotlight is on Olivia Starling, the founder and CEO of her own jewelry brand, Starlette Galleria. Originally from Wyoming, then moving to Colorado 6 years ago, she started her business only 2.5 years ago and has been able to land a published feature in Forbes Magazine, and almost 6 figures in sales in just one month alone! We can all learn a couple things from Starling and how she was able to turn a dream, into a reality. She shares many of her business secrets through her Instagram stories which can help other aspiring business owners out there.
In today’s interview, we will get to know Starling deeper than behind the screen from when she’s running her business and being a mother. She is on a mission to provide quality and beautiful jewelry for woman on the go. From sterling silver to real plated gold, there is sure a place for you to find a fit for a piece that draws to you on Starlette Galleria. Read on for more.
Head over to our Instagram @glamourandguide and let us know your favorite piece from this interview and who you’d like to see next!
- Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? (Where you’re from, your career, etc.)
O: I bet I am one of the first (or only) people you have met that can say they are from Wyoming. I grew up in a super small town of 5,000 people, but moved about 6 years ago to Colorado where I enjoy living at the base of Pikes Peak with my 13 year old dog and 5 year old daughter. I started my business 2.5 years ago, with a toddler on my hip and a dream in my heart. I love learning, growing, and bringing everyone in on the journey with me. Many of my neighbors have (or do) work for me. They all have keys to my house and come and go as they need. I see life and business as something that can coexist and don’t have to be separate from each other. Pouring into and empowering women is what brings me joy, and Starlette Galleria is the tool that has brought that to me.
- Since our blog is called Glamour and Guide, what is your favorite beauty secret or go-to beauty brands — whether it’s clothes, jewelry, makeup, skincare, etc.?
O: I don’t like to wear makeup every day, so a quick work around for me: I get my eyelashes done, keep my brows clean, and contour my cheekbones with self tanning lotion and a makeup brush once a week. I am also an advocate for filters, botox, and absolutely whatever makes YOU feel incredible in your skin. I also have a few “staple” pieces of jewelry from Starlette Galleria. I put them on and literally never take them off.
- Can you tell us what your jewelry brand Starlette Galleria and what it’s about? How did you pick a name and get the spark of creativity to start this?
O: I cater to the woman on the go. The one that doesn’t have time to take her jewelry off every night and just wants to keep running. Everything at Starlette Galleria is made of sterling silver and plated in real gold or rhodium. We keep our prices low so if something happens, it’s easily replaceable. I wanted to name my business Stella Grace, after my daughter, but that name was too common so I had to get creative and in a matter of 30 minutes, Starlette Galleria was born! I’m not sure what my thought process (if any) was given on that day, but I’m glad I made a quick decision and stuck with it.
- How do you unwind after a stressful day and manage your personal life, being a mother, and working on your business to bring out the best products for customers?
O: I work a lot of late nights and early mornings. Being a single mother means that I don’t get many opportunities to unwind, especially not every day. When I have time to myself, I try to read, take long walks, and hang out in my backyard with Taylor Swift’s new album on Spotify. Inspiration for my customers comes from my everyday life. I look at women when I’m in the store, at the nail salon, and in restaurants. I study their jewelry and how they wear it. I think you can tell a lot about a woman by the pieces she wears. If I see a piece that is truly extraordinary, I will ask her about it. Sometimes even take a picture. Every piece of jewelry tells a story and many women will gladly tell you their story if you ask.
- What was your biggest challenge as an entrepreneur in starting a business within the jewelry industry? How did you overcome this obstacle?
O: My biggest challenge that exists with being an entrepreneur lives inside my own brain. Owning a business means I must have the ability to make quick and good decisions. Sometimes the lack of decision can bottleneck processes for my employees and me. The best way to overcome mental hurdles and challenges is by having a tight-knit group of friends to talk issues out with. I have a few groups of women that all own businesses and we often bounce ideas off each other and talk through challenges regularly. Honestly, I’m not sure what I would do without the support of my boss babe tribe.
- Did you ever have doubts or second thoughts about yourself and starting Starlette Galleria? Was there another route you were thinking of possibly taking before you chose to become a business owner?
O: Before Starlette Galleria, I was going to school to become a yoga instructor. One weekend at a yoga retreat, the idea to start an online business, catering to engagement rings that don’t cost a fortune came to me! I finished my yoga teacher training, and started my online business right away. I have constant self-doubt, but I push through because I know that in the long run, I will be happier knowing I took the risk than played it safe.
- What inspires you everyday to keep pushing and working hard not just for your business, but for yourself as well?
O: I have a small Instagram community on my page @oliviaisnotaninfluencer where I openly show my audience the success, failures, and daily grind to being a single mom and an entrepreneur. I have been vulnerable, cried, and shared the lessons I have learned along the way. In an odd way, I keep going because I want to show them that anything is possible. If some mom in Colorado can achieve her dream, anything is possible
- What is your favorite collection you’ve created so far? What was the meaning behind it?
O: My favorite collection came in March of 2021 and it was bee inspired. I did a spin off of Joshua 1:9 and every package had a note that said “BEE strong and courageous. Do not BEE afraid. Do not BEE discouraged. BEEcause better days are ahead of you.” I created this yellow, light-hearted collection as the world was slowly starting to reopen. Bees are symbolic of many things, but the thing that stuck out the most to me is that in a beehive, all of the worker bees are female. The queen bee is the life source for all of the bees, and the other females go out and get the pollen to make honey. Many of my customers are working moms and I think the symbol of the bee really resonates with them.
- Are you working on anything exciting currently for Starlette Galleria? How do you typically come up with new unique ideas to bring to customers?
O: It’s summer time! I am working on our hot girl summer collection. It’s all opal and turquoise with a boho inspired twist. I pay attention to what is going on around me, and watch for trends. Sometimes I go completely off the wall and find things I personally love. Coming up with inspiration and ideas for new collections never seems to be an issue for me.
- Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
O: I try to not make too many plans, because God’s plan is always greater than my own. I hope in 10 years I have impacted the lives of many women, including my daughter, and built a life I am proud of. I’m not sure what that looks like, but I’m certain it will be an amazing adventure.
If you loved this interview and want to keep up to date with Olivia and her brand, follow her Instagram @oliviaisnotaninfluencer
Thank you so much for reading!
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