Olivia Ives-Flores

Interview by Allison Daroie

2016 is here and we're starting off strong with an exceptional Monday Maven! Say hello to Olivia Ives-Flores! She's the founder & designer of Oh Olive Creative. Olivia is a multi-talented, multi-passionate creative entrepreneur living and creating in Boston. I first met Olivia while I was working at Karmaloop and she was working to find locations to exhibit the collection she co-curated called the "Sneaker Museum". The exhibition was recently featured at the Brooklyn Museum in NY!

You might see Olivia cruising around the city on her bicycle, dashing from meeting to meeting, always with a big smile on her face. Olivia is very driven, accomplished and the greatest of connectors. She has an incredible talent of connecting people... better than any connector from a Malcolm Gladwell novel. She introduces people with no other intention than for the sake of creating something beautiful and the desire to see others succeed. She's a total gem, and I'm happy to have her as a friend.  Say hello and enjoy! 

AD: Where are you from originally? 
OIF: I grew up in NYC.

AD: Where did your motivation to pursue your passion originate? What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome to get where you are today?
OIF: Both of my parents are artists (or as I like to call them) creative entrepreneurs, so I was spoon fed creative problem solving and independence since I was a wee tot. An obstacle I have observed myself encountering is how to maintain a good relationship with money. I used to have trouble charging for my skills and time because it is my passion and pleasure to offer. My solution was to view money as life tickets which I welcome in to my life.

AD: What is a typical day like for you?
OIF: As an entrepreneur everyday is completely different & rarely “typical”. I think the key to being productive and maintaining a routine is about striking a balance between work, and play - Input & output - the interior and exterior. On that note, I do have a morning ritual that sets the tone for the day...I never set an alarm so I always wake up right on time :) First thing out of bed, I start a pot of coffee and put on some tunes so I can dance and loosen up while the coffee is brewing. After pouring a cup, I dash a few notes in my journal, review my agenda and tune in with my missions for the day. From there anything can happen .. usually I work at home for a bit, then go to the gym, take a sauna, have a green drink, then go to my studio for the rest of the day. Evenings are a wild card. Depending on the night it is a toss up between an art event or fun happening, working late, making art or creating a delicious feast at home. 

AD: Who's your favorite artist?
OIF: I’v never really been one for picking favorites - I like to keep my eyes and ears open and my palette full. It helps me stay surprised and inspired.

 AD: What was your largest life leasson?                        
OIF: My mentor and best friend, Doris Yaffe, who is a glorious 86 years young has always taught me to reach for the moon - even if you miss you’ll end up with a handful of stars. She also is a believer that mistakes are never wasted if you learn from them - I have to agree.

AD: What’s your typical fitness routine?
OIF: Like my taste in most things, my fitness routine is based on my mood. I cycle between yoga, Pilates, strength training, basketball and running. My constant is bicycling because it is my main mode of transportation.

AD: What are your daily beauty rituals?
OIF: Hmmm. Im pretty low maintenance in this department. I do have a couple of habits though … hot water and lemon through-out the day, saunas, coconut oil for the skin and a positive attitude with plenty of smiling :)

AD: What's a go to place in your area?
OIF: The courtyard garden at the Isabella Stewart Gardner for inspiration and peace. La Voile to enjoy a glass of wine and good conversation.

AD: Who inspires you more than anyone else in this world?
OIF: My father, Enrique Flores-Galbis, is my greatest inspiration. He is truly a modern day renaissance man and is prolifically skilled and versatile as a painter, novelist, poet, songwriter and lecturer. Everything he does is a creative endeavor and he is constantly creating. I also admire how emotionally attune and expressive he is. He can always share with succinct eloquence and sensitivity how he is feeling and I think that is an important quality.

AD: How do versatile pieces make your life easier?
OIF: The life of a creative entrepreneur requires flexibility to adjust to change on a whim. Versatile clothing is a necessary ingredient to encountering the day with gusto and welcoming whatever occasions may arise.

AD: Are there any words of wisdom you'd like to leave with us, especially with the New Year in mind?
OIF: Just a reminder to live and lead with intention, gratitude and kindness to others. Oh ! and keep in mind that a smile is contagious. It is something we all have to give and it doesn’t cost a thing :)