We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaclyn Carles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaclyn, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Art has been the biggest constant in my life growing up through childhood until now. There has never been a time in my life that I haven’t sought out some sort of creative outlet, whether it be playing musical instruments all throughout middle school and high school, acting in the community theater’s plays, to now being a macramé artist. I’m a very hands-on, do-it-yourself type of person and I think that’s what helps my passion in art grow and thrive. Not only does art bring me joy, but I love the joy my creations bring others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Olive & Ever is a one-stop shop for all things macramé, from keychains to wall hangings to wedding decor! I’m most excited that there are so many things you can do and create with something as simple as some cords and sticks. Seriously, the possibilities are endless! That’s exciting to me because that gives my creativity no bounds and gives my consumers the opportunity to find a little something that suits their tastes and styles. To be able to turn such mundane objects into these elaborate pieces is what I’m most proud of!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
San Diego is so diverse, there’s so many options! Food/drinks: 1. Holy Matcha 2. Kogi KBBQ 3. The Goods Doughnuts + Coffee 4. Farmer’s Table 5. Tacos El Gordo Fun places to visit: 1. The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge 2. Torrey Pines 3. North Park 4. Seaport Village 5. If you’re a dog lover like me, OB Dog Beach, Fiesta Island, or Del Mar Dog Beach! 6. Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park 7. Belmont Park Favorite hikes: 1. Torrey Pines 2. Annie’s Canyon Trail 3. Three Sisters 4. Devil’s Punchbowl 5. Iron Mountain

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I wish I could give a personal shout out to, but the list would be never-ending! You can say that I’ve been extremely blessed with the best support system anyone could ever ask for, but I’ll name a few here today. Olive & Ever, my little macramé biz, wouldn’t be what it is today without the encouragement and support of two of my dearest friends, Jay and Mack Hovland (also known as Jay and Mack Films). They saw the talent and passion for all things macramé and fiber arts in me and gave me the push I needed to turn this little hobby into the flourishing business it is now. If not for them, I would never have had the courage to take the plunge into opening up my little shop, putting my creations out there and really just going for it. But for them, I am forever thankful that they saw the potential in me and continue to support me each and ever day. Next, I’m sure we all are thankful for our spouses, right? But, I’m extra thankful for my husband. Starting a small business on your own naturally has so many different obstacles and learning curves, but he’s been there every step of the way through each challenge I’ve faced. We are very much two, different people with two, different ways of looking at situations and his perspective has helped me tremendously. I could say so much more, but I mainly just want to say thank you. To all of my friends (some who I have made through Olive & Ever) and family–this is to you: Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. From the simplest things like sharing my posts on your social media to making a purchase, every gesture means the world to me. I feel your support and love and continue to strive to be better because of all of you. So again, thank you!

Website: oliveandever.com
Instagram: instagram.com/oliveandever
Facebook: facebook.com/oliveandever
Other: oliveandever.etsy.com

Image Credits
Dphotopro // Daniel McBrayer Chris & Kacey Photo Ardor Photo Cailynn Wolfgang Photo

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