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

Hi Olivia, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
As an entrepreneur forging my own unique path in an already well-established industry, uncertainty about the future just comes with the territory. I think it’s important to be present enough to celebrate your wins as they come along, and also to periodically look back to see how far you’ve come. When you encounter a new trial, no matter if you succeed or miss the mark, there’s always a lesson to take away and apply to the next bump in the road. It’s vital to approach it all with clear vision and optimism, and remind yourself that the success you’ve been working so hard for might be right around the corner, but you’ve got to continue down that path or you’ll never know.

Please tell us more about your art, we’d love to hear what sets you apart from others.
My approach is elegance meets alternative. I’ve always been captivated by precious gemstones and feel that their beauty has meaning. Using principles of intention, purpose, and love, I design and handcraft pieces that are unique and elevated to emphasize the natural beauty of the stone. The results are graceful and distinct, conflict-free pieces that can’t be duplicated.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand?
That it’s possible to have luxury without compromise! Standard diamond mining exploits the environment and communities. At Olivia Mar, we are committed to ethically-sourced stones and sustainable practices, meaning that by hand-selecting our gemstones, we remain accountable to the delicate ecosystems of the Earth and humanity. For example, by sourcing our pink and blue opals from a small group of families in Lima, Peru, we ensure that they make fair wages and have safe working conditions without devastating the environment. There’s nothing bolder than uncompromising beauty.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand?
That it’s possible to have luxury without compromise! Standard diamond mining exploits the environment and communities. At Olivia Mar, we are committed to ethically-sourced stones and sustainable practices, meaning that by hand-selecting our gemstones, we remain accountable to the delicate ecosystems of the Earth and humanity. For example, by sourcing our pink and blue opals from a small group of families in Lima, Peru, we ensure that they make fair wages and have safe working conditions without devastating the environment. There’s nothing bolder than uncompromising beauty.

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?
Spontaneity works really well in Southern California because there’s such a multitude of places to visit and in such a rich landscape. The best experiences are always when you pick a place on the map, whether it be in your own neighborhood or a two-hour road trip away, and just start exploring; it’s never disappointing.

That said, if I wanted to create a loose itinerary for me and my friend, I’d start on the coast by grabbing a coffee at Brick and Bell in La Jolla before heading for a gorgeous hike at Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. After that, a little rest and reflection in Del Mar (they have a dog beach if you’re bringing your furry friends). You could spend an entire day on Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach, exploring its several blocks of boutiques, merchants, and artisans. It’s a perfect place to shop for meaningful gifts. In Los Angeles, I’d take my friend to Silver Lake to check out the restaurant scene—Eszett has a cool ambience and a great menu. If we wanted to go classic and grab an old school martini, I’d take her to Musso & Frank for the old Hollywood history. There’s always an inspiring new exhibit at the Getty Villa in Malibu, so that’s essential. At the end of our visit, I’d zip up the coast to the Montecito Inn for massages and facials at the spa–a perfect cap to all that adventure.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my beautiful mother

Website: oliviamar.com

Instagram: @byoliviamar & @oliviarosemar

Facebook: oliviamarjewelry

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Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.