Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Olivia Lomax. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Olivia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
The birth of Loops and Lashes® was a labor of love and determination for me. Balancing my roles as a full-time patent engineer, wife, and mother, I embarked on an amazing journey in late 2019 to turn my business idea into a reality.
It all started with my love for hoop earrings and my desire to create a brand that celebrated boldness, femininity, and individuality. Inspired by my mother, an entrepreneur and corporate professional, I found the courage to follow my dreams and put my MBA to work. With her guidance and mentorship, I set out to build a business centered around my love for accessories.
The first step was finding the perfect name that would capture the essence of the brand. I chose “Loops and Lashes” as a name that immediately conveyed the core offerings of hoop earrings and lashes while allowing room for future expansion into other jewelry lines. Once the name was chosen, I secured social media handles and a domain name, setting the foundation for the brand’s online presence.
I knew that the visual identity of the brand would be crucial in capturing the spirit of the unapologetic women I wanted to target. With mindfulness, I collaborated with a graphic designer to create a logo that embodied strength, confidence, and femininity. The brand colors, black and white with a vibrant pop of red, were carefully selected to evoke excitement and passion.
While juggling my demanding role as an engineer, wife, and mother, I faced initial challenges in finding dedicated time to devote to my business. However, when the pandemic brought the world to a standstill and daily distractions diminished, I saw an opportunity to focus my energy on bringing Loops and Lashes® to life.
During this time, I vetted jewelry designers and lash vendors, requesting samples to assess the quality of their products. I went the extra mile, wearing the samples extensively, even while sleeping and showering, to ensure their durability and longevity. By choosing vendors who met my standards, I was able to curate a collection of high-quality products that would exceed my customers’ expectations.
Packaging was another aspect that needed my attention. I wanted to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and sustainability, finding ways to present my products beautifully while minimizing waste and environmental impact. I believed that delivering a luxury experience to my customers extended beyond the products themselves.
Understanding the significance of protecting my intellectual property, I engaged a trademark attorney to safeguard the brand name and logo. I recognized the value of securing legal rights to my creations, a vital step in establishing a strong foundation for the future of my business.
From there, I immersed myself in the task of crafting a seamless e-commerce website that would offer my customers a simplified and convenient shopping experience. I took on the challenge of designing and developing the website entirely on my own, without relying on the assistance of professional web designers.
The journey from idea to execution was filled with determination, research, detailed planning, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. My passion and dedication allowed me to overcome the challenges of balancing my career, personal life, and business aspirations. With each step, my goal was to solidify Loops and Lashes® as a brand that stands for unapologetic boldness, empowering women to express their unique style and embrace their individuality.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As a mechanical engineer by trade, currently working as a patent engineer, and being a wife and mother, I have always been driven by a profound passion for innovation, creativity, and empowering women. This passion, combined with my love for hoop earrings and my firm belief in their symbolism of strength, unity, boldness, and femininity, served as the catalyst for my entrepreneurial journey. I wanted to establish a brand that not only celebrated individuality but also empowered women to fearlessly embrace their unique style. With the guidance and inspiration of my incredible entrepreneurial mother, who has been both a mentor and a source of motivation, I found the courage to transform my passion into the tangible reality of Loops and Lashes®.
At Loops and Lashes®, I take immense pride in offering a carefully curated collection of high-quality hoop earrings and luxury strip lashes specifically tailored to women who unapologetically embody boldness in both style and personality. I firmly believe that fashion extends beyond mere accessorizing; it is a powerful means of self-expression. My products are meticulously curated to empower women to confidently embrace their individuality, stand out from the crowd, and revel in their most authentic selves.
Our hoop earrings go beyond the ordinary. They are bold, daring, and meticulously crafted to make a resounding statement. Our diverse range encompasses various sizes and styles, from oversized hoops to captivating geometric designs, perfectly suited for women seeking to infuse their look with a touch of edginess. Crafted from premium materials, our hoops are not only aesthetically stunning but also engineered to withstand even the most demanding lifestyles, ensuring exceptional durability.
In perfect harmony with our hoop earrings, our luxury lashes are designed to elevate any makeup look and serve as the finishing touch to a bold statement. Our lash collection caters to women with diverse preferences, spanning from dramatic and glamorous to natural styles. The lashes are handmade using high-quality cruelty-free mink hairs. They are also lightweight and comfortable to wear throughout the day.
What truly sets Loops and Lashes® apart is our commitment to breaking gender stereotypes and redefining femininity within traditionally male-dominated industries. As a female engineer, I strive to serve as a living testament that femininity can thrive and flourish in any field. My ultimate aspiration is to inspire women to unapologetically pursue their passions and challenge societal norms. Through our distinctive offerings of unique hoop earrings and handmade luxury lashes, Loops and Lashes® inspires women to embrace their fearless beauty with unwavering confidence.
My brand stands on the solid foundation of innovation, craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service. I pride myself on placing my customers’ needs and desires at the forefront, striving to fulfill their requests and ensuring they feel valued and supported throughout their entire shopping experience.
Moreover, affordability without compromising on quality is an integral part of Loops and Lashes®. I believe that luxury accessories should be accessible to all. By offering my products at affordable prices, I make it possible for women from all walks of life to indulge in their love for bold and empowering accessories.
Looking back on my journey, I am incredibly proud of the path I embarked upon, from the initial idea to the remarkable reality that is Loops and Lashes® today. Balancing the demands of my career, personal life, and entrepreneurial aspirations was undeniably challenging. However, this journey has taught me invaluable lessons in perseverance, dedication, and the true power of determination. Witnessing women embrace their individuality and confidence through our products brings me immeasurable joy and fulfillment.
To all potential clients and followers, I want you to know that Loops and Lashes® is far more than just a brand; it is a community. I am here to celebrate your unique qualities and empower you to embrace your most authentic self. I extend an open invitation for you to join us on this bold and exhilarating journey where we collectively redefine norms, break barriers, and uplift one another through the transformative power of our accessories. Together, let us celebrate and honor the fearless beauty within us all.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
At Loops and Lashes®, we prioritize staying connected with our clients and building brand loyalty. We achieve this through SMS text marketing and email marketing. SMS text marketing allows us to provide immediate updates, exclusive offers, and personalized messages to keep our clients informed. With email marketing, we go beyond promotions, delivering valuable content, tips, and sneak peeks to create a genuine connection. We personalize our communications based on client preferences, aiming to strengthen the bond between our brand and our clients. Through these strategies, we cultivate a community of loyal customers who resonate with the values and vision of Loops and Lashes®.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
At Loops and Lashes®, one of the best sources of new clients has been through respected brand ambassadors who specialize in fashion styling. These influential individuals have played a crucial role in expanding our reach and introducing our brand to new audiences. By collaborating with brand ambassadors who are well-regarded in the local fashion industry, I have been able to tap into their expertise and leverage their credibility to gain the trust and attention of potential clients. Their endorsement and recommendations have proven to be highly effective in driving new customers to our brand, as their followers value their fashion insights and trust their opinions. I believe that partnering with respected brand ambassadors not only helps us attract new clients but also reinforces our brand’s reputation and enhances our credibility within the fashion/beauty community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.loopsandlashes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loopsandlashes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoopsandLashes/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/loopsandlashes
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@loopsandlashes
Image Credits
Professional Headshots and Product Photography by Q11 Photography All other photos by Olivia Lomax