We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Olivia Russell-Bain a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Olivia, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

The challenge in expanding our profit margin in this business is getting people to see the value in our products and services. When you operate in a market, where some people think they can do it themselves, or other businesses sell similar products for significantly cheaper, it becomes disheartening to explain to customers, the cost of materials and supplies and the amount of time and work that goes into creating a product that must be compensated in a sustainable manner.

Even when prices are low ($50 or less), or a customer gives us a price range and we offer a design within that price range, we have had customers still tell us something is too expensive,

Olivia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have always had an affinity for creating things with my hands. There is a fascination with experimenting with different crafts and mediums, and a satisfaction in knowing that I can learn a new trade. During the pandemic my boyfriend (now husband) and I built a cabinet for my room and it was then I fell in love with woodworking, This was a time when everyone was figuring out how to make things themselves and we saw an opportunity to enter the market. We were amazed at the response, and almost 3 years later, we are running a profitable business.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Our mission is to create unique accents and furniture for the home. We are inspired by TV shows such as Fixer Upper and Bargain Block as well as the product line Magnolia and Harp Design Co. Our goal is to elevate our small business to a full time operation that offers the plans to build your home as well as the furniture and accessories for the home.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I’m lucky to have my husband as my business partner. We met in high school, when a friend of mine introduced him to me. I told him he was adorable and we have been best friends ever since. Although we flirted heavily in high shcool, neither of us knew the other liked them, so we did not date until college. We failed twice, but we were finally able to make it work the third time around. During the pandemic, I told him about my business idea and together we worked out the details to launch our business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lifebyolivia.net
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/heartandhomedesignstudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartandhomedesignstudio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-russell-49786751/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/lifebyolivia
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifebyolivia