Meet the Artist: Series Introduction

Get to Know the Artists and Creative Partners of Otitọ Jewelry & Home Decor Boutique

Reading time: 3 minutes / 482 words

The Mission

Otitọ’s brand mission is to connect communities and cultures, spark curiosity, encourage compassion, and to be a bridge for bringing people from around the globe and all walks of life together to learn a little more about each other. This blog was created to highlight the artists and also to acknowledge their passion, amplify their work, who they are and their plans for the future.

The Inspiration

When I was a flight attendant, I traveled to some of the most beautiful places in the world. And each time I left one of these places behind, I would always buy something from the local vendors to remind me of my travels. I was always striking up conversations with the boutique owners in amazing and obscure places. Whether the story is about the history and inspiration behind my purchase or about the artist behind the creation, I love sharing the tale of how a piece landed on my wrist or around my neck anytime a stranger pays me a compliment. A bracelet I bought from a hippie vendor in Boulder, Colorado with “Believe in Yourself” stamped on the surface became my mantra. I found a perfectly dainty Buddha necklace made of coral, red rope and brass at a stand in Cabo San Lucas while celebrating life with one of my oldest and most special friends, Jody. Each time I put it on, it evokes memories of our poolside foot massages, the Sea of Cortez, and glasses of sparkling Rosé.

The Memories

Today, as I type, I am wearing a brown, adjustable rope bracelet, bought from a street vendor at the corner of Hollywood and Vine. It has small wooden separators and is connected at the center by a peace sign. So simple, yet rugged and durable, I had trekked west for four weeks with my two young boys, ages 5 and 10 at the time, making a dream of an extended Cali stay a reality. Each time I glance down at that bracelet, I smile at the memory of my younger self, an adventurous single mom and the special memories of the sweaty scent of Elmos, Spidermans, pantomimes, dancers and other street performers that mesmerized my sons and the crowds packed onto the famous street one scorching hot sunny summer LA day. It is these kinds of memories and stories that inspired Otitọ’s Jewelry Meet the Artist series. When I’m sourcing a new brand to carry in the Otitọ online boutique, I want to learn about the artisan’s story, their journey, and the creative process behind their one of a kind, handmade designs.