Every Thursday during the pandemic, we’re checking in on members of the jewelry trade in an attempt to glean shareable tips and tricks for doing business—and living as well as possible—during the COVID-19 crisis.
Today we hear from Brooklyn, N.Y.–based designer Ope Omojola, founder of up-and-coming handmade jewelry collection Octave Jewelry.
JCK: Where are you based right now, and where are you from?
Ope Omojola: I’m in Bed-Stuy [Bedford-Stuyvesant] in Brooklyn. I was born in Nigeria, but I’ve lived in New York for a long time now—it’s home.
How has the COVID pandemic changed your life, and how are you managing life in the pandemic?
This certainly isn’t the year I expected to have! Some things have remained constant: I live in the same neighborhood, and I’ve mostly been here through the seasons of COVID. It’s changed how I get around, how I think about my work and its role in my life, and of course how I socialize and connect with people, both personally and professionally.
How has COVID changed or altered your business?
At the outset of the pandemic, I had no studio access, which was incredibly stressful. I had just come [into] the wholesale market, had no inventory, and a big part of my strategy for this year relied on retail partners. So I had to reconsider my assumptions. It also changed how I source—I can’t just stop by the diamond district whenever I like, so designing and executing projects now takes more time and planning. This is also the first year in ages that I’m not traveling for wholesale and direct-to-consumer markets, which has given me freedom to invest in other things.
Have there been any silver linings during this tricky time?
In a small way, I’m grateful for this year’s opportunity to slow down and be a bit more careful about my business. I also think the pandemic has changed how people relate to each other, even professionally—things feel a little more human.
How is business now?
It’s great. I’m working on some projects that I’m really proud of and can’t wait to share. I’ve been lucky to find partners and clients who connect with my sense of color and my use of materials.
I worried that jewelry would be the last thing on people’s minds this year, but people still want to adorn themselves and feel…special, which I really appreciate. I’ve worked on some really fun custom projects this year, and I hope next year to offer more fine jewelry and custom options as part of my regular collection.
Has the pandemic changed how you’ll be moving forward in your business?
Communication is everything, and that’s a lesson that I’ll hold onto long after this pandemic is over. Along with keeping up with production, I’m working on a website revamp and other tools to strengthen how I communicate with customers. I’m also learning how to be a little more open—to new ideas, new methods, and to surprises taking me in directions I didn’t expect.
What have you been doing to relax and have fun during this time?
Lots of cooking and experimenting in the kitchen. Even if I’ve had a long day, playing with ingredients or pulling together something delicious is a great way to wind down. Any opportunity I get, I try to spend time outside, for a walk or hike or trip to the beach. I also just moved apartments, and I’m enjoying nesting and settling into my own space.
Have any book/podcast/TV/movie recommendations?
I’m a recent audiobook convert! Three Women by Lisa Taddeo was wild, and I’m currently listening to Origins by Lewis Dartnell—it’s about how geology has shaped human history. I listen to podcasts all day, and really enjoy a well-researched story. Bodies, Noble Blood, and Throughline are all excellent. I also love reading cookbooks. Tamar Adler’s An Everlasting Feast has been a pandemic favorite.
Top: Jewelry designer Ope Omojola (all photos courtesy of Octave Jewelry)
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