Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruby Bacardi-Garcia.
Hi Ruby, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Maison D’Olenzo opened in South Miami in November of 2019. The name comes from “home” in French and Olenzo because of my two children Oliver and Enzo. Maison was chosen for the name because I wanted you to feel like you had just walked into someone’s home when you are in the store. I wanted to environment to feel inviting, warm, cozy and authentic. Maison D’Olenzo is comprised of women’s clothing, candles, and home decor. The home decor is hand-selected and curated from different companies that reflect Maison D’Olenzo style.
The clothing is exclusive to Olenzo, as well as the candles, and are designed in-house and produced locally. I personally design the clothing from concept to hand-selecting fabrics and buttons, zippers, colorways. I wanted to stay true to sustainability which is why all clothing is produced in the United States, locally in Miami specifically, and the quantities are very low. So low in fact that there are only 2-3 of each size of each design. The design ideas stem from the idea that you can dress any piece up or down- throw on some heels and elevated jewelry or a jean jacket and sneakers. Everything created is meant to be a staple in your closet that you can pair with items that you already own. From wardrobe essentials to little trinkets for your home, Maison D’Olenzo creates effortless and elegant staples that can easily be worn from day to night. Olenzo believes the beauty lies in simplicity.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Owning a business is not an easy task to begin with. There are so many behind-the-scenes logistics that you would never know existed until you started this journey yourself. Maison D’Olenzo opened in November 2019 and a few months later experienced a closing that I, and I don’t think anyone else, saw coming. We entered the COVID-19 pandemic and had to close for a few months. Olenzo opened again in June of 2020 and it has been a new adjustment trying to navigate a business through this pandemic. Thankfully I have had many loyal customers and supporters and I am so grateful to be able to stay open because of them. Nothing that is worth it is easy and I truly believe that things will only get better from here.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Maison D’Olenzo is a women’s clothing boutique that also carries home decor. Our home decor is a hand-selected curated collection of other brands that represent the Olenzo style. We specialize in versatility. All of our designs are designed in-house and produced locally to reduce our carbon footprint. All of our designs are created with the intention of being versatile. We believe that good quality clothing should last and fit all aspects of your life.
From wardrobe essentials to little trinkets for your home, Maison D’Olenzo creates effortless and elegant staples that can easily be worn from day tonight. For example, you can wear our Amelia blazer over a tank and pair it with jeans and sneakers (or low heels) or pair it with the Amelia Trousers for that power suit look. Our dresses can be worn with a jean jacket or heels and elevated jewelry for a night out. I am most proud of creating elegant pieces that are timeless and not following trends that come and go. I am also proud of the name and what Olenzo means- named after my children.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson that I have learned along the way is always to expect the unexpected. Never did I think we would enter a pandemic in my lifetime, yet alone a few months after opening the South Miami store. I received some great advice a few months ago and I’ve continued to use it daily, “things are complicated if you make them complicated.” To me that means that every setback thrown my way can be solved with patience and a thorough thought process.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@olenzo.com
- Website: www.olenzo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisonolenzo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maisondolenzo/
Image Credits:
Jenna Lyn Taplin from Jenna Lyn Photography
