How I Ended Up Starting Oli & Ari

By trade, I’m a corporate accountant — numbers, spreadsheets, financial statements, auditors, and filing deadlines were my everyday world.

But after having my second child (a preemie who needed a little extra care), I decided to take some time off work to focus on helping him catch up. What was supposed to be a one-year break turned into three years (and counting!) away from the corporate world.

When I felt ready to return, the job market wasn’t as welcoming as I’d hoped. In the middle of that uncertainty, I decided to lean into something that’s always brought me joy — making things. With my family cheering me on (and my friend Jessie from em bé books giving me that extra push), I dove headfirst into creating all the little pretty, playful things I’ve always admired in others’ work.

Believe me when I say I’ve had — and still have — plenty of doubts. But I’ve learned to put them aside and just enjoy this different journey, charging ahead with passion and curiosity.

The twist? I had to learn everything from scratch. Drawing (yes, me — drawing!), teaching myself Adobe Illustrator, figuring out the ins and outs of vinyl papers and laminating, and of course, navigating the world of cutting machines like Cricut and Silhouette. It’s been a total crash course in creativity — but honestly? When I made my first sticker, I was over the moon. And from that moment, I knew I wanted to keep going.

That’s how this little shop came to be. Part creative outlet, part side adventure, and part “let’s see where this goes.” For now, I’m just enjoying the process — making, learning, and hopefully sharing a bit of joy through my designs.

So here I am: Corporate job turned sticker-maker/designer/trilingual flashcard maker. And honestly? I’m excited to see where this new chapter takes me. 💛 Join me!