EST. SPOTLIGHT: LOVE OPHELIA

August 27, 2016 / Megan Araujo

When we first discovered the amazingly comfortable products from Love Ophelia, we simply had to share! The list of reasons we love this brand is endless. Beside the fact they are made in the good old USA, a California born and made brand, their story and everything they stand for screams the pursuit of the Golden State of Mind. Made right in sunny Los Angeles, Owner Kristi started the line when the need to make others feel beautiful was a calling she could no longer run from.

After losing her mother to cancer in 2008, Kristi knew she had to do something to help women in the most vulnerable of moments feel more comfortable and beautiful than ever. A vintage inspired brand made up of romantic robes and delicates, Love Ophelia is the perfect thing to help women embrace their beauty and shine. Whether it be in the moments leading up to becoming a mother (they just launched a gorgeous new maternity line) or the moments leading up to being a bride, Love Ophelia has you covered.

Their goal is to make customers comfortable and gorgeous while providing every extra detail you can imagine in the process. With their collections made just a few miles from their office, they can stop in it at moment’s notice. This allows them to oversee production with a hands-on approach and know their manufacturers by name. That might not sound like it makes a difference, but with an enthusiastic staff and manufactures that feel heard and appreciated, it ensures each stitch is made with love. All in an effort to make customers feel their best.

There are a lot of exciting things happening for Love Ophelia right now. The just launched their own line of dresses and a new collection in their sleep wear. Not to mention a rebrand of their site which gives us some serious photo envy. You may have seen them on ABC’s The Bachelor at 20 with Jade Roper and her girl squad or The Bachelor Wedding with Catherine Lowe and her bridesmaids. Or perhaps on former Bachelorettes Ashley Rosenbaum and Emily Maynard. Or maybe you caught a peak of them on The Today Show or in Brides Magazine. Designer Iliana’s design stamp can be seen at both Anthropologie and BHLDN to name a few. Oh did I mention, I obvi wore Love Ophelia when it was my turn to get married!

But no matter the place you may have seen them, we’re here to tell you now, Love Ophelia is a brand you want to get on board with. Love Ophelia is “committed to a compassionate lifestyle, surrounding ourselves with beauty, and spreading love”. We were lucky enough to chat with owner and resident girl boss Kristi and get an insiders look at Love Ophelia.

Was there a defining moment that inspired you to create Love Ophelia?

I lost my Mom to Breast Cancer in 2008. At the time, my first son was just 8 months old. I had a career that sometimes required me to work 60 hours per week. I did some soul searching and realized just how precious this life is and how much I wanted to spent that precious time with my littlest love. Seeing what my mom went through physically and emotionally, I decided I wanted to create something that made women feel beautiful, despite their circumstance. It was then that Love Ophelia came to be.

What keeps you inspired?

Sleep. Seriously, I love to sleep, and lounge. Ha! I say “sleep” because I have a second baby now and realize just how important sleep can be! But in all seriousness, I am truly inspired by the strength of others. I once read a news story of a bride with terminal cancer. She had just months to live and wanted to bump up her wedding date so she could marry her love. I was so moved by her story that I sent her a robe for her wedding day that very day. I am inspired by that kind of strength, that beauty, that love. That kind of love that endures through adversity is truly inspiring.

What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

I would say, “Don’t doubt yourself, listen to your gut, cease opportunities. Oh, and in a few years, don’t judge that cute guy just because he is a single man driving a hunter green minivan. He is “the one.”

What do you love most about California?

Although I don’t go quite often enough, I love the fact that the ocean is just down the street. I can head down there, watch the surf, and just figure “stuff” out.

Favorite Sunday Brunch Spot? Why?

I love the Four Daughter in Manhattan Beach. Our family has been going there for a long time. It’s a small, family owned little spot along the coast of Southern California. It’s got such a warm, beach community vibe and is a perfect spot to take our kids. And, the food is great!

Favorite product from Love Ophelia? Why?

I love our Serendipity Robe. It’s our biggest seller and is, in my opinion, the perfect balance of cozy and pretty.

What do you love most about your job?

I love that I get to inspire other people to follow their dreams. I love helping a stressed out bride remember to just relax and drink in the moment. I love to be creative and I love the fact that I can say, yep, we are made in the USA…right here in Los Angeles!

What’s your favorite part of the day?

My favorite part of every day is when I am hit out of nowhere with a little love tap from the universe. When I hear that little voice inside that says, “Yes, this is good. Life is good.” It’s so important to allow ourselves to just be happy in a moment, big or small.

What’s your dream CA vacation?

There is something so incredible about Big Sur. Two years ago my husband and I were driving up the coast on our way to Big Sur when we were involved in a car accident. It could have ended up really bad but we walked away with a crushed car, but otherwise unscathed. Instead of cancelling our trip, we rented a car and continued on to Big Sur. It was the best decision to go on in spite of the setback. Big Sur is incredibly healing and magical. I am so grateful for having had this experience and our decision to push through. It was a sweet reminder to continue on, despite your setbacks because something beautiful awaits!