Olivia White | CEO, 41 Winks
Bombshell | noun : one that is stunning, amazing, or devastating.
Brooklyn Bombshells is a blog series from the desk of Rue Saint Paul featuring women movers & shakers, influencers, and makers & doers in Brooklyn. The blog is an inside look at the everyday woman in our own neighborhood, her passion projects, and her inspirations on life, fashion, and travel.
Read on about our feature Bombshell: Olivia White, CEO of 41 Winks
41 Winks | @41winks
What is your passion project? Why did you start it?
What began as an assumed side hobby or interim job unexpectedly became my sleep accessories brand, 41 Winks. It has without a doubt become my passion project. My aunt founded the company years ago, designing and selling dorm room bedding. She gave me the opportunity to help her grow the business when I graduated from college and I ended up taking over about two years ago. Since then, 41 Winks has transformed into cheeky eye masks on a mission to make sleep fun.
What has been the most challenging and most rewarding part of building your project?
What I've found most challenging has been a combination of overcoming my own self-doubts and insecurities about never having been to business school, not having originally founded the business, and constantly comparing myself to other entrepreneurs. Although, when I take the time to look back at my journey and that of 41 Winks, I see how it's changed over the years. It's always so rewarding to celebrate that growth, preferably over some queso and a margarita. It's been a slow and steady adventure I wouldn't trade for anything.
What brought you to Manhattan/Brooklyn? How long have you lived here? What Manhattan/Brooklyn
I'm a proud Texan who moved to California for college. When my aunt pitched the idea of moving to New York to help her with 41 Winks almost six years ago, I tried to come up with reasons to stay in my sunny California comfort zone. Ultimately, New York City pulled me in and has become my home. I hopped around from Little Italy to Alphabet City to Brooklyn, where I've now very gladly been living for the last three years. I'm far enough away from the craziness of the city, but close enough to feel its energy that I can't seem to get enough of.
Describe your style in 3 words?
Studio Fifty Four
What is the one fashion accessory you cannot live without?
My large Alison Lou Jelly Hoops that I like to believe I came out of the womb wearing.
We love to travel and hope you do too. Where was your last trip and where is your next one?
I recently spent about two weeks in Japan and LOVED it. I honestly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Next up is a trip to the beaches of Martinique. SPF 400 included.
If you didn’t live in Manhattan/Brooklyn, where would you want to live?
I've made a promise to myself that I will live in and dance my way through the streets of South America before I turn thirty. And now I've officially put that promise out in the world!
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