We recently had the chance to connect with karen liniado and have shared our conversation below.
karen, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
I think the most surprising thing I’ve learned about my customers is how deeply they connect with meaning. Whether it’s jewelry or design, they’re not just buying something beautiful. They’re drawn to the story, the intention behind it. I used to think people cared mostly about aesthetics, but I’ve realized that what really moves them is emotion. How a piece makes them feel, what it represents for them. It’s been really inspiring to see that level of connection.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Karen Liniado — I’m an architect, designer, and co-founder of Olive Club, a jewelry brand I started with my best friend and college roommate, Paula Balmori. We actually met while studying architecture, and we’ve always shared a love for materials, form, and storytelling.
Olive Club was born from that shared passion. We wanted to translate our design background into something more personal and emotional. Each piece we create carries meaning; it’s not just jewelry, it’s a small story you can wear.
What makes Olive Club special is how we merge beauty with practicality. Our pieces are designed not only to look timeless but also to serve a purpose — incorporating functionality and cosmetics on the go for the modern woman. We love creating objects that fit seamlessly into everyday life, making women feel both empowered and effortlessly elegant.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I think one of the moments that really shaped how I see the world was when I decided to leave my stable corporate job and start working independently. It was scary, but it completely changed how I think about creativity, risk, and freedom. I realized that growth often happens when you step outside your comfort zone., when you choose to trust yourself even without a clear plan.
That decision led me to explore so many different fields ,from architecture and set design to jewelry …. and it taught me that creativity doesn’t have to fit into one box. It’s all connected by curiosity and the desire to tell stories through design.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Something I changed my mind about after failing hard is the idea that everything has to be perfect before you put it out there. I used to overthink every detail, trying to make things flawless , whether it was a design, a rendering, or a product launch. But I’ve learned that perfection can actually hold you back.
After a few tough moments where I waited too long or tried too hard to control the outcome, I realized that progress matters more than perfection. Failing taught me that things don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful ….they just have to be honest, and you can always evolve from there.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I rely a lot on my team, especially my business partner Paula. We love to discuss every aspect of our company, from design to strategy. And when we don’t see eye to eye, that’s actually a good thing because it pushes us to challenge each other and come up with even better solutions. I really value that kind of collaboration.
And in the past, working with big firms and art directors has really shaped my approach. It’s always been clear to me that collaboration brings out the best work, far more than working in isolation. I love learning from others who know more than I do and absorbing their insights.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I think what I would regret the most is not giving myself the chance to pursue my own path—whether that’s building Olive Club or exploring my design career across architecture, fashion, and beyond. I’m proud of the bravery it took to transition through different fields—working in architecture firms, interior design, production, and even the toy industry. It’s definitely been a journey without a clear, linear direction, but that exploration and entrepreneurship have enriched my work and growth. I would definitely regret not taking those chances and staying in one place for the rest of my life. Being responsible for my own decisions and embracing that journey is something I’m truly grateful for.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.oliveclubhouse.com and www.karenliniado.com
- Instagram: @olive_club_ and @karliniado
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-liniado/
Image Credits
Sydney Leanne Hickey
Studio Cee
Olive Club
