Sofia Ait-Bahate shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sofia, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
What allows me to lose track of time is weaving.
When I work with micro macramé, my full attention is focused on the gesture, the precision of each knot, and the balance of the piece. This level of concentration naturally creates a pause, where time and the outside world seem to fade away.
The presence of natural stones adds a meaningful dimension to this process. I choose them not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for the energies and benefits commonly associated with them. Each stone carries an intention—calm, grounding, protection, or balance. Integrating them into the weaving requires time and attentiveness, which deepens my sense of focus and connection.
The creative process becomes both technical and intuitive. Weaving is a space of calm and concentration where I reconnect with myself while creating jewelry that carries meaning, and where time passes without me noticing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sofia Ait- Bahate. I am a French jewelry designer specializing in micro macramé and natural stones, of Amazigh origin, and the founder of the brand Olympe and Odin.
My journey with weaving began at a very young age in Morocco. As a child, I used to weave the fringes of traditional Berber rugs, drawn to the textures, patterns, and gestures passed down through generations. As I grew older, this connection naturally evolved into micro macramé, a technique perfectly suited to jewelry making.
Micro macramé has its roots in the Arab world, and continuing this craft felt natural to me. Founding my own brand was a natural extension of this path, a way to carry forward a traditional art while expressing it through contemporary jewelry. Since I began working with micro macramé, I have never stopped weaving; it remains at the core of my creative identity.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I thought that what I did with my hands belonged only to the past and to the family sphere. I saw weaving and the skills passed down through generations as something traditional, almost fixed, that didn’t really have a place in the modern world.
As I grew older, I realized that this heritage was actually a source of richness. The cultural knowledge I had absorbed early on carried history, identity, and a creative power that could evolve and be reinvented. What I once considered old-fashioned became a solid foundation for creating something contemporary.
Today, I no longer believe that cultural heritage is a limitation. I see it as an anchor, a source of inspiration and freedom, allowing me to create meaningful work while staying true to my roots.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self, it would be: “Believe in yourself and in your creativity—it’s precious.”
I would tell her never to underestimate her abilities and not to be afraid to follow what her hands know how to do. As a child, I thought that weaving on rugs or playing with threads was just a game, something secondary. Today, I know that every gesture, every knot, every stone you choose is part of your identity and what makes you unique.
I would also tell her to cherish her heritage and not see it as a limitation. The traditions and techniques passed down from my family and my Amazigh culture are not constraints—they are a source of strength and endless inspiration. Everything you learn now, every careful gesture, every creation, is helping to shape your future. So don’t be afraid to take risks, to create, to trust your intuition. Your art and your creativity are already a treasure, and you will learn to give them the place they truly deserve.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The project I am most passionate about is bringing micro macramé to wider recognition as a contemporary jewelry style and expanding my brand in this direction. Today, most jewelry is made from various metals, sometimes precious, and many people assume that woven jewelry is less durable or has a shorter lifespan. In reality, this technique, which dates back to the 13th century, is extremely durable and allows for pieces that can stand the test of time.
Micro macramé offers almost endless creative possibilities. You can make delicate, understated pieces for everyday wear, or larger, sculptural, and original designs for special occasions. Each piece can be carefully balanced between aesthetics, technique, and the natural energies of the stones, making every creation unique.
My goal is to show that this ancient technique is not only a traditional craft, but also a contemporary medium for personal expression and creativity, capable of standing alongside metal or gemstone jewelry. I want to continue exploring its possibilities and sharing this vision, so that micro macramé is recognized as a modern, durable, and full-of-potential choice.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
In my opinion, people will see my heritage as a celebration of tradition and craftsmanship, while still being accessible and distinctly modern. My jewelry is designed for today, but every knot reflects ancestral know-how passed down through generations.
I believe people will understand that my work is more than just aesthetics: it tells a story of transmission, patience, and creativity. My heritage brings a unique depth and character to each piece, and it is this connection between tradition and modernity that, in my view, will be the most apparent and striking to those who discover my jewelry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://olympeetodin.com
- Instagram: olympe_et_odin
Image Credits
Photo credit: Sofia Ait-Bahate
