Today we’d like to introduce you to Lital Odelia.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lital. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, I always had a plan for my future. I was going to become an occupational therapist. I put myself through school, majored in kinesiology, worked a full-time job at the bank, and as a result became depressed and detached from everything I was doing. I guess you can say I experienced an identity crisis- I believed for about half of my life that I knew what I was meant to do, and when I was doing it, it couldn’t be further from my truth. One day, at work, I complimented my coworker on a ring she was wearing and she told me how our other coworker had made it. I was totally thrown off in that moment. I never thought about “making jewelry”. Growing up, doing anything creative related never seemed like an option, let alone a profession.
Growing up, I always felt “different” and that I wasn’t supposed to fit the mold that I made myself believe existed. The very next day, I went to the craft store and spent a few hundred dollars on supplies, came home and spent the next 12 hours making design after design. I couldn’t stop. I have never been one to be consistent, but boy I fell in love with designing, and I couldn’t stop. I didn’t really know what direction my life was taking me, but at the height of Instagram back in 2014, I decided to pursue a (side) business in jewelry design. I think when we are kids, we have an idea of the path life will lead us on, but we forget because of all the noise and outside influences. I grew up being very creative and intuitive. I had a very strong and spiritual connection to my grandmother, Nadia, who passed away when I was two years old, but always knew if I ever had my own business, I would name it after my grandmother. And so I did. Not being aware that I had that thought, her name kept coming up for me, so I connected her name with my initials, and together, NADIANDLO was born. One day, I googled the meaning of Nadia, and the meaning of Lo, and found that together, it means hope and the creation of God. For the very first time in my life, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
I was in my last year of University, and all I could think of was graduating so that I can pursue my passion for designing jewelry. When I did, I found myself in an even bigger crisis. No one around me was encouraging me to push my business. Everyone kept telling me how there is so much competition and that designing jewelry isn’t considered a legitimate profession. I came from a family of immigrants, so I always understood their concern for me to have an easier life than they did when they came to America. Doing something that wasn’t considered “typical” was my break free moment. When everyone around you says no, that’s when you stand up and say YES. I challenged myself and proved to myself that my passion would eventually become my purpose.
I didn’t know anything about business or design but became self-taught because I knew this was mine, and I wasn’t going to give it up. I started by networking and doing some local events, I started selling at a local flea market (Melrose Trading Post) on Sunday’s, built a kiosk at the 3rd street promenade, enrolled in a jewelry design program at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandise (FIDM), opened up a studio in Downtown Los Angeles, collaborated with many stylists and celebrities for photoshoots, and even got invited to the Teen Vogue office in New York City, along with selling at many markets across the city. Aside from being an online retailer, my designs could be found in markets around the Los Angeles Area. My favorite part of my business has been doing all the markets- my passion was always people, and getting to meet so many of my customers has truly been the biggest blessing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I believe in the saying, “nothing good comes easy”. My heart was leading me in an unknown direction, but a direction I was extremely confident in. I knew that I had to do something different, as I felt that part of my purpose was to break free from a stigma that I came to believe. When no one believes in you, that is when you have to support yourself even more. You have to get rid of doubt, silence the noise, know the road may not be easy, but will always be worth it. Not having support from your biggest supporters was extremely devastating, but when you start to become successful, and most importantly, happy, that is when the outpouring of love & support will be on full display. I had to learn that other people’s disapproval was always with good intentions, but I had to remain true to myself and my passion. Being “different” and doing “different” is never easy, but it is a path that opens many doors, and you can become the creator of your own life instead of allowing others to live it for you.
Nadiandlo Jewelry – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I run all aspects of my business. I sell at in person markets, do all the photography, website development, and advertisements. I design and create the pieces for Nadiandlo with the help of some great local manufacturers. Nadiandlo is known for quality, unbeatable prices and for customer service. We use the finest metals at competitive pricing. We use metals that are resistant to tarnishing, such as Gold-filled and sterling silver.
But I do have to say that I believe the one thing that sets Nadiandlo apart from others is that so many of our customers have become like family. Especially always being out selling at markets, I have been able to get to know and build relationships with so many of my customers. I am always available and happy to help in any situation. Especially in person, we give customers the option to customize and create their own pieces when they shop with us! Customers have really enjoyed this about our business. Everyone has a different style and we love to see them bring their visions to life!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I believe success is knowing your potential and always seeing it through. Pushing through the difficult moments and getting to a point of unlimited gratitude. Where you wake up in the morning and don’t feel like you are working. Success is feeling like you are exactly where you need to be. The beauty of success is being able to see yourself at the mountain top and looking down to see how far you came.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nadiandlo.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nadiandlojewelry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nadiandlo
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