When Korean American Grace Lee‘s firstborn, Olivia, turned 1, she left her career in finance to be a stay-at-home mom. But it wasn’t long before the 33-year-old got antsy. One day, Lee, her husband and Olivia went for a drive in the family minivan. Lee turned to her husband and said, “Honey, what do you think about me designing jewelry?” He answered, “Go for it!”
And Oli + Me was born.
We got the scoop about this new fine jewelry line from Lee herself.
Audrey Magazine: Why did you start Oli + Me?
Grace Lee: I created what i was looking for — simple-chic fine jewelry for everyday that can be passed on to my girls. Nothing trendy or too much hype, but intentionally minimal. Simple, clean, classic pieces for everyday that can be passed on to the next generation.
AM: How did you come up with the name Oli + Me?
GL: “Oli” is short for our eldest Olivia and “me” is the second syllable in our second daughter Camilla’s middle Korean name Sae-me.
Oli + Me signet ring.
AM: Your rings aren’t just delicate, they can be made in baby and child sizes.
GL: In Korean tradition, a “dol” ring is a ring that is given to a child on their 1st birthday, usually in 24-kt. gold. Traditionally the gold is to symbolize longeivity and prosperity. The gifted gold was not meant to be worn by the child, but was set aside for the child’s future. All of our rings can be made in baby/child sizes. The bezel set diamond/sapphire ring and the signet rings are the two rings specifically designed to be used as dol rings. The idea is to gift a ring that the child can wear now into the future, whether in its original size of their childhood on a chain or on a pinky as an adult. In addition, both designs can be re-sized for adult fingers.
Oli + Me open heart charm.
AM: You spent eight years in finance before starting Oli + Me. How did your husband feel about the change?
GL: My husband is my biggest fan and supporter. Most recently he took time off of work to watch our girls so I could meet with a store in paris. Oli + Me will be in Paris very soon!
Oli + Me micro-beaded rings.
Now one lucky Audrey reader will win two Oli + Me micro-beaded rings, in your choice of gold and size, just in time for Mother’s Day! All you have to do is tell us your best mother story, whether about your own mother, a mother you know, or yourself! Applicants can enter AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT!
We’ll pick the best story by Wednesday, May 11, 11:59 pm PST. You must have a U.S. mailing address to win. Good luck and Happy Mother’s Day!
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My husband was a serious candy fiend as a kid. He loved all things sugar. One day while at the market with his mom, he stole chicklets gum. In the parking lot, his mom (now my MIL) noticed that he was chewing the gum and holding the gum package. When she asked him about it, to her horror, he confessed that he stole it. She marched him right back to the market and he was sure that he was in serious trouble. His mom went back to the cashier and said “I’m sorry, my son took this gum. I’d like to pay for it.” Then after she paid for the gum, she handed it back to him and said “Next time you want something, you just have to ask.” She didn’t even reprimand him, but her response made a profound impact. (And he never stolen anything again.)
Early last month, I was experiencing extreme sensitivity in my front tooth (which eventually led to a root canal) and I could barely eat or talk for a week. One of those days, as I was about to have lunch with my 3 year old daughter, I had to explain to her why I had an ice pack over my mouth. She then calmly put her arm across my back and said,”Don’t worry, mommy…. I pray for you, ok?” She clasped her little hands, bowed her head and prayed,”Thank you Jesus, please help mommy feel better. Amen.” My heart melted. That was the first time she had ever prayed in a very intentional way and I was just amazed by her nurturing nature. Feeling comfortable with motherhood has been a difficult road for me but one of the things I cherish is watching my daughter grow into her own little self.
my best mom story? when i was applying for college, i had pressure from family members to become a nurse, doctor, or accountant. i did not want to pursue neither of those professions. when i told her about my plans to be in marketing, she supported me all the way. she told me that no matter what profession i chose, she would always be my number one fan and cheerleader. now, i am graduating from college the day after mother’s day. that is my gift to her -> my college degree and an internship & job lined up. we went through long nights, harsh arguments, and stressful days, but in the end it was all worth it!
Best mother story: Found it cute when my babe figured out how to poke her belly button. Found it much cuter when she found mine. She now pokes her own, then searches for mine to poke and laughes. This laughter is what a mother lives for. So precious.