Olive Ateliers started as a small, curated drop of vintage products, but it quickly turned into a must-visit destination for home decor lovers. The business, co-founded by Knox, her husband Ben Knox, and friend Laura Sotelo, took shape in June 2021, fueled by a shared love for unique objects with history.

What began as a side hustle (sourcing pieces from overseas) evolved into a full-scale operation with a soaring 60,000-square-foot space in downtown L.A.

The brand’s success didn’t happen by accident. Social media played a crucial role, amplifying the business as celebrity customers showcased their finds online. The demand for their curated selection of stone vessels, aged breadboards, and olive trees kept growing. With each container's arrival, Olive Ateliers brought in objects with "old souls," and their community couldn’t get enough.

The Founding Story Rooted in Expertise

Knox has a fashion marketing background and has worked with Revolve and Thrive Market, where she honed her skills in brand-building and public relations. Ben Knox brings experience in consumer goods and entrepreneurship, having previously built and sold a packaged food brand.

Sotelo’s expertise in interior design and estate management rounds out the team, creating a trifecta of skills that fuel Olive Ateliers' growth.

Olive / IG / The combined knowledge of co-founders Knox Sotelo in branding, business, and design allowed them to craft a home goods brand that feels both aspirational and attainable.

Each partner’s unique background plays a role in sourcing, pricing, and presenting pieces that resonate with their customers. The goal was never just to sell decor. It was to create a space where people could experience history through objects.

From Side Hustle to In-Demand Home Goods Store

Olive Ateliers wasn’t built overnight. The founders worked full-time jobs while managing the business, launching small drops of curated pieces on social media. They knew there was a market gap. People wanted vintage, character-filled decor but struggled to find it at fair prices.

Boutique shops carried unique items, but often at steep markups, and online sources like Etsy required navigating high shipping costs and unreliable sourcing.

Their approach was different. They prioritized transparency in pricing, keeping markups lower than traditional retailers. The drop model made sense both logistically and strategically: Limited-time openings created anticipation, and customers responded with enthusiasm.

Each collection sold out quickly, reinforcing that they were on to something big.

The Shift to a Brick-And-Mortar Space

At first, Olive Ateliers operated entirely through Instagram, selling small collections from their backyards. The response was overwhelming. To meet demand, they held a pop-up in a small Venice Beach warehouse, unsure of how the online buzz would translate to in-person sales.

Olive / IG / When opening day arrived, a line wrapped around the block. That moment confirmed that an in-person experience was essential.

Customers wanted to see and touch these “objects with old souls.” What started as a temporary setup soon expanded into a large-scale retail space, welcoming home decor lovers from all over.

Scaling Olive Ateliers While Staying True to Its Essence

The brand’s rapid growth required careful planning. Unlike traditional home goods stores, Olive Ateliers focuses on a curated yet abundant selection. Instead of stocking thousands of generic items, they showcase pieces that tell a story. The design of the space itself reflects the brand’s aesthetic: Natural materials, aged textures, and elements like olive trees create an immersive shopping experience.

As they scaled, they remained intentional about sourcing. Every object is chosen for its beauty and history. The team’s curiosity about the origins of their products fuels their storytelling. Customers are not just buying decor. They are bringing a piece of history into their homes.