Where is fashion designer Sigrid Olsen now?

Sigrid Olsen, artist/designer

If you’re over 40, chances are you’ve bought at least one item of clothing from designer Sigrid Olsen.

Last night, I (JoJami) had a chance to met up with Sigrid, who was one of the speakers at the Smart Talk Series in Wilmington, DE.

Olsen (age 55) said she started out in her career as an artist and morphed onto the fashion scene 25 years ago, heading up her name brand clothing empire. She designed for “real” women, using bright colors and simple classic designs that became her trademark.

However, a few years ago that all changed. With the economy sinking, Sigrid left her business to start fresh. “My company had become so large that I did not get to do what I loved to do, which is creative based.

“I ended up just being the head of my company and doing meetings all day. I had lost touch with my roots and doing  my passion which is art…. I am much happier now.”

ISLA beach house

So what does that “now” look like?

Olsen, who lives in Gloucester, MA, now runs a retail boutique, called ISLA Beach house, just a few steps down the road from her home, where she sells her sunny, beach-inspired art, pottery and other unique finds.

“I like to find new artists and help promote them”, she said with a twinkle in her eye.  She is obviously passionate about her new venture!

Not to be one to sit still, Sigrid, found Yoga soon after her “retirement” and now runs her Yoga/Art fusion retreats all over the world.

A self professed “doer” Sigrid Olsen is living her passion and thanks to her creativity we can now bring a piece of her colorful world into ours!

Deborah (circa 2004) in her favorite Sigrid Olsen outfit

A cute story… Deborah tells me that back in around 2003 after having two babies two years apart, she was feeling rather frumpy. She went to Florida and discovered Sigrid Olsen in Burdines and bought a ton of her bright fun clothes.

Deb was so thrilled she even emailed Sigrid to tell her how happy her clothes made her feel, and what a perfect fit they were. Here’s Deb a couple of years later in those same Sigrid Olsen clothes that she wore and wore.

Doesn’t the robin’s egg blue and peach go beautifully with her Spring complexion?