We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsay DiDonna and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsay, what do you attribute your success to?
When I was 12 years old, my grandmother taught me how to sew. My first project was to sew a Christmas stocking. I would ride my bike to her house everyday and she would teach me one skill at a time. The most challenging part of the process was to add sequins. She taught me how to attach each sequin, individually and skillfully how to tie off the string on the back of the felt, securing each sequin in place. She would tell me how important it was to knot each sequin so they wouldn’t fall off. One weekend she sent me home with my toughest project yet–to finish the entire stocking with multi-colored sequins to create a Christmas scene. Through the weekend, I worked tirelessly on my project. In working, I realized that it was much faster for me to go from sequin to sequin without stitching, after all, I was going to stitch the back of the felt onto the front-no one would see the mapping of the string. The next day I rode to her house, excited and poised by the product I’d finished. We sat down and I couldn’t wait to hear her feedback, I thought my finished product was great. As she reviewed the stocking, she opened to see the stitching on the inside. Clearly she could see all of the mapping of the string. She asked, “why didn’t you do as I taught you?” I replied that it was much faster than tying a knot for each sequin and that no one would see so it was fine. Immediately she took a seam ripper and began to tear all of my stitching…I asked why and she said “just because no one will see, doesn’t mean you don’t do it right.” The most important factor behind my success and that of my brand, is the lesson she taught me that day. She taught me how to be moral. To do what’s right, even when no one is looking. To this day, no product will leave my kitchen without the use of top-quality products, extreme attention to detail and an inner belief that even though she’s not with me anymore, she still looks over my work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Ornery Olive came to life in 2020, before the start of the pandemic. Prior to the creation of my business I worked in the field of Higher Education. My ultimate goal for Ornery Olive is to eventually have a brick and mortar. I would love to have this to pass down to my kiddos. Some great things are in store and can’t wait for all of my followers/customers to see what’s in store!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I have friends/family in town, I typically take them to the mountains. Either Vail or Aspen. Beautiful scenery, great night-life and food. When not in the mountains, I do a lot of entertaining at my house. We’ll make boards, BBQ and have a great time in my back yard! I’ve spent years creating my home to be an entertainers home, love to share with everyone!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The greatest asset that I have is my family. From my husband to my kiddos and in between–I couldn’t do what I do everyday if it weren’t for them. They support every event and every holiday that I’m away from home to provide for others. Each person plays a special role in Ornery Olive. From creativity to researching the newest products and the heavy lifting of preparing my honey jars with honey bees, they’re the best.

Website: www.OrneryOlive.com

Instagram: OrneryOlive

Facebook: Ornery Olive

Image Credits
Lindsay DiDonna, Ornery Olive Jenna Sparks Photography

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