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

Hi Samantha, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Argyle Owl was born from a deep need to recreate the fantasy world I spent a large amount of time in as a child. The real world was usually not a safe place for me, and my imagination and desire for fantasy and escapism often provided my most significant relationships.

Once I started sharing my creations with others, I quickly realized this wasn’t just a need of my own, but that many adults desired a connection to a childhood they felt they missed out on due to difficult upbringings or a less than perfect home life. I quickly became aware of just how much we are all longing for that lost magic and how that connects us.

Creating this curious little world full of magical creatures has been healing both for me and for the beautiful souls that collect them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Is there a such thing as too much glitter? I think not! I am not afraid to cover every square inch of my pieces in sparkles. Glitter is my favorite.

Argyle Owl has changed a lot over past 11 years, getting to where I am today was rocky but I learned from every bit of it.

If you truly believe in and love what you are creating people will relate to it, you just need to find your people and that takes time. I will still get the occasional “What is it for? What do you do with it?”. Some people will never understand you and that is perfectly okay!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am based in Fort Collins! Old Town is an absolute must full of great food and local shops, I could spend a whole day just wondering around. Horsetooth is always great for a light hike or hanging out by the water. I have recently fallen madly in love with a restaurant called Taqueria Los Comales near the college.

Everything I have experienced there has been above and beyond, top notch!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My darling husband, Lauren.

He has been my constant cheerleader and believes in me so deeply.

Without him Party Frog & Toad would not exist. I thought they were just _too_ silly and he convinced me that I had made something really special, and he was right! They have quickly become my most collected creations.

I am very lucky.

Website: shopargyleowl.com

Instagram: @argyle.owl

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