Friends of LAR #5: Olivia Simpson

Only met up with Olivia briefly but it feels like I know her for years. Like vibrant color her vibe catches with you, she's a joyous soul with a lot of color to give to the world let's meet her!

Olivia can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m just a girl. 💁🏽‍♀️ But also a multi hyphenate, I love following my interest and creating new things. I’m a lawyer/ founder/ DJ/ actor/ art curator.

Can you tell us a bit about your latest projects and your mother project Jamcan Juice? What made you start the project?
JAMCAN JUICE - was born out of paying homage to my Caribbean heritage by transporting people’s tastebuds to the tropics with the calmness of CBD and other cannabinoids.

I also recently curated an art exhibition in Mexico City - all about female empowerment, this is probably one of the most challenging but inspiring things I’ve ever created.

You DJ, you host events, you are a jack of many trades and master of a few too, can you tell us how you manage all this?
I’m not the best at balance but so far … Pen and paper and Naps! I think making small pockets of time to sleep/ do nothing even if for 30 minutes, really help. I also believe in drinking an espresso then napping straight away for a little energy boost.
I also write everything down, if I have an idea or vision I feel compelled to write it down to clarify my thoughts. I also have a to-do list and I number them, to prioritise them and make sure I don’t forget all the things I want to do.

What does an ideal day look like?
Now it looks like resting, I’m trying to find more balance and put less pressure on myself to do so many things at once. So waking up, doing yoga, reading , journaling for 20 minutes each before my day starts then work in on JAMCAN - recipe development and securing sales contracts. Then dabbling in some legal advising for an interesting company, then ending my day with an acting class.

What’s your favorite comfort food that invokes memories of childhood?
I love Jamaican soups, my favourite is gungo peas, my dad used to make this for me growing up and it’s so comforting and warming.

What’s a symbol you like keeping in your life?
Hamsa hands for protection, luck, health, peace and prosperity.

Favorite album of all time?
The first album I ever bought: Gwen Stefani’s 2004 - Love. Angel. Music. Baby.

Looking at the Olivia 10 years ago and now what are the changes and what stayed the same?
Changes- I feel more free-spirited now oddly. I care less about everything now which is liberating. Same- I’m still as playful and curious about life as I was at 19.

Where was your favorite summer holiday, can you tell us a bit about it?
My birthday trip in Mykonos - the summer where I fell in love with feta and never taste tomatoes so sweet. Also dancing on the stage of Jackie O’s !!

What 3 things would you like to see more of in the world?
Kindness. Peace. People sharing their cultures with each other.

What 3 things would you like to see less of in the world?
Anger. Racism. People staring down at their phones all the time.

When you think of LAR what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Gorgeous printed scarfs and fun, bright colours that make me happy.

What is your all time favorite LAR?
My green bikini set and matching hat. It makes me feel so chic 💁🏽

I also have some gorgeous pink LAR trousers that are so comfortable I could live in them! (Shop Pragma Pants)

You are a color, which one and why?
Green. 💚💚💚 it makes me feel happy, lucky and reminds me of nature and vitality!