OlaOla is about the power of prints. From a young age, founder Ola Olayinka loved how colour could instantly lift your mood or upgrade an outfit – and after textile studio experience in Paris, she found passion in the history and craftsmanship too. Ola layers colour, shapes and textures into original artworks that leap off cards, stationery and accessories. The result is everyday items upgraded into printed, patterned statements.

What is OlaOla?

OlaOla is a pattern design studio where I create bold, colourful prints that live across products like stationery, accessories and homeware. At its core, it’s about celebrating colour and pattern in everyday life.

What makes it unique is that every design begins as an original artwork. I’m interested in layering colour, transparency and texture to create patterns that feel vibrant, playful and full of movement.

Why are you passionate about bold prints and patterns?

I’ve always been drawn to colour and pattern because they have the ability to instantly change how something feels. A bold print can lift a space, an outfit or even your mood. Growing up around rich colours and textiles, pattern felt like a natural language to me. It’s a way of expressing joy, identity and creativity all at once.

Tell us about your background in the textiles industry. How did you bring this expertise and creativity to OlaOla?

My journey started with studying Art and Textiles at school and then going on to study Textile Design at Central Saint Martins. After graduating, I worked in Paris with a textile archive and studio, which gave me a deep appreciation for pattern history and craftsmanship. I’ve also worked with design studios and in education, which has helped shape how I think about design. OlaOla became a way to bring all of that experience together. 

When it comes to choosing prints for your range, what is your experimentation and design process like?

My process usually begins with play. I spend a lot of time experimenting with colour combinations, layering shapes and exploring transparency. I’m interested in how colours interact and how overlapping forms can create new shapes and textures. Inspiration can come from many places: nature, architecture, abstract painting or even everyday observations.

How do you bring elements of your Nigerian heritage to your creations?

My Nigerian heritage influences my work in a very natural way, particularly through colour and the confidence of pattern. Nigerian textiles and design traditions are incredibly rich and expressive, and that sense of vibrancy has definitely shaped my aesthetic. Rather than directly referencing traditional patterns, I like to capture the spirit of that boldness and translate it into contemporary designs.

Why is it important to you to use eco-conscious and recycled materials, particularly for your stationery?

Because I’m creating physical products, I’m always thinking about the impact of the materials I use. Choosing FSC-certified papers and responsible production methods is one way to make sure the products are created thoughtfully. I also produce in smaller batches and minimise waste wherever possible.

What are some of your bestsellers?

My patterned notebooks and greeting cards have always been really popular. People love pieces that feel both practical and artistic. Something they can use every day but that also feels special. The cards are often upcycled into frames and become art prints, giving them a second life.

How do you want customers to feel when they see your pieces?

I want people to feel a sense of joy and curiosity. Colour and pattern can be incredibly uplifting, so I hope the pieces feel playful, energising and a little unexpected. Ideally, they make everyday moments feel a bit more special.

What’s your biggest business achievement so far?

One of my biggest milestones so far has been having OlaOla stocked at Liberty London. It’s such an iconic store with a long history of celebrating design and creativity, so to see my work there felt really special.

What milestone would you like to reach with the brand?

I’d love to see OlaOla grow further as a pattern design studio, particularly through collaborations and developing art pieces. Expanding into more spaces where pattern can live – whether that’s interiors, fashion or large-scale projects – would be really exciting.

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