Through her gypsy soul and deep-rooted sense of wanderlust, Kendalee Olmo, Creator of Inveniio, launched her own boho-chic women’s clothing and accessories company selling unique vintage pieces from around the world. Influenced by the diverse cultures she’s encountered in Greece, Spain, and the Czech Republic, Kendalee began creating pieces of clothing that remind her of her own global travels, but also motivate and empower women to “discover the uncommon.” We’re inspired by her nomadic spirit and attitude, her zest for creating new designs, and her hope to bring back the passion for reading amongst children. She sat down with NJMOM to discuss her plans to open a brick and mortar shop for Inveniio, her love of New Jersey diners, and her favorite places to eat every summer with her daughter, like Quincy’s Lobster Rolls in Cape May.
NJMOMpreneur & Creator of Inveniio, Kendalee Olmo
NJMOMPreneur Kendalee Olmo via Kizia Zehr
NJMOM: What do you offer to your clients and how is it different than other professionals in your field?
Kendalee: Inveniio sells unique women accessories and vintage clothing pieces from around the world. We are addicted to color, boho-chic aesthetic, and uniqueness.
Your business should be a reflection of who you are. You need to believe in what you are doing. This is not a job or even a career, it is your creation, so build it with your soul. – Kendalee Olmo, NJMOMpreneur & Creator of Inveniio
NJMOM: What inspired you to get into your line of work?
Kendalee: Other women inspired me, as well as my travels. Ultimately, it was the desire of bringing women unique pieces that will make them feel special, pieces with stories and messages of motivation and empowerment. I’ve traveled to western and eastern Europe. Greece, Spain, and Prague were of great inspiration for the bohemian aesthetic that I’m so passionate about. My travels to Latin America and Asia fuel my inspiration for color. The designs and patterns, especially the ones found in kimonos are worth sharing with the entire world.
NJMOM: What is your favorite part about your business?
Kendalee: My customers are my favorite part of my business. It’s amazing to see their smiles when they find that something special that they love, or to read their emails telling me how much they loved their purchases.
Bohemian chic via Kizia Zehr
NJMOM: What is your background in your business expertise?
Kendalee: I’ve worked in marketing and sales. I’ve always been passionate about bringing products to people to make them a little happier.
NJMOM: What are you most proud of in your career?
Kendlaee: All the places I’ve visited around the globe, the amazing people I’ve met, and getting to learn how different and fascinating our world is.
NJMOM: What is something few people know about you?
Kendalee: I have an alter ego, my gypsy soul…Well, I guess now everybody that reads this will know.
Kendalee and her daughter via Kizia Zehr
NJMOM: What can we expect from you next year – personally and professionally?
Kendalee: My daughter just started college so my main personal goal is to ensure that she gets all my support and guidance in such an important part of her life. I want to make sure she continues to know that I will always be her main supporter. Regarding my professional life, I want to keep on building, creating, and inspiring others, as well as open a brick and mortar for Inveniio very soon. I’m thinking it will be in Red Bank, New Jersey.
NJMOM: What charitable cause are you most passionate about?
Kendalee: I’m passionate about the adoption of dogs and bringing back the passion for books amongst kids.
NJMOM: Who is your role model? Why?
Kendalee: My maternal grandmother is my role model. It’s her unshakable passion for life, her compassion for others, and her resilience, that have all shaped who I am today.
Bohemian inspired goods at the market via Kizia Zehr
NJMOM: What is the best piece of advice your mom (or parent/role model) ever gave to you?
Kendalee: My mom used to tell me all the time, “Don’t be carbon copy.” Be yourself, no apologies.
NJMOM: Do you have a favorite quote you live by? Why is this quote so important to you?
Kendalee:
I would rather die of passion than from boredom.” – Van Gogh
I know what ended up happening to him, but monotony is not my friend.
NJMOM: What are your favorite things to do in New Jersey with your family?
Kendalee: We love the summer. We have a beach place at the shore in Diamond Beach and it is our happy place. It is this beautiful white sand beach between Wildwood Crest and Cape May. My daughter loves the lobster rolls from Quincy’s. It’s a must every season, and well…several times during the season.
NJMOM: What is the best part about being a mom for you?
Kendalee: Unconditional love. Also, watching my daughter become an amazing human being. Seeing her beautiful transformation from childhood to teen to wonderful young adult and knowing she has her own passions, her own beliefs, and her own voice.
Empowering women through bracelets via Kizia Zehr
NJMOM: What are your favorite businesses in New Jersey?
Kendalee: I love Greene Street. I know, I’m a thrift “aficionado.” And of course, I love the New Jersey diners. I mean how do other states survive without diners?
NJMOM: Where do you reside and vacation in New Jersey?
Kendalee: We live in Skillman, NJ and we spend most of our time in Princeton. It is one of the most beautiful towns in New Jersey. The landscape and the diversity of people from around the world make it so unique. We love going to farmers markets and spending time at the shore. It’s great being so close to the shore, the farmland, the mountains, and also having such close proximity to two amazing cities.
NJMOM: What advice might you have for a fellow NJMOMpreneur who is just starting out?
Kendalee: Select a business or a product that you are truly passionate about. Be ready to work hard, not get much sleep, and experience a creativity overload. Let your loved ones know ahead of time that you will be busy. You will never forget that amazing feeling when you make that first sale.
NJMOM: Anything else you’d like to tell moms in New Jersey?
Kendalee: Your business should be a reflection of who you are. You need to believe in what you are doing. This is not a job or even a career. It is your creation, so build it with your soul and everyone will be able to feel your passion.
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