ABOUT US
Local, conscientious, women owned, community loving, intentional, skillful, artisanal and unique are just a few ways to describe Olive Loom! Our team’s primary focuses are creating beautiful/quality products, supporting our local community, and empowering women! Each piece made by us is one crafted by a local seamstress, showcasing their expertise and artistry.
From reusable paper towels to alternations, we take pride in the products we produce for our community!
MEET OUR TEAM
Our team of skilled artisans handcrafts each product with passion and dedication.
In 2023, Olive Loom had three University of Arkansas senior apparel students working in the shop finetuning their sewing skills, learning hands on production work and mastering the art of cutting, production and alterations.
Gillian Shrum - Graduate UA Apparel Senior; Bag Production
David Rabelo - Graduate UA Apparel Studies, Interior Drapery Production
Ginger Coleman - Alterations
Since it's inception, Olive Loom has worked with experience, skilled home seamstresses to produce products we design and sale at the local farmers market, online and in our retail space. We do the cutting in store and as demand dictates they help us produce our replicable reusable
Jacque Linsey - retired office manager, experienced in serging and embroidery.
Debbie Alexander - retired architect, soup koozies
Linda Lou Selvidge - retired nurse, small business owner, experienced in serging and production.
We are committed to creating high-quality, beautiful pieces that are also sustainable while empowering our local community and the women within it. We invite you to join us in our mission and be part of the Olive Loom community.
Past Interns:
Juiliana Marconi - will graduate with a Masters in Apparel, production
Felicity Rubio - Attended UA in Apparel, Social Media
Olivia - UA intern, UA Senior in Apparel
Co-Owner + Founder
Lou Reed
After 40+ years in the health care industry, I retired to assume care of my Mother and during that four years, founded Olive Loom.
With a mission of working to build a network of women who otherwise cannot hold traditional jobs, our business model has and will continue to support our local community while empowering women. We design and produce our own apparel and sustainable accessories. Our products are produced on high quality industrial equipment and sergers with guidance from experienced pattern makers, sewing instructors and operations manager.
With passion and pride in our community, I encourage you to drop by the shop any time to just say Hi!
Co-Owner + Founder
Leah Garrett
With great patience, my mom, Lou, taught me how to sew.
Even though sewing is very challenging for me and getting me to do so is like pulling hens teeth, I do love working with my mom on various projects. But I will warn you…my mom and I are NOT allowed to go to a fabric store together! With the inspiration from the fabrics and each other, we are likely to buy the place out!
Even though sewing is not my strong suit, I do LOVE making flat patterns and seeing those designs come to life with the help of everyone at Olive Loom.
Senior Dressmaker
Gillian Shrum
My Mimi taught me to use my first sewing machine when I was 7. She was inspired to sew because of Cosplay.
Because of my passion for sewing, I am enrolled at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and am persuing a degree in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development.
I got really into sewing and crafting in 2012 after going to my first Cosplay convention and being so inspired by all the amazing cosplayers with the help of my mimi and the all knowing internet (youtube and cosplay.com forums). Through my craft, I am able to bring characters I love to life.
Alterations Specialist + OL Trainer
David Rabelo
David is a senior at the University of Arkansas majoring in Apparel Merchandizing and Product Design.
David loves draping and design. He completed training in Milan, Italy this last summer.