Hello from the team!

Hello from the team!

Behind WOS is a small but mighty team! We dream big, work hard, and genuinely love what we do. As a close-knit group, we rely on one another to bring our ideas to life! Ideas are tested, challenged, tossed around, embraced, and brought to life with heart (and plenty of laughter). Everything we offer is the result of our team's dedication, hard work, and commitment to quality. Thank you for shopping small 

Meet the team

  • Designer & founder

    In 2011, Lauren founded While Odin Sleeps out of her tiny San Francisco apartment. What started as a way to live untethered, it grew into a full collection of apparel and jewelry rooted in the things she loves most. From medieval history, Catholic imagery, DIY punk spirit, and folklore, Lauren makes sure her work stays personal and intentional.

    When she's not designing, you'll find Lauren hunting down vintage VHS horror tapes, losing herself in a book, or exploring the Appalachian mountains.
    Follow @laurenannlester or behind-the-scenes adventures.

  • Creative Assistant

    Sheila is an artist originally from Florence, Italy, who loves to read fantasy books and collect vintage Valentine’s Day cards. At WOS she works closely alongside Lauren, brainstorming and helping bring creative ideas to life. She has been with us since the very early days, and we are grateful for her many contributions to the brand's growth. Follow Sheila's whimsical artistry on Instagram at @sheilasarti

  • Floor Manager

    Lydia is Lauren's sister and the steady heart behind the While Odin Sleeps studio. Originally from California, she spent eight years living in Germany before finding her way to the WOS team in 2024. She has a dog named Cedric, who she found in a cemetery shortly after moving to North Carolina. When she's not keeping the studio running smoothly, she's listening to '90s music, baking something magical, or taking long hikes with her pup.

  • Head of Assembly

    Ollie (he/they) is an illustrator inspired by nature, horror, and folklore, with a love for the strange and beautiful. As one of the oldest members of the WOS team, Ollie brings lots of care and attention to everything he does, assembling jewelry, and helping us print garments and package your orders. Outside of work, you'll usually find him drawing, hiking, or spending time with his two beloved parrots, Sunset and Squab!

  • Admin Assistant & Head of Packaging

    Gracie hails from Clayton, North Carolina and enjoys spending time in the sun. It's likely you'll find her in a creek somewhere if you go a-lookin'. When she's not hiking, practicing yoga, or browsing vintage stores, you'll likely find her sewing or baking. At WOS, Gracie helps package up all your orders with love and care, and she's also one of the friendly faces behind our customer emails. So if you've ordered from us before or reached out with a question, there's a good chance Gracie has helped you out!

  • Apparel Production Assistant

    Thomas Moran is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but has loved living in NC! He enjoys gardening, cooking, and photography, and is an avid collector of timepieces and pocket knives. Thomas also has a soft spot for '80s music, chocolate cake, and ice cream. At WOS, Thomas brings a cheerful, positive presence to the team and helps with the printing process, always bringing care and consistency to his work.

  • Morale Manager

    Jinkx is our adorable lab mix who was named after Lauren's favorite drag queen, Jinkx Monsoon! In the office he is known for going from person to person to let them know how good of a job they're doing, for which he gets lots of treats and kisses. He takes his job very seriously and is adored by the whole team.

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OUR VALUES

  • MADE BY HAND

    From the very start, everything at WOS has been handled with care by our small team.

    Every order is carefully assembled, packed, and shipped from our studio. We put a lot of attention into each detail and take pride in creating things you'll love for years to come.

    We truly love what we do, and we're grateful for your support.

  • SLOW FASHION

    We all know how harmful fast fashion is. Trendy and cheap items are produced much too quickly, leading to environmental degradation, labor exploitation, and social injustice. Of course we understand not everyone can be free of fast fashion, but we prioritize ethical practices in our production in hopes to offer slow fashion products without breaking the bank. Your purchase also directly allows me to not only hire local creatives, but pay them a living wage.

  • AUTHENTICITY BEFORE TRENDS

    I strongly believe that jewelry should be a reflection of one's personal style and not just the cheap embodiment of a fleeting trend. We love that our customers are eclectic, independent-minded people who prioritize creativity and authenticity in their everyday lives - that's why our mission is to create original and distinctive pieces that can make them feel inspired and empowered.

  • MADE WITH INTENTION

    At our core, we are artists that strive for authenticity and quality above all else. From the selection of our materials to the design and creation process, we put our heart and soul into every step we take. Whether it's a piece of jewelry, a favorite shirt, or a gift for someone you love, we believe the things you wear should hold meaning. By putting intention into every design, we hope to create pieces that not only look beautiful, but tell a story and connect with the people who wear them.

  • INDEPENDENTLY OWNED

    As an independently owned company, we are free to prioritize our values and the needs of our community over external pressures or expectations from investors and shareholders. We take pride in our ability to operate with authenticity and integrity, making sure WOS remains an art-first brand, always. We're committed to building meaningful relationships with our customers and peers that go beyond just selling products or giving in to the man!

  • GIVING BACK

    We believe that our success is also measured by the positive impact we have on our community. We donate to support causes that align with our values and actively seek out ways we can contribute. We donate monthly to The Environmental Defense Fund, Indigenous Women Rising, Coalition to Rainforest Nations, Black Women for Wellness, Planned Parenthood, Food Not Bombs, Beloved Asheville, and gender confirmation surgery funds. If you are raising money for your own or a friend's Confirmation Surgery please reach out to us here.

  • FEMMES & THEY/THEMS

    Our team is almost entirely made up of lovely individuals who identify as female or non-binary, and representative of diverse cultural backgrounds. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each team member brings, and strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We believe that diversity and inclusivity are essential to creating a positive and supportive workplace.

  • FOUNDED IN SAN FRANCISCO

    While Odin Sleeps began in 2011 in Lauren's tiny San Francisco apartment as a creative outlet and a path toward financial independence. What started as a small DIY project has grown into something much larger through years of perseverance, creativity, and hard work.

    Along the way, we've faced plenty of challenges, mistakes, and setbacks, often learning through experience. That resilience became a defining part of the WOS's ethos. Today, While Odin Sleeps takes pride in adapting quickly, continuously refining its craft, and approaching every challenge as an opportunity to improve. That mindset has helped shape a business built on independence, integrity, and a genuine passion for creating meaningful work.

    It's been an incredible journey since 2011, and While Odin Sleeps is deeply grateful to everyone who has supported and been part of the story.

  • BASED IN NORTH CAROLINA

    After meeting the love of her life, Lauren moved to North Carolina in 2016. Surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, While Odin Sleeps was able to put down roots, flourish, and even weather the challenges of a global pandemic.

    For years, the business operated out of cramped workspaces and borrowed spaces. But after years of steady growth, that finally changed. In recent years, While Odin Sleeps found a permanent studio space with room for the team, materials, and the creative freedom to continue growing. What was once a distant dream has become the home where the next chapter of WOS is being built.

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