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
Lauren Lester is the creator of While Odin Sleeps! Growing up in a military family with five siblings meant moving often, shaping the adaptability and creativity that continue to inspire her today. After attending FIDM in San Francisco, Lauren began making jewelry in her tiny apartment as a creative outlet and a way to build a life outside the traditional 9-to-5.
Falling in love eventually brought her to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, where she and While Odin Sleeps continue to grow together. Follow @whileodinsleeps on instagram to keep up with new releases, and @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 while supporting the creative process behind the scenes. 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! Originally from California, she spent eight years living in Germany before joining the While Odin Sleeps team in 2024. She has a dog named Cedric, who she found in a cemetery shortly after moving to North Carolina! Lydia enjoys spending her weekends outdoors, listening to '90s music, and going for long drives. At WOS, she truly does a bit of everything and helps keep the studio running smoothly.
-
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.
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 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
WOS began in 2011 in my tiny San Francisco apartment as a creative outlet and a way to have financial freedom. What originally started as a DIY project has since evolved, and I've evolved with it. I've faced many challenges, mistakes and setbacks, often having to learn things the hard way. This spirit of perseverance is now ingrained in our work ethos and is part of everything we do. We take pride in our ability to learn and adapt quickly because it forces us to continuously improve our craft, this mentality has helped us create a business that prioritized independence and integrity. It's been an amazing journey since 2011, and I'm grateful for everyone who's been a part of it.
-
BASED IN NORTH CAROLINA
After meeting the love of my life, I moved to North Carolina in 2016. Amongst the beauty of nature and the Appalachian Mountains, WOS was able to take root, flourish, and even withstand a global pandemic. For years I was operating my business out of cramped quarters and borrowed spaces. However, in the past couple of years, I was finally able to get the studio space I had only ever dreamed of, with ample room for our team, materials, and even some extra space to accommodate our dreams of future growth.