Meet the Maker: Lauren Lester is a jewelry designer and founder of While Odin Sleeps currently located in Morgantown, North Carolina. She founded While Odin Sleeps in 2011, and after meeting her partner Scott Hughes or Obscura MFG in 2015, the couple moved to Western NC where their businesses, and their two dogs plan to stay for the next few years. Lauren is currently working on expanding WOS beyond jewelry. She’s teaming up with other female-owned and operated businesses to collaborate on new projects like apparel, accessories, home goods, and more. Lauren has a long term goal of opening up a storefront where she will showcase other small businesses and expand her team. We are excited to see what the future has in store for While Odin Sleeps!
Creative Assistant and Project Manager: Sheila is an artist from Florence, Italy, who moved to North Carolina 9 years ago. She has been working with us for the longest and has seen While Odin Sleeps grow from a small operation taking place in Lauren’s dining room to what it is today! Keep up to date with her whimsical artistry by following her on Instagram @sheilasarti.
Administrative Assistant and Head of Packaging: Brigitte was born in California, but has lived in North Carolina most of her life. She is proud of her Peruvian heritage and loves to cook dishes that are native to her country. Our team wouldn’t be able to sail so smoothly without her multitasking talents and organizational skills!
Head of Assembly and Quality Control: Elle is a young creative and aspiring tattoo artist. If you’ve bought something from us, it’s very likely that Elle was the person who put lots of love and care into making it for you! Keep up with their various artistic endeavors on Instagram @elle.mckay, @nowhere.man.illustrations, and @bhavabandofficial.
E-commerce Expert and Web Designer: Niah is a self-proclaimed professional nerd who works with us remotely from Portland, OR to help make sure your online shopping experience is as easy and enjoyable as possible. We are so grateful to them helping us run our website so smoothly, we couldn’t do it without them! Keep up with their various hobbies on Instagram @niahlation.
PR Coordinator: Savannah is the newest member to our team and we're so excited to start working with her! She is a North Carolina local and attended college in Atlanta styding history and art. When not working, Savannah can be found digging through vintage clothing and records all over the state. Welcome to the team!
Morale Manager: Jinkx is a lab mix named after 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.
Secret Service: Waylon is a Blue Tick Hound who was adopted by Lauren and her husband after his previous owner gave him up. He is a lover, not a fighter which makes him the perfect moody mascot for our team. Although he is our most unproductive employee, our team wouldn't be the same without him!