Narges Barefoot knows that motherhood can be fulfilling and draining at the same time. As a creative individual with a love of design, the Perrysburg wife and mom decided to carve out time in her busy life to feed her artistic passions. As the founder and creative director of Crisp Olive, she has created an online boutique that offers uniquely curated items for retail and wholesale purchase.
“I have a passion for the things that have to do with the creative side of our minds — colors, decorating, interiors, fashion, style. Anything that’s pretty,” Barefoot explains.
From an early age
Her love of beautiful things comes naturally as, growing up in Tehran, she learned to appreciate fabric and design from her mother.
“My mom is an amazing seamstress”, Narges begins, adding,”I went with her to the Grand Bazaar in Iran to be able to select from big bolts of fabric. I sketch ideas for her to create. She tried to teach my three sisters and me how to sew, but I told her ‘Everything I want, you will make for me.”
Years later, when she became a mom herself, Narges wanted to learn to sew, and enrolled in courses at vocational school. “Believe me, it was not easy! My mom was trying to teach me all this time, and she would have been the best teacher,” Barefoot said.
Eventually, she learned how to design and sew her own patterns from whole fabric, which led to an interest in graphic design. “I appreciate the presentation — those little details that go into curating something. I wondered ‘What (kind of work) can I do with that?,’” she said.
Adding her design touch
In March, 2022, after the birth of her son, Narges decided to design her own ‘thank you’ cards and the concept for Crisp Olive was born.
From notecards, she expanded to gift wrap and paper boutique items. “Anything that I felt that I could use in my own life, I thought, I could add my own designs to the item and then would proudly use, I started adding items when the time was right.”
Fashion accessories like silk scarves and phone cases featuring Narges’ designs were added to the collection.
Barefoot showcased her curated collection at local trunk shows, and received wonderful feedback from attendees. While the trunk shows are demanding, they have also proven to be very rewarding and inspiring. “Meeting people, telling my story, hearing about other people. It’s a lot of work, but always worth it,” Barefoot said.
Crisp Olive items
Barefoot offers a newsletter and her website, where readers can stay up-to-date on events and collections. Items from her collection can also be found at Alice Louise Press in downtown Perrysburg.
“This is a one woman show. Everything has to fit inside the nooks and crannies (free time) in my life, from getting the kids out of school, to ballet classes and soccer practices. I love this work, because I can still stay connected with (my kids),” she explains.
Get to know Narges Barefoot
Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. When I was 29, in 2013, I came to the United States on a student visa and got my Masters degree in Organizational Leadership at Lourdes University.
Tell us about your family! Brad, my husband, is my charming Midwestern man, and my children Sophie (6) and Christian (2).
What do you like to do on a day off? On that dreamy day, I would love to go to the Toledo Museum of Art for inspiration. The galleries, café or library will do for me.
Favorite restaurant? Souk in downtown Toledo.
Are you a book person or movie person? Books, many audio ones because of the stage of life I am in. Otherwise, I always enjoy getting lost in a good movie.
Dream vacation? Spain
Do you have any hobbies? I am constantly reading and following content on personal style, creativity and design.
Do you have a mom super power or secret talent? I believe being a mom is a super power! Once you are in, there is nothing you can’t do!
Favorite words to live by? Discipline: you do it when you feel like it. You do it when you don’t feel like it. You do it no matter how you feel.
What advice do you have for other moms who would like to start their own business? Your first roadblock is mindset, then overwhelm, then repeat. Focus on your first step. That’s all you need. And find someone who has gone down the path before you.
