Q and A with Melissa
Holiday Edition
We are so excited to spotlight Melissa, the newest member of our Olea team. With years of experience in retail, styling, and fine jewelry, she brings a depth of knowledge and a calm, thoughtful presence that already feels essential here. If you have not had the chance to meet her yet, we hope you will stop by the shop and say hello. She is such a natural fit for Olea and we feel incredibly lucky to have her.
Coffee order
At home I love my freshly ground Philz Tesora with a little sugar and half and half.
Zodiac sign
Gemini
On days you are not at Olea what does life look like
Working out, spending time running after my cat around the house, walks in Carlsbad with my husband, exercising my humility and patience in jewelry class, enjoying occasional meals out with my husband, and visiting family in the Long Beach area.
Song you have on repeat right now
Life Will Be by Cleo Sol
Dream holiday day off, how are you spending it
I would wake up early for a quick workout or jog while my husband sleeps in, then enjoy a slow coffee and breakfast somewhere in the sunshine with him, maybe with waves in sight or earshot. After that, a spa day with a facial, massage, or mani pedi would be fabulous. A leisurely walk, a little shopping, or visiting a museum would be the perfect afternoon. I would end the day with a dinner out with my husband and family.
Favorite local spot in North County or San Diego
I struggle to limit myself to one. If you know me, you know I will never stop talking about Mama Kat’s cinnamon rolls in San Marcos. They are the next best thing to homemade. My husband and I also love a dinner with a view, so we often end up at Vigilucci’s Seafood and Steak off Carlsbad Blvd. Carmela is our favorite server and she always takes the best care of us. We love going places where we feel appreciated and those two spots always make us feel really good.
One thing people might be surprised to learn about you
I used to dance and teach dance. If you catch a glimpse of me in the store alone, you might see me bust a move or two while belting along to my favorite songs.
What is your ideal holiday outfit and how would you style jewelry with it
Winter holidays make me crave velvet and lots of jewelry. I would choose a jewel toned velvet suit, a silk camisole, and pumps. Simple and classic, and the perfect palette for layering sparkle. I would wear Jade Ruzzo’s Gilda 2 Stone Drop Tourmaline earrings with the Olea Double Diamond Chain Studs, then layer the State Property Edessa Diamond Tennis Necklace with Lucy Delius’s Show Your Bones Chain and Antique T Bar. I would finish with Lucy Delius’s Persephone Diamond Bracelet and a ring stack: my mom’s heirloom nugget gold and freshwater pearl ring, my wedding rings, HOWL’s Bombshell ring, Jade Ruzzo’s Tennessee ring, and Lucy Delius’s Diamond Signet.
Favorite holiday treat or drink
My favorite holiday treat is champurrado and tamales. I have so many memories enjoying this pairing as a child. The smells and flavors take me back to simpler times.
What is a small joy that instantly makes your day better
A hug from my husband always makes me feel warm and loved. My cat is also an endless source of entertainment, especially lately when she hides in packaging paper pretending she is invisible.
Holiday Edition
What is your go to everyday Olea piece right now
Lucy Delius Cognac Diamond Chubby Huggies. Love them alone. Love them layered.
Which designer are you gravitating toward this holiday season and what piece of theirs tops your list
I am in love with everything we have by Lucy Delius. I love her nod to old designs like a T Bar and how she reinvents them with sparkle and femininity. I would be thrilled if either of the T Bars we have ended up in my personal jewelry collection. A close second is the Diamond Signet because it fits my pinky perfectly.
What piece is sitting at the very top of your Olea holiday wish list
HOWL’s Tube Link Bracelet. I can see myself putting it on and never taking it off, which makes me feel great about the investment.
If budget did not matter, what is the dream piece you would take home from the cases this season
The Lucy Delius Show Your Bones Chain with Antique T Bar. I love how substantial the chain feels and the antique finish on the T Bar and connector with the pop of green from the emerald cabochons.
Are you a ring stacker, bracelet stacker, or layered necklace girl, and what holiday piece would you add to that stack
Imperfect Grace’s Millie band and Fallon ring have captivated me since the moment I saw them. The Brazilian green tourmaline in the Fallon ring is such a lush, energizing color. Paired with the brand's signature gold finish, they would be a stunning addition to my finger.
What is your must wear piece for holiday parties this year
Jewelry, always. I feel perfect in a simple t shirt, jeans, and a red cardigan with jewels layered to keep it festive. Comfortable, authentic, and fun.
What is your favorite under five hundred gift from Olea to give this season
Chan Luu’s pearl brooch. Beautiful, fun, and festive. I can picture someone adding it to any jacket or sweater for a little extra something.
What piece would you secretly love to find wrapped up with your name on it
Lucy Delius’s Emerald Chubby Love pendant. It is such a stunning iteration of a heart and I love that it sits on its side. It would be an amazing pop of color in a necklace stack.
What Olea piece makes you feel most like yourself right now
Gwen Barba’s Ginkgo Signet. The proportions fit perfectly with my other rings and the ginkgo motif reminds me of the street I grew up on, where the trees are just starting to turn yellow this time of year.
What is your jewelry styling tip for the holidays and which Olea piece helps you pull it off
The holidays are a time to play. Wear outfits that feel comfortable to move and entertain in, but have fun with your accessories and layer creatively. Lucy Delius’s Persephone Diamond Bracelet is a perfect holiday piece because it adds just the right amount of gold and sparkle while staying practical for cooking or hosting.
We feel so grateful to have Melissa as part of the Olea family and cannot wait for you to get to know her even more. Her love for jewelry, genuine warmth, and effortless sense of style shine through in everything she does. Stop by the shop this season to say hello, try on something beautiful, and let Melissa help you find the perfect pieces to celebrate the holidays and beyond.
