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    Behind The Brand: The Heart, Hustle, and Whimsy of Lizzie Oliver & Co.

    Step onto the vibrant lawn of Melissa farmers market on a typical Saturday morning, and you’ll spot the Lizzie Oliver & Co. booth right away: a dash of family laughter, little hands showcasing tie-dye masterpieces, and glassware etched with messages that just make you feel. Behind it all is Adrianne Elizabeth—founder, visionary, and the heart of a business borne out of wanting more: more authenticity, connection and, above all, more heart.

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    I reached out to Adrianne via email to hear the story of Lizzie Oliver & Co.—what inspires them, why they do what they do, and how they’re building a small, mighty legacy as a family-run, women-owned business in North Texas. Lean in for this intimate, honest chat—you’ll feel every word spark with intention.


    About You & Your Business

    LCM: Can you share the story behind Lizzie Oliver & Co.—how it began, your family’s creative roles, and what inspired you to focus on handcrafted, original designs?

    Adrianne: Lizzie Oliver & Co. started after I left the corporate world—a world that, for all its structure, often left little room for heart or authenticity. After years of pouring myself into systems that didn’t reflect my values, I felt called to create something that did. I wanted to build a business that honored creative freedom, human connection, and personal truth.

    What began as a small spark has grown into a family-run home-based shop rooted in love, expression, and meaning. Our son Oliver brought his own flavor to the mix with his tie-dye collection this summer, and my husband (often known as the “& Co.” in our name) helps with production and market setup. It’s not always easy, but there’s something deeply fulfilling about co-creating as a family and watching each other grow.

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    LCM: How do Lizzie, Oliver, and your husband (& Co.) each bring their own strengths or personalities to the business? Any favorite moments working together?

    Adrianne: We each bring something different to the table. Oliver is our creative spark—his tie-dye line started as a fun family project, and watching him take pride in it has been incredible. My husband handles the heavy lifting—literally and figuratively—especially at markets and during production. And I bring the vision of curating designs and partnerships that speak to me, the late-night packaging, marketing, and the storytelling behind it all. One of our favorite memories is watching Oliver make his first sale—it wasn’t just a shirt; it was a moment of self-belief taking root.

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    LCM: What does it mean to you to be a family-run, women-owned business rooted in North Texas?

    Adrianne: Being a family-run, women-owned business in North Texas feels personal. In a small town, you see the ripple of every choice—neighbors, schools, and the Saturday markets we love. My grandfather ran a shop in downtown Van Alstyne for many years, so entrepreneurship is part of our roots. For us, it means showing up as our whole selves, modeling that for our son, and creating space for others to do the same. We’ve built this brand on love, collaboration, personal connection, and living true to self—and we hope that warmth comes through in what we make.


    Creativity & Collaboration

    LCM: In what ways does collaboration with local artisans influence your product collection? Are there any partnerships or artisans you’d love to mention?

    Adrianne: We love curating accessories that complement our designs—some we make ourselves, and others come from small shops we’ve come to know and admire through the market scene. Collaboration keeps our collections fresh, intentional, and full of local flavor. We also love to barter with other vendors—it’s fun, energizing, and feels like such a natural way to exchange value while supporting each other’s work. We shop local too—whether it’s produce, beef, eggs, or handmade goods—because it matters to us to invest back into the same communities we serve.

    Over time, we’ve built relationships with fellow small businesses who offer local printing or pieces we incorporate into our designs. Creating custom logo shirts (and soon, hats!)—not only for customers who meet us at the market, but also for other small business vendors—has become something we genuinely enjoy. One of our favorite examples is Frosty Shaved Ice—we paired their logo with Oliver’s tie-dye, and it turned out to be such a fun and playful match.

    We’ve also partnered with shops like Mother Rucker’s Mercantile, Wild Willow (a handmade jewelry brand), Blooms of Hope, and White Oak Engraving. As those relationships grow, so do the creative possibilities—and we’re always open to more.

    Another crowd favorite is Flanny Art, a local artist who brings paint stations for kids to the markets. Oliver loves taking breaks to paint with them, and they’ve even let him help out when it gets busy. While we haven’t officially teamed up (yet), vendors like Flanny Art and Paint Splatter Art-Craft and Painting Parties—another incredible handmade art and party coordinator—are part of what makes these events feel like a real community.

    We’ve tossed around a few fun ideas, and let’s just say… there may be some creative collaborations in the works we’re very excited about—but not quite ready to spill the beans on just yet.

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    Making with Heart

    LCM: Could you tell us about the variety of handcrafted glassware, trendy tees, and accessories you offer? How do you choose which products or trends to explore next?

    Adrianne: We offer thoughtfully designed Libbey glassware with eco-friendly bamboo lids and glass straws, high-quality t-shirts and sweatshirts, and curated accessories that fit the theme of each collection. Whether it’s snarky, sweet, seasonal, or nostalgic—everything we design is meant to spark a feeling. We don’t follow trends—we follow the thread of what’s resonating collectively. What people are feeling. That’s what guides us.

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    LCM: Tell us more about the origin and creative process behind Oliver’s tie-dye collection. How did he get inspired, and what’s been the response so far?

    Adrianne: It started as a fun summer project and blossomed into something so much more. Oliver experimented with color, learned new techniques, and began to take real ownership over his work. We helped with setup and support, but the pride he’s gained in seeing his pieces worn in the community is all his. That sense of pride—that’s the win for us.

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    LCM: How do you ensure each batch or item remains unique and crafted “with heart”? Are there steps you take to keep things intentional rather than mass produced?

    Adrianne: Everything is made in small batches. We don’t mass produce. If something doesn’t feel aligned, we don’t make it. And even when we’re busy, we still wrap each order with care—often with a handwritten note or cheerful stickers, because we want people to feel the love and intention behind what they’ve purchased.

    LCM: Are there best-selling items or personal favorites among your collections that our readers shouldn’t miss?

    Adrianne: Our mystery tees are always a favorite—people love the element of surprise and the themed collections we offer! Glassware is another big hit, especially at markets. The designs that get the most attention tend to be the relatable, witty ones—some playful, some bold, and a few with colorful language (softened, of course, when needed for market-friendly moments).

    We carry something for every age—from toddler to adult—and it’s always fun to see families find pieces they each connect with. That mix of expression, comfort, and connection is at the heart of what we do.

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    LCM: Do you have any exclusive or limited items at your pop-ups that folks can’t find anywhere else?

    Adrianne: Yes—our t-shirt bar, exclusive bundles, small-batch accessories, and mystery drops are only available in person. The interactive experience of designing a shirt on-site is something we can’t replicate online, although we do allow special requests at checkout, and we go the extra mile to ensure each piece meets the customer’s feedback. And since I’m not a professional photographer, some really great items never make it to the website—so our markets always offer something unique.

    Charm, Intention, and Authenticity

    LCM: What inspires your original designs and how do you approach blending “artistry and whimsy” into wearable or giftable items?

    Adrianne: We design with emotion. A little grit, a little humor, a little tenderness. We’re inspired by the human experience—personal awareness, faith, family, freedom, identity—and we try to infuse that into every piece. The whimsy shows up in unexpected details. The artistry comes from our ability to blend meaning with bold design.

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    LCM: Why is authenticity-important style at the heart of your mission, and how has this belief guided business decisions?

    Adrianne: Because anything else would feel fake. We’ve learned that people resonate most with what’s real. We don’t chase algorithms or try to mimic others—we ask, “Does this feel like us?” and follow that. Our customers can tell. It’s why they keep coming back.

    LCM: Is there a special message or feeling you hope your customers walk away with after shopping your booth or wearing your creations?

    Adrianne: That they were seen. That they matter. That their weirdness, their sass, their softness, or their strength is worth celebrating. If we can help someone feel more themselves—whether through a t-shirt or a glass in their hand—then we’ve done our job.


    Family, Community, and Moving Forward

    If there’s a theme in Adrianne’s words, it’s this: love and intention runs through everything at Lizzie Oliver & Co.

    LCM: What has surprised you most about building a creative business with your family?

    Adrianne: How healing and connective it can be. Business is rarely just about business—it’s about who you become through the process. We’ve grown closer, laughed a ton, and learned how to support each other in new ways. It’s brought us closer together. We are accomplishing it together, and because it’s really all about building and experiencing personal connection for us, it’s the perfect antidote.

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    LCM: How does your North Texas or local artisan community support your evolution?

    Adrianne: The market community is everything. We’ve found so much encouragement from fellow makers, and we try to give that back. Some of the most meaningful connections we’ve made have come from a pop-up table under string lights.

    LCM: In what ways do pop-up events and direct customer interaction shape your creativity or product offering?

    Adrianne: Markets give us feedback in real-time. We see what people laugh at, what makes them pause, what they’re drawn to. That energy directly shapes what we offer next. Each event is its own living, breathing experience.

    LCM: How do you engage or collaborate with other local vendors at markets?

    Adrianne: We make it a point to support others—buying from them, shouting them out, and finding ways to cross-promote. We’ve even done some logo shirts for other small shops. Seeing their reactions when they pick them up is one of the most rewarding parts.

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    Behind the Scenes

    LCM: Can you describe your creative workspace or set-up process (any fun tidbits, mishaps, or traditions you look forward to during production)?

    Adrianne: Our setup is never without coffee, chaos, and last-minute adjustments. My favorite part is packaging—putting together each order with thoughtful touches. It might sound silly, but ASMR-style packaging videos actually inspired part of this business. I loved how loved-on those orders looked, and I wanted to create that feeling for others. We’ve definitely had mishaps- we’ve melted apparel before, pressed designs backwards and upside down, we’ve had every breakdown you can imagine. We keep going because we love it and we learn and adjust.

    LCM: Is sustainability or ethical sourcing a part of your approach? If so, how does this come into play?

    Adrianne: Yes. Our glassware features eco-conscious materials like bamboo lids and reusable glass straws. Our apparel is sourced from high-quality, ethical brands like Bella Canvas, Comfort Colors, and LAT. Sustainability matters to us—especially because we want people to buy what they love, not just what’s trending.

    LCM: Do you welcome customer feedback or input when developing new products?

    Adrianne: Absolutely. Some of our best ideas have come from customer requests or conversations at the booth. We take feedback seriously—it helps us grow. We don’t have a formal feedback loop just yet. It’s one of the many things we’d like to streamline and automate to make it easier for customers to give feedback and input. But for those who initiate conversation with us at market or by email, we are always looking for insights forestry from them.

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    LCM: How can customers connect with you or join in on your creative process between events (social media, sneak peeks, custom requests, etc.)?

    Adrianne: We post sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes videos, and special drops on Instagram and Facebook. We also run weekend flash sales when we can’t make it to a market. You can always DM us, leave a comment, or email—we love connecting. We were just able to help a customer who found us on a local community forum place a specialized order she wanted a particular brand and colors and she was able to place her online order with confidence knowing that we’re here to help her get exactly what she wants!


    Staying Connected: Markets, Shopping, and Looking to the Future

    LCM: Which upcoming local events or markets will you appear at next—and how can customers find out more?

    Adrianne: You’ll find us most often at Melissa Farmers Market, Railcar Market in Van Alstyne, and we are still looking for a few good Fall events since Fall Der All in Van Alstyne is not running this year due to construction downtown. We list our pop-up schedule on our website www.lizzieoliver.com, and we also post updates on Instagram and Facebook. We’re offering an amazing discount of 20% off for anyone who joins our email and text list.

    LCM: What advice can you share with first-time shoppers looking to find their own style among your creations?

    Adrianne: Go with what makes you feel something. Don’t overthink it. The piece that makes you laugh, smile, or tear up—that’s your piece.

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    LCM: Are online sales, pre-orders, custom commissions, or special requests available to customers soon?

    Adrianne: Yes! We offer all of that, and we’re always expanding our capabilities. We also offer free local delivery to Van Alstyne, Anna, Melissa, and Howe ZIP codes to make things extra easy.

    LCM: What are the best ways for people to stay up-to-date on your new designs, tie-dye collections, or artisan collaborations?

    Adrianne: Instagram (@lizzieoliverco), Facebook, our email list, and the website. Sign up for emails to know upcoming market date reminders and new drops. We’re always trying to keep things fresh while staying rooted.

    LCM: Is there any exciting news, launches, or projects you’d love our readers to watch for next?

    Adrianne: We’re working on themed drops for holiday seasons starting with fall and Halloween very soon, local collabs, and more in-person mystery events. And we’re always experimenting with new designs behind the scenes.

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    Building The Dream

    LCM: What are your goals or dreams for Lizzie Oliver & Co. as it continues to grow?

    Adrianne: Our dream is to build something sustainable—something that doesn’t require us to sell out or lose our truest sense of self. We want to grow in a way that feels aligned with heart, authenticity, and connection always at the center.

    We’ll absolutely keep showing up at markets—it’s one of our favorite ways to connect with people in real life. But to scale and sustain the business long-term, we also need online sales to help carry us between events.

    Our setup is intensive. It takes hours each week to prep, stock, and haul everything we need to offer the best selection of apparel and glassware in person. It’s hard work, and it’s worth it—but the reality is, to keep growing, we need the support of those who find us online too.

    We dream of reaching more people across the country who resonate with what we’re creating—folks who want to shop small, express themselves through meaningful products, and support a business rooted in love and creativity. We’d love to expand our custom work, dive deeper into themed collections, and say yes to more collaborations and storytelling that inspire others to pursue meaningful work of their own.

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    LCM: How can the community help you—and what’s the one thing you most want them to remember about your journey?

    Adrianne: Community support doesn’t always have to mean making a purchase—though of course, that helps! Sharing our posts, tagging a friend, leaving a kind review, or just stopping by to say hello at a market makes a huge difference. Following us on Instagram or signing up for emails helps us stay connected and grow.

    If you’ve worn one of our shirts or used our glassware, post a photo and share what you loved—word of mouth is everything for a small shop like ours. Haven’t purchased in a while? Refer us to a friend or repost something that speaks to you. It can take multiple repeat interactions before someone really connects with a brand, so every little bit truly makes an impact.

    And just so you know—we see every single post, like, share, and comment… and it means a lot. Every time.

    More than anything, we hope people remember that this business was built from scratch—rooted in love, one shirt, one glass, and one heartfelt connection at a time. And if there’s one thing we believe, it’s that you can build something beautiful too, in whatever way feels true to you.


    One Final Thought

    True markets—community, craft, self-expression—aren’t built by the biggest brands or splashiest ads, but by businesses exactly like Lizzie Oliver & Co.: present, pouring out love, sweat, and true self, one beautiful batch at a time.

    Ready to channel a little more whimsy (and self-celebration) in your life? Stop by their North Texas markets, connect at lizzieoliver.com, or follow along on Instagram. Adrianne, Oliver, and the “& Co.” can’t wait to meet you.

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