Tania Yan on Building Olive & Piper, Statement Jewelry, and Being the Occasion

There’s something so refreshing about hearing a founder’s story that doesn’t follow a perfectly polished path. Dawn chatted with Tania Yan, founder of beloved jewelry brand Olive & Piper, for a candid conversation about curiosity, courage, and creating sparkle—both in business and in life.

Founded in 2012, Olive & Piper began as a passion project while Tania was working a marketing job—far from the career she once imagined after earning a degree in cell biology and genetics. Like so many modern entrepreneurs, her journey wasn’t linear. It was built on curiosity, side projects, trial and error, and a deep love for accessories that could instantly elevate how a woman feels.

“I’ve always loved how jewelry can change your entire look,” Tania shared. What started as a hobby—curating and selling pieces online—slowly grew into something more. After a year, fueled by restlessness, courage, and a little youthful impulsivity, she made the leap to focus on Olive & Piper full-time. No grand plan. Just intuition. That instinct paid off.

A pivotal moment came when a boutique reached out asking to carry the brand. “That was when I realized—I might actually have something here,” she said. From there, Olive & Piper evolved from curated pieces to thoughtfully designed jewelry, with Tania teaching herself design basics (yes, even early Photoshop mockups with imperfect proportions) before eventually building a full creative team.

What makes Olive & Piper stand out is its philosophy: statement jewelry that feels joyful, wearable, and accessible. The brand leans unapologetically maximalist—sparkle, bold silhouettes, and pieces that make you feel like the moment, whether you’re wearing jeans and a tee or celebrating something big. While Olive & Piper is beloved in the wedding space, Tania is clear: these pieces aren’t meant to live in a jewelry box forever. Brides often return, wearing the same earrings for date nights, anniversaries, and birthdays—adding sentimental value to style. “You don’t need a reason,” she said. “You’re the occasion.”

That idea—being the occasion—runs through everything Olive & Piper does, from pricing that feels accessible to a strong emphasis on community and connection. Early growth came from showing up online in authentic ways: behind-the-scenes moments, giveaways, and genuine conversations long before “influencer marketing” became a thing. PR placements and social storytelling helped the brand expand beyond Canada into the U.S., organically and intentionally.

Now, more than a decade later, Olive & Piper is entering a new chapter—exploring retail partnerships, pop-ups, and in-person experiences. “There’s something powerful about connecting face-to-face,” Tania noted, especially after years of being primarily digital. As for trends? Statement jewelry is back in a big way—and Tania couldn’t be happier. Maximalism, versatility, and intentional pieces that work across multiple moments are leading the charge. A bold earring, she says, can do all the work. Low effort. High impact.

When Dawn asked how Tania personally Lives The Glamour, her answer felt like the perfect close:Taking care of yourself. Choosing what makes you feel good. Making yourself a priority so you can show up fully—in life, in work, in relationships. Because glamour isn’t just what you wear.It’s how you care for yourself. And that? Never goes out of style.