Entrepreneur Focus:
Ivy Becker

by Liz Dowling

When one has an impossibly creative college roommate who looks like she belongs in Manhattan instead of Saratoga Springs, New York – it is no surprise she becomes a successful entrepreneur.  Ivy began her post-college career in fashion at Glamour magazine before stepping out on her own.

Ivy in our college days

Ivy in our college days

What was your career path?

I started at Conde Nast.  It was never work.  It was absolute joy.  I worked at Glamour Magazine, American Elle and then Vogue, my dream!

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After Vogue, I went to a society / style magazine called Avenue.  I did this for 10 years and thought I might like to get back into the art world.  I got a Master’s at Columbia in Art and Education, while at the same time working at a tribal art gallery off 5th Avenue in New York.

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Meanwhile, in my travels, I was finding amazing resources in Mexico for sterling silver.  To make a long story short, I started a catalogue called Beresford and Brown with my dear friend Maureen who owned the art gallery.  We used our family names, they sound so anglophile!

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Our catalogue did quite well.  We designed sterling silver gifts and monogrammed them.  We actually did the wedding gifts for one of the Kennedys.

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We closed the catalogue when I got married.  I renovated a few apartments and houses which was very fun – and out of the blue, opened a store called PIP (pop in please) in my hometown.

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All went well and here we are today at OLIVE 54.

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I have a partner at OLIVE 54 whose name is Pam Greenberg.  We bought the building, renovated it and both run the shop.  It’s all very easy and relaxed.  I think it shows in our atmosphere.  People enjoy visiting.

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When you opened OLIVE 54 in 2011, what was your inspiration?

I had a boutique at the time that was young and hip called PIP.  I wanted to explore House and Garden as another theme.

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How did your background prepare you for retail?

I was a fashion editor which is design.  Being an editor I believe is the best foray into retail.  You really know the markets and you have the eye and experience of putting stories together.  Boutiques are stories really.

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What inspires you?

Everything.

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Who has influenced your work?

My biggest influences still come from my experience working at Vogue.  I think I was fortunate to work with the greatest taste makers and designers of our time.

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Who is your favorite up and coming designer?

I don’t have one.  I love street fashion and indigenous cultures.

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Dream accomplishment or project?

My dream right now would be to design a self sustaining green farm.

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Go-to inspirational cocktail?

Anything with artisanal ice!  The greatest gift to Happy Hour since the swizzle stick!

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Favorite place to relax on the beach?

I am not a beach person.  I love to travel, find markets and explore.  I’m afraid sitting still on the sand has the opposite effect on me!

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Are you working on anything new now?

Planning our trip to Cambodia and Vietnam.  I anticipate finding enamel work.  We are also opening an online shopping site.

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Olive 54
54 West Main Street
Ramsey, New Jersey  07446
201-327-5454

Olive54.com

Instagram: @olive54ramsey

Facebook: Olive 54

Thank you Ivy!

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the wry home

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5 comments

bunny touby fayne March 24, 2016 - 1:10 pm

THIS IS FABULOUS!!

Elizabeth Dowling March 24, 2016 - 1:15 pm

Thank you!

Callie Sullivan March 24, 2016 - 6:34 pm

Wow… A lot of great stuff I need for Florida!
Put me on your email list please???

Elizabeth Dowling March 24, 2016 - 9:28 pm

Of course!

Helen Feid April 8, 2016 - 11:03 am

So chic ! I can’t wait to come visit and shop!

Comments are closed.