Welcome to The Oddative: A Journey into Mindful Design
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Time to read 7 min
Welcome to the incredible brand that is, The Oddative! Join us as we connect with Vivienne, the visionary talent behind this unique Australian brand. With an emphasis on minimalism, mindfulness, and sustainability, The Oddative crafts pieces that don't just brighten a room but enhance the soul. Through a series of quick bite questions, let’s dive deeper into what makes Vivienne tick, her personal favourites, and the mesmerising inspirations behind The Oddative's journey.
Images from THE ODDATIVE
"At heart, I embrace minimalism, not just in my designs but in how I live—from the clothes I wear to the choices I make every day. The process itself is incredibly soothing. From mixing to pouring and demolding, each step brings a sense of calm and peace."
Rapid Fire Questions - Let's go Vivienne!
So, what's playing on your playlist right now?
🎵 I’m a die hard indie-pop fan, so you’ll find me playing Jeremy Zucker, LAUV, ROLE MODEL, The XX or Clario on repeat.
Where's the last spot you jetted off to?
🇯🇵 Japan! Would go back in a heart-beat for a third trip to explore the south areas.
Are you more of a page-turner or a movie-buff?
🎥 As of late, a movie-buff. However, I can't go to bed without reading. I make an effort not to let my mobile phone be the last thing I check before sleep.
What's your drink of choice for a boujee night out with the girls?
🌶️ WITHOUT a doubt, a spicy margarita.
Discovering The Origin and Inspiration of The Oddative
We kicked back with Vivienne, the creative genius behind The Oddative, for a deep dive into her brand’s story.
Can you tell us about the journey that led to the creation of The Oddative? What inspired you during lockdown to start this new adventure?
Before THE ODDATIVE, I was working full-time as an Ecommerce & Digital Marketing Manager and absolutely loved what I did. However, growing up I was always guided by the right side of my brain and always felt in the role I was in, I needed a outlet to truly fuel my creative spirit.
During lockdown, like everyone else, I was looking for ways to pass the time during my downtime. This led me to explore and experiment with every creative art-medium I could get my hands on.
I went from working with clay to experimenting with gouache paints, did a ton of paint-by-numbers, and while on YouTube one day, I stumbled across a tutorial on Jesmonite—which is really where this journey began.
In a way, the Jesmonite just crossed my path—I wasn’t actively looking for it, now it’s hard to picture my creative process without it.
Images from THE ODDATIVE
"Growing up I was always guided by the right side of my brain and always felt in the role I was in, I needed a outlet to truly fuel my creative spirit."
You work with Jesmonite in your designs. What drew you to this material, and what makes it special in your creative process?
At heart, I embrace minimalism, not just in my designs but in how I live—from the clothes I wear to the choices I make every day. Jesmonite feels like a natural fit for this mindset, aligning with my focus on mindfulness and well-being.
The process itself is incredibly soothing. From mixing to pouring and demolding, each step brings a sense of calm and peace. It’s almost meditative, which is why I find it so fulfilling. It’s also my favourite type of content to share online—there’s something so satisfying about watching the process unfold visually.
The ethos of The Oddative emphasises the connection between one's surroundings and well-being. How do you incorporate this philosophy into your designs?
Since I was young, I’ve believed in the positive impact of one’s environment on mood and well-being. In high school, I wouldn’t even sit down to study unless I loved how my room looked—it had to feel just right for me to focus and feel inspired.
That belief is at the core of every piece I create for The Oddative. From soft, soothing textures to minimalist silhouettes, each design is crafted to bring a sense of calm, warmth, and inspiration to people’s homes. The goal is to help make spaces feel inviting and grounding, allowing people to connect with their surroundings and feel at ease.
Each piece for those who, like me, value a space that feels as good as it looks. At The Oddative, every item is crafted to help customers curate rooms that inspire them and reflect their own style, helping them feel their best too. Whether it’s a candle, a dish, or a decor item, each piece is made to add that special touch of comfort and joy to their space.
Your brand name fuses “odd” and “modative.” How does this concept of embracing the unexpected influence your approach to design and innovation?
The name "The Oddative" is all about embracing the unexpected and celebrating the beauty of unconventional design. The fusion of “odd” and “modative” reflects my belief in finding creativity in what might seem unusual or unexpected.
It’s about looking at design through a different lens, pushing boundaries, and exploring what feels fresh or even imperfect.
Can you share some insights into the process of handcrafting objects in small batches? What challenges and rewards does this approach present?
Handcrafting objects in small batches is truly an art and commitment in itself, and I know a lot of small businesses in the community would feel the same. Working in small batches allows me to pull my complete focus, care and attention into the smaller details to ensure each item meets my standards of refined quality. The process feels personal, almost like a dialogue between the material and me, which ultimately makes each piece unique.
One of the main challenges would come down to time, small batch production doesn’t allow much room for shortcuts. Every step, from batch prep to finishing each piece is hands-on and maintaining consistency across every batch can be tricky. Yet, that’s what truly defines the beauty of a handmade piece.
Image from THE ODDATIVE
Sustainability is a key part of The Oddative's vision. What sustainable practices have you integrated into your business, and why are they important to you?
From the very beginning sustainability has been deeply woven into The Oddative’s vision, it not only reflects my personal values but also my commitment to creating with intention. Firstly product longevity sits at the heart of it all, as I believe in the importance of creating pieces to withstand the test time, and not just chasing the next design trend.
As mentioned earlier, I focus on small-batch production, which minimises waste and ensures each piece is crafted with care rather than mass-produced. I work with molds of various sizes, so when there’s a leftover pool of product, I can efficiently manage waste by filling the smaller molds.
To further our commitment, for every order placed, we plant a tree helping offset our environmental impact. This year so far we’ve planted 455 trees alone, which I’m super proud of. Our shipping is carbon neutral, with emissions offset to minimise our environmental impact. We also use eco-friendly, recyclable packaging to ensure that the entire delivery process aligns with our sustainability values, from purchase to arrival.
These practices matter to me because I believe in creating meaningful pieces that don’t come at the expense of our planet.
How has your personal background and life experiences shaped the way you view design and creativity?
Growing up in Australia, we are so lucky to draw inspiration from the energy of our city to the peacefulness of the coast, which inspired my appreciation for simplicity and harmony. This connection to nature has shaped my minimalist style, with a focus on clean lines, calming tones and materials that resonate with a sense of tranquillity.
Interestingly, my minimalist approach stems from my upbringing. My parents had a tendency to hold onto everything in our household (they’re true maximalists, haha), which made me learn about the value of living with intention and the peace that comes with less is always more. This has shaped my appreciation for curated spaces and the freedom that comes from surrounding myself with only what truly matters.
Mindfulness and well-being is a core influence to my creative process. Practices like daily meditation have taught me the importance of being present and intentional, which I carry into my work.
What role do you believe creativity plays in enhancing and evolving personal and shared living spaces?
When looking at personal spaces, creativity allows us to curate settings that bring us peace, joy and well-being, creating our own sanctuaries where we can recharge and find inspiration. Thoughtful design can influence the mood and energy of a room, which ultimately supports our mental and emotional health.
In a shared space, creativity binds our connection and harmony with others, shaping how we interact. Whether at home, in the office, creativity has the power to encourage collaboration, relaxation, and shared experiences.
Lastly, for those just discovering The Oddative, what would you like them to know about your work and the impact you hope it will have on their lives?
The impact I hope to have is to offer pieces that go beyond elevating a space but also inspire a sense of peace and connection—whether it’s through a carefully crafted candle, a functional decor piece, or a moment of stillness.
My goal is for my creations to be a reminder to slow down, appreciate the present, and make choices that align with our values. I want people to feel that every piece from The Oddative adds something meaningful to their lives, helping them create environments that nurture both their home and their inner spirit.
We're utterly inspired, and love Vivienne's vision, ethos and overall totally unique brand.
As we wrap up, it's clear that The Oddative is more than just a brand—it's a lifestyle philosophy rooted in creativity, sustainability, and connection. By infusing each piece with purpose and innovation, Vivienne inspires us to look beyond the ordinary and embrace the beauty of mindful living.
Whether you're a seasoned The Oddative enthusiast or a curious newcomer, we invite you to explore her creations and find that perfect piece that resonates with your own personal style and values. Discover The Oddative at LENNY ROW and let your spaces become a canvas for creativity and well-being.