Our Story

Our Story

Part I

Motivated to create a comfortable and sturdy chair that fit the height requirements for his favorite music festivals, my Grandpa, William Watt, designed the Sierra Sitter. Better known as Hank, he drew inspiration from a traditional two-piece design and paired it with unique details that set his chairs apart from the rest. With the help of his trusted confidant, my Grandma Joyce, the pair curated a timeless piece of of fine craftsmanship: The Sierra Sitter.

Part II

Flash forward nearly a quarter of a century later -I am picking up where my grandparents left off.

My grandma taught me perseverance and instilled in me a tenacity to problem solve. I can still hear her laugh in my head when I would come to her frustrated, crying over a project I wanted to give up on. She would hold me, smelling of cigarettes and a warmth that anyone who has been held by a grandma can smell. Stitch by stitch she would breath light back into my project and back into me. 

She taught me that not every mistake needed fixing.

My grandpa died when I was young, but left with me his patience and desire to move at his own pace. He was never in a rush and because of this, he made the most beautiful things. My grandpa loved a dirty martini, my grandma, and fishing in the Sierra. 

 

I know him only in the memories shared by his children; in their stories and in how much they miss him. And oh, do they miss him. 

Part III

Although my grandparents are both gone, I feel them here with me in everything I do. 

When I make a mistake and every time I refuse to rush, I know they are here. When a hummingbird lands delicately close, or the wind suddenly switches offshore and the sun peaks through, warming my cold hands... it is in those moments, those unexplainable moments, when I know they are here. 

I do what I do for many reasons, but none greater, than for them, and the little girl in these pictures.

I know they would be proud of me.

 

 I am Olivia Watt and the founder of Dreamers & Fools. I love being in the ocean, my cat Raja, and the feeling of knowing I have made something rad for someone else.

 

I am from the central coast of California, home of the Northern Chumash and Salinan people. I am privileged to operate on this land and care deeply for this community. I honor those that came before, and take pride in doing my part, for all who will come after.

I have struggled with depression and anxiety most of my life and I am an advocate for mental health -for encouraging others to take really good care of themselves AND to prioritize play, above all else.

I have no idea what I am doing most of the time have a hell of a lot to learn, but f***, I sure feel like this is exactly where I am suppose to be.

Cheers to figuring it out ! 

AND to my friends and family, strangers and other small business owners who have offered their kindness, thank you. Your encouragement and wisdom are gifts that I hold onto and that keep me going.

I feel like I am an embodiment of the people I love and those who love me -I would not have made it this far, in this business and in this life, without you.

 

With a whole lotta love,

Olivia Watt (owner of D&F)