Sigrid Olsen is a woman who has exemplified resilience in the face of multiple life-altering challenges. From losing her company to eventually losing her husband, she has not only rebuilt her life but has also created a whole new chapter that revolves around living at sea. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Sigrid Olsen shared her inspiring journey of reinvention and finding purpose.
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Sigrid Olsen initially rose to success with her eponymous fashion brand, which she started in the early ’80s after catching the attention of a mentor in the fashion business. Her brand, “Sigrid Olsen,” grew steadily over the years before being acquired by Liz Claiborne in 1999. However, when the economy took a downturn in 2008, leading Liz Claiborne to downsize its brands, Sigrid Olsen’s company was among those that faced closure. The acquisition included the rights to her name and trademark, leaving Sigrid in a challenging position.
After the closure of her company, Sigrid Olsen embarked on a period of self-reflection and retreat, spending time in Tulum, Mexico, to reconnect with herself. Tragically, during this time, she also faced the loss of her husband. Despite these emotional upheavals, Sigrid remained determined to reclaim her name and trademark. It took nine months of negotiations and legal battles, but she eventually succeeded in regaining the rights to her name, a pivotal moment in her journey of rebuilding.
Throughout the challenges she faced, Sigrid Olsen turned to her art as a source of solace and inspiration. She continued to create, design, and paint, eventually founding a new company with a focus on small-scale production in India. Her resilience and determination not only led her to reclaim her name but also to forge a new path in her professional life, staying true to her passion for creativity.
In a significant shift, Sigrid Olsen and her husband, Mark, decided to sell their home and embrace a unique lifestyle living on a boat. They purchased an old trawler, opting for a comfortable floating home that allowed them to immerse themselves in nature and simplicity. For Sigrid, this new way of living has been grounding and inspiring, offering a different perspective on life and creativity.
Life on the boat comes with its own set of challenges, but Sigrid Olsen remains undeterred. She and her husband have adapted to a self-sufficient life powered by solar energy, nearly fully off the grid. Despite the unconventional nature of their lifestyle, Sigrid finds peace and inspiration in being so closely connected to nature, emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant and adaptable in this new chapter of their lives.
As she continues to navigate the waters, both literally and metaphorically, Sigrid Olsen offers a powerful message of resilience and adaptability. She believes in the importance of taking the first step, whether in creativity or personal growth, without being constrained by a rigid plan. Sigrid’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of starting anew, embracing change, and staying true to one’s passions and beliefs, no matter the obstacles faced along the way.