Introducing Fashion's Favorite Mother-Daughter Duo Taking Over Accessories - Meet The Founders of Jolivia Kim
- NUOVO Editors
- Oct 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 13
In a world of bag charms, Labubus, and silk scarves, one brand has become a breakout star for both utility and style - Jolivia Kim.
The personalized, practical, posh new bag charm on the market is designed specifically to hold and secure sunglasses. Gone are the days of searching through your tote, only to find your brand-new sunnies crushed at the bottom.
Co-founders and mother-daughter duo, Jimin and Olivia Lee, are striving to inspire women around the world to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and find joy in the little things in life.
Read below to catch up with Co-founder Jimin Lee and learn more about the iconic new accessory brand taking over the fashion industry.
NUOVO: Tell us about your journey to create Jolivia Kim!
JIMIN LEE: I felt stuck in June 2024. I had been consistently trying to get a seat at the table, applying for design roles, and it just wasn’t working. I decided to take matters into my own hands — if I couldn’t get a seat, why not create my own?
Starting something of my own was something I had always wanted to do, and it felt like this was the opportunity. Then the fear started to creep in — what if I fail? Am I ready? I would always tell my daughter, “You can do anything you want. You just have to trust yourself and not be afraid of failure.” But one day, I had an epiphany and realized I wasn’t living that way myself.
I wasn’t ready, nor did I have any idea what I was doing, but being a mom gave me the courage and the reason to believe in myself again. It made perfect sense to go on this journey with my daughter, Olivia. It began as a small project for us to spend more time together and learn about entrepreneurship side by side. And somehow, it also felt like a full-circle moment. I’ve been in fashion and design for years, and now I see that everything I’ve done up to this point led me here — to building Jolivia Kim, a brand rooted in purpose, community, and empowerment.
NUOVO: What was the inspiration behind the brand?
JL: I was a girl who once dreamed big — that one day I would leave a fashion house behind with my own name. Life got busy, and that fearless version of myself slowly faded — the girl who dreamed without asking for approval. I wanted to bring that girl back.
This brand is a reminder that courage can bloom at any time, and that belief is beautifully contagious. It became my way of reminding myself — and hopefully others — that we can still dream, start over, and create something meaningful from where we are.
We design playful, functional accessories that blend style and practicality — little pieces of calm and confidence for women whose lives are often chaotic. Each piece sparks joy while inspiring women and girls to embrace their power, capabilities, and style with intention. It’s fashion with purpose — built to celebrate women, mothers, and daughters as the creators and leaders they already are.
At its essence, Jolivia Kim is about empowerment, courage, and joy — a celebration of women, mothers, and daughters as the creators and leaders they already are. We believe you’re already priceless, and just getting started (our slogan).
NUOVO: Tell us about your most popular product!
JL: Our Charm-Case is by far the most loved — it’s a sunglass case that clips right onto your bag, so you’ll never have to dig for your glasses again. People love it because it’s cute, clever, and functional — it solves a real problem without compromising style.
What makes it special is that it’s not just an accessory — it’s an accessory that works for you, bringing a small sense of calm in the middle of a hectic day. For many of our customers, life can feel chaotic — juggling work, family, and everything in between — and this little charm brings a bit of order by checking off one less thing to worry about. You’ll always know where your sunnies are!
It’s one of those pieces you don’t realize you need until you try it, and then it becomes something you can’t imagine not carrying. We’re introducing new colors and materials before the holidays, designed to match different moods and lifestyles, so stay tuned — they’re some of my favorite ones yet.
NUOVO: What has been the highlight of your business so far?
JL: Hearing customers say how our charm-case has made their lives easier — preventing them from losing their sunglasses, cramming them into mini bags, or worrying about storage — has been one of the biggest highlights of this journey. To know that it brings a moment of calm and order into women’s often chaotic lives — that it reminds them they’re still in control, even in the small things — feels incredibly rewarding.
Personally, it’s been especially meaningful to see my daughter and co-founder, Olivia, feel proud of what we’re building together. One afternoon, she came home with her eyes sparkling and said, “Mom, we need to get a Labubu — it goes so well with our charm-case!” Moments like that remind me she’s not just watching; she’s thinking like a little business owner herself.
Another highlight was pitching Jolivia Kim at Shopify’s Sip and Pitch event in New York City. We made it to the final six runner-ups, and while we didn’t win, the best part came afterward — Olivia made our own award, complete with a $20 bill tucked inside. She always makes me feel like a winner.
NUOVO: What is your advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs?
JL: I don’t know if I’m in a position to give advice — I’m still figuring so much out myself — but there are a couple of things that I try to remind myself on a regular basis. You’ll never feel “ready,” because readiness isn’t really a feeling; it’s an action. So take the step anyway, even if it feels scary. Have faith that the work and sweat that you're putting in will be worthwhile, even if the payoff isn't immediate.
Don’t be afraid of rejection — just trying is already an act of courage. Be kind, be genuine, and lean on your community. One of the best parts of this journey has been seeing how women support women — we’re natural nurturers, connectors, and collaborators. I’ve been lucky to experience that, and I hope to pay it forward to others, even in small ways.
