We’ve started playing around with making our own blends at the office, and as Rita Ovis was diffusing her signature scent, a few words came to mind: peaceful and a little bit spicy—which is exactly how we’d describe her. Our resident millennial, she is in charge of running all our social media platforms as social media coordinator. She’s the one replying to your comments on Instagram and helping us curate the mood boards of our dreams on Pinterest. She also runs her own online thrift shop, called Hand it Over, is using her background in sustainability to help make the office a little more green.
Despite being one of the younger members of the team, this girl has an old soul. She loves Radiohead and Sufjan Stevens. She’s undeniably down to earth, and while she spends her days at work with a phone constantly in hand, she actually steps away from all that and lives a very social-media-free life outside the office. We sent her some questions so that you can get to know her better.
What’s your day-to-day like?
The first thing I do each day is post on the vitruvi Instagram and Facebook pages. I then reply to all direct messages and comments, as well as check if we were tagged in anything on any of our social platforms. I usually spend my day rounding up and creating content to share on all of our platforms, interacting with our followers and influencers, and working on any other projects I have going on.
What do you love most about being a part of the team?
Everyone is always so stoked to be at work, and they all work so hard—it’s so motivating and inspiring. Everyone is also so easy to chat with, and we end up sharing a lot of laughs. It’s always a good time at the office.
Your top three vitruvi favourites?
Definitely the Black Stone Diffuser, then it’s pretty hard to choose from all the oils—they’re all so good. I’ll have to say Cedarwood and Eucalyptus, though.
What are some Instagram accounts you turn to for inspiration?
There are so, so many, but some accounts I tend to count on for inspiration are @madewell, @glossier, @anthropologie, @wearilive and @brit_gill.
Can you share a few of your beauty and skincare essentials?
I love argan oil because it has so many uses. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads are one my must-haves, especially for dry winter months. They make my skin look so fresh. I can’t forget Glossier’s Boy Brow. It’s the reason for my eyebrows’ existence.
What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
This is a tough one because my favourite activity probably ever is seeing live music. I road-tripped to San Francisco one summer to see Radiohead, and although the show was absolutely packed and we were far back in the crowd, it was so magical because you could tell everyone was just so excited to be there. Also Feist is absolutely dreamy live—everyone should try to catch a Feist concert, in my opinion.
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?
I’d have to say Japan. I absolutely love Japanese culture and food (I’m addicted to sushi and ramen). There’s so much variety in what to see as well, from the big, vibrant cities to the quiet oceanside. I want to see it all.
What are a few of the little things you do to live a more sustainable life?
I try my best to stick to refilling reusable containers to avoid purchasing new packaged products. You’d be surprised at how many products you can find in bulk! I always keep a little reusable shopping bag in my backpack or purse to prevent using plastic bags in case I stop at a store. I’m also an avid collector of adorable reusable on-the-go items, like sporks and travel mugs…so many travel mugs.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I was in choir for nine years and actually really enjoy singing and playing guitar—so if anyone wants to jam, hit me up.
You’re pretty much our go-to DIY girl in the office—what’s a new project you took on recently?
I was looking into making my own beeswax food wrap.
Favourite quote?
“You got your sheep, and you got your black sheep, and I’m not even a sheep. I’m on the freakin’ moon.” – Ryan Howard from The Office
This interview has been edited and condensed.
