In January, we launched the series #BareWithMe with Porcelain to celebrate a kind of beauty that we can relate to and champion: The beauty of being real, of being positive, of being you — fearlessly and proudly. In this series, I chat with women who have found their place in the world, who make their own rules, live on their own terms and dare to bare what they have learned, what they’ve overcome, what they really think, and who they are underneath it all.

Botanical artist Lucinda Law, who kicked off the series, encouraged us to experience beauty and to accept our imperfections. Following Lucinda was the ever stylish and darling Viola Tan, who served up a timely reminder for us to be present and grateful, to find strength in vulnerability. This month, we are thrilled to get to know Olivia Eleazar, or @elkantlers, as she is known on Instagram. In her own words, the 24-year-old creative (who works at Google by day and is an entrepreneurial creative the rest of the time) is a “first-born unicorn”, and “styling, photography and creative shenanigans” are her passions.

Before we officially met on the day of our shoot… No, scratch that. Let me rephrase: Before she burst into our hotel suite with her toothy smile like sunshine and hugs like warm milk with a sprinkle of cinnamon, I would probably recognise Olivia by her tattoos, most prominently, the Bodoni-font “O” on her right arm if I had ever run into her in

the streets. Heck, I could perchance even pick her out of an identity parade by her chin or knee cap, but I wouldn’t know her by her face. Not really. This is because you will find everything from avocado toast, flowers, candles and crystals to ping pong paddle (all impeccably styled) with elusive glimpses of parts of her (mostly from neck down) on her IG feed, but looking for her face? It’s a game of Where’s Wally.

On June 11, 2017, we finally found Wally Oli.

“Hi everyone!🌿 I’m Oli, the face behind Elkantlers and it’s lovely to finally meet🖤 As part of my birthday resolution to vanquish self esteem issues, I’m posting a full portrait of myself with my actual face (!?!) I can still feel myself fiercely protesting this idea, but living in anonymity and timidity does nothing for me…,” she captioned.

Hi, Oli! 👋🏻 It was lovely to meet you — in person. Whether you realise it or not, on June 11, 2017, you became a hero — to me, and many other girls who saw that post, I am certain of it. So, thank you for your courage. Thank you for your honesty. Thank you for baring your face for us in this photo shoot. For baring your heart.

To inspire and empower others to recognise and own their unique beauty, to own their scars, imperfections and all in spite of your own vulnerabilities — that’s strength. That’s humanity. And, I suspect, unicorn-ity. 🦄

✨

In collaboration with
PORCELAIN

You’re obviously gifted in the creative respect. Has it always been a passion, and are you trained in any creative discipline?
Olivia: Creativity (and all things related to it) is definitely a passion of mine. I am trained in visual communication and I’ve focused my creative career specialising in brand identity design. Growing up in the age of technology, I think I am naturally accustomed and inclined to using digital tools and softwares, and eventually found my place in the world of graphic design. Styling and photography came later as a hobby.

What’s your creative process like?
Olivia: It changes depending on what I’m working on and the mood you catch me in. In my most recent project, the process was completely spontaneous. Other times, it may be carefully planned and followed strictly.

What or who inspires you?
Olivia: People who create and share fearlessly inspire me most. Lately, I’ve been fan-girling Jamie Beck and her still-life work. Her eye for detail and the results are mind-blowing!

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Olivia: Over-analytical. Self-effacing. Cryptic.

Growing up, what was your dream?
Olivia: I wanted to be a mother of triplets, own one dog of every breed that’s printed in the dog encyclopaedia, be a classical percussionist, just to name a few

What is your dream now?
Olivia: My dream now is simply to be the happiest, most peaceful version of me possible, every day. And to someday retire to the mountains with my love, and own a white

Belgian Sheepdog.

Your tattoos are hard to miss. I know, very often, the stories behind one’s tattoos are very personal. But is there anything about them you can share with me?
Olivia: My tattoos do all mean something special and are very close to my heart. I have not divulged what each of them symbolise to many, but they have an overarching theme — which is to help me overcome my personal struggles. With every tattoo I get, I learn to love myself a little more :’)

You’re happiest when…
Olivia: I remember to love myself enough.

What makes you feel confident?
Olivia: Frankly, a workout and a good-hair day.