Featured VentureMom: Cara Hotchkiss — Founder of Oliphant Design
A Global Eye, a Local Brand
Some women are born with an eye for beauty—and Cara Hotchkiss turned hers into a business that inspires. As the founder of Oliphant Design in Litchfield, Connecticut, Cara brings her worldly sensibility and creative energy to everything she touches—from fashion to home décor to interior design.
Growing up between London and San Francisco with a father in the travel industry, Cara’s childhood was filled with global adventure. She absorbed the colors, textures, and craftsmanship of markets across the world—sparking a lifelong fascination with design.
After earning a business degree and working in finance and marketing, Cara realized something was missing. “I wanted to do something creative, something that felt like me,” she recalls. In 2008, she took the leap and launched her own jewelry line, selling her first pieces locally and quickly finding a loyal following.
When her husband’s job brought their family to Litchfield, she found the perfect next step—a charming storefront near the town green. Oliphant Design was born. What began as a jewelry and home shop soon evolved into a full lifestyle brand—featuring clothing, accessories, and furnishings that celebrate color, texture, and story.
Oliphant’s clothing line, known for its effortless silhouettes, vibrant prints, and luxurious fabrics, captures the same spirit as Cara herself—sophisticated yet relaxed, worldly yet approachable. Each collection feels like a trip abroad, whether you’re slipping into a hand-blocked cotton dress or styling one of her statement necklaces.
Today, Oliphant Design has become a destination for women who love beauty with meaning. Cara’s designs bring together her global inspiration and her belief that what you wear and how you live should reflect joy and authenticity.
How She Did It:
- The Idea: Inspired by a lifetime of travel and an eye for design.
- The Pivot: Left a corporate career to follow her creative calling.
- The Launch: Started small with handmade jewelry and local sales.
- The Growth: Expanded into clothing, accessories, and interiors—now a beloved Litchfield brand.
VentureMom Tip
When you follow what lights you up, your business becomes an expression of who you are.
Cara Hodgkiss proves that reinvention and creativity can lead to a beautiful, purpose-filled life—and a brand that inspires women everywhere.
