Meet Ida Folmann | Founder of Oolio

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ida Folmann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ida, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, it all started with a deep product obsession. I’ve always been that person who talks about olive oil like some people talk about wine. I used to order 50-liter tanks from our farm just for my own kitchen, and friends would bring bottles to refill straight from the tap. I was constantly cooking with it, gifting it, and having long conversations about tasting notes and harvest seasons.

There was never really a big business plan. We started Oolio because we loved the product and wanted to share it. I’d spent years visiting groves, tasting oils, and learning from producers across Europe — not just about flavor, but about how it’s made, who makes it, and how we care for the earth in the process.

What we’re building now is rooted in that same spirit. We source from a small, family-owned farm that uses organic practices — no pesticides, no shortcuts, even sheep grazing the land to fertilize naturally. We operate with a zero-waste mindset, and every part of the process, from harvest to packaging, is thoughtful and intentional.

We want Oolio to live in your kitchen the way a good friend does — always around, always adding flavor, always welcome. If we can inspire more people to slow down, cook at home, and make even the simplest meals feel special, then we’ve done what we came here to do!

What should our readers know about your business?
What I’m most proud of with Oolio is how much care we put into every part of it. From how it’s grown, to how it’s made, to how it shows up in people’s kitchens — there’s so much intention behind every step.

We care deeply about where our oil comes from, how it’s made, how we treat the land, and what it means to produce something in a way that respects both the people and the process behind it. I really believe we have a responsibility to do it thoughtfully and to care for the land as much as we care about the product.

I’m also so proud of the community we’ve built around it. It’s not always perfect and we’ve had our share of production delays, shipping issues, things getting lost. But the moments that make it all worth it are when someone shares a photo of a beautiful meal they made with Oolio, or tells us they gifted it to someone they love, or that they had our playlist on while cooking. That’s the magic for me. That’s what makes it all worth it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting LA, we’d start the mornings slow with bagels from Courage Bagels and coffee from either Maru or Community Goods – both are my go-to spots. After that, we’d take a walk around Franklin Canyon Reservoir to move a little and catch up.

On a weekday, I’d take them to Leora for breakfast or lunch. My friend Alyssa has a burrito on the menu called The Alyssa, and it’s honestly the best in town!

If it’s a weekend, we’d head to the farmers market to stock up on produce and a mandatory stop is Jyan Isaac for fresh bread. They make the best sourdough and Danish-style rye bread.

Afternoons would be for exploring. I love vintage furniture stores like MidcenturyLA or just driving through different neighborhoods for inspiration. If the weather’s good (which it usually is), we’d head out to Malibu for beach time and then stop by the Country Mart for snacks or a bit of shopping.

For dinner, I’d make a reservation at Found Oyster or Dudley Market. Both have amazing seafood and always great energy. And to finish the night, I’d take them for a martini at Chateau Marmont. It’s a classic, and it never misses.

LA is so spread out, but that’s what makes it special. The mix of incredible nature, good food, and time with people you love!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by people who’ve believed in the idea long before it was a brand, from friends who taste-tested recipes with me, refilled bottles straight from my kitchen, and lovingly pushed me to make it real.

Oolio has always been a community effort. We even have a little “taste team” which is a group of amazing people and trusted mouths who help taste, test, approve packaging, and share honest thoughts along the way. Their input has shaped so much of what Oolio is becoming.

I’m also beyond grateful for everyone who’s helped bring this to life — from our farm partner to our creative collaborators. And of course, my fiancé Christian, for being endlessly patient when dinner dates turn into olive oil brainstorms or every vacation turns into an olive oil tasting trip. Luckily, he loves it as much as I do 🙂

Website: https://www.tryoolio.com

Instagram: @getoolio