Yolanda Brooks knows a thing or two about the transformative potential of wallpaper – so much so, that she started OMB Wallpaper Consultants to help anyone looking to elevate any room in their house. We connected with Yolanda to learn more about her business – and get a few tips from the expert on how to make the most out of your wallpaper choices.
Q: How and when did your brand and creative journey come to life?
A: My creative journey began at age six, inspired by my mother’s meticulous eye for coordination, from the matching outfits she sewed for my sisters and me to our beautifully balanced home filled with printed wallpaper and artwork on the walls. This upbringing taught me the important skill of visual cohesion and flow, allowing me to see how colors and patterns can work together to create an organized, stunning space without ever feeling cluttered. I have this unique ability to look past a messy or uninspired room and visualize its true potential, a skill that has become the cornerstone of my professional work. My brand, OMB Wallpaper, truly evolved from the realization that wallpaper is the most impactful way to personalize a home, offering an accessible, transformative “spark” that refreshes a space without the need for an expensive renovation
Q: Tell us about your biz.
A: Drawing from a lifelong career in fashion and interiors, I founded OMB Wallpaper Consultants and Installation to help others experience the same joy and calm I felt when transforming my own home. I recognized a significant void in the Canadian market for accessible wallpapering expertise, especially as people began spending more time at home and trying to find ways to reignite the “spark” in their living spaces. Named in honor of my mother, Olive Maude Brooks, the business was built to dispel the myths that wallpaper is difficult to remove, expensive, or overwhelming to style. My mission is to simplify the process by providing expert guidance on selection and installation, ensuring every client feels a sense of happiness the moment they walk through their door.
Q: Tell us about some highlights in your career.
A: A highlight of my career has always been the “final reveal,” where I transform a client’s space into something they previously thought was impossible. This passion for delivering exceptional results began during my time in visual merchandising, where I mastered the art of creating high-impact displays, and merchandising that brought a sense of disbelief and joy at the same time. Whether I was styling or merchandising a retail floor or installing a custom wallpaper design, my primary focus was, and is ensuring the client receives the beauty and quality they invested in. I take immense professional pride in bridging the gap between a challenging vision and a beautiful reality, consistently making the “impossible” possible for every project I touch.
Q: Which people or books have had the most influence on your creative growth/inspiration and why?
A: My creative growth and professional journey are deeply rooted in my spiritual beliefs, which guide me to be the best version of myself for every client I serve. I draw daily inspiration from a wide range of poets and motivational writers, as their words remind me that while we are all unique, we share a fundamental human experience. These readings ground me in the values of compassion, open-mindedness, and respect, ensuring that I approach every design project with a heart for service. Ultimately, my greatest influence is the “Golden Rule”, treating every individual with the same care and excellence I would expect for myself.
Q: What inspires you on a day-to-day basis?
A: What inspires me daily is the opportunity to help people rediscover joy and peace by changing their environments through the art of wallpaper. I am deeply motivated by the mission to bring wallpaper back into homes and commercial spaces, reviving a classic design staple for a modern audience. Each day, I find purpose in sharing my knowledge and information to demystify the process, making beautiful interiors accessible to everyone. Ultimately, knowing that my consultations and installations create a lasting, positive impact on how people feel in their spaces is what keeps my passion alive.
Q: Talk about one of the biggest failures you’ve had. What did you learn from it?
A: I don’t view my journey in terms of failure, but rather as a series of profound life lessons that have shaped the person and professional I am today. The most significant shift came when I realized that being a “people pleaser” was damaging my inner spirit and allowing others to take advantage of my kindness. I learned that it isn’t my job to manage how others feel or to lead them down a path I’ve chosen; instead, I had to establish firm boundaries to protect my own peace. This growth has taught me that not everyone will see me as I see myself, but by staying true to my values of loyalty and dependability, I can show up more authentically for those who truly respect my work and my spirit.
Q: What does a typical day in your week look like?
A: Each day begins at 6:00 AM, where I ground myself with business news and spiritual passages before prioritizing the day’s tasks over a morning coffee. My professional hours are spent with focused intention, moving from customer service issues, social media management and approvals to the creative heart of my business, actively sourcing unique wallpapers for various client projects using my extensive physical library and online resources. To maintain a healthy balance, I take an afternoon break with my dog, Lexie, go to the gym, and attend weekly networking events to stay deeply connected to the business community. By 8:00 PM, I transition into relaxation mode, often unwinding with a nail-biting limited series to relax and step into another world to get ready for the next day.
Q: What do you think differentiates Otto Studio compared to other wallpaper brands you’ve seen in the market?
A: The styles are eclectic modern and fun, when you feel the quality of the paper you know your getting something that will last,thats durable and cleans beautifully, I also like the different types of wallpaper Otto provide, two simple choices, with the original luxe and feather lite PVC-free, there is something for everyone with out having to make too many decisions.
Q: What made you want to partner with Otto Studio?
A: I came across Otto Studios based on a search I was looking for and put in key words like durability, sustainable, cultural, fun, versatile, and Canadian, and Otto came up right away. I looked through their website and said I have to collaborate with them, people need to know about them. I wanted my clients and potential clients to know that I work with some of the best brands, because thats what they expect from my service.
Q: In your opinion, what are some ways that people can use wallpaper that haven’t been fully explored? People typically focus more on feature walls but we think there’s so many ways to use it. Where does your creativity immediately take you?
A: I have done wallpaper on a table and created a table setting, fantastic for leftover wallpaper.
Q: What would be your one piece of advice for someone considering DIY wallpaper?
A: For someone that loves changing things up, or is hesitant because they think wallpaper is permanent, they should purchase good quality peel and sticks that can be installed and removed quickly and easily, so you can have fun with other patterns and colours when you want to switch it up, or move. If you’re careful you can actually remove the wallpaper and take it with you to your next home, or move it around within your home in other locations.