We recently connected with Olivia McDonald and have shared our conversation below.
Olivia, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I think I get my work ethic from various places. For starters, I always saw my parents working hard at whatever they were doing. My dad working full time and my mom being a stay at home mom, PTO president, girl scout leader, and everything in between. In my later years as a child, my parents separated, I watched my mom return to work and burn the candle at both ends to make ends meet for us. Regardless of what my parents were doing, they were always working hard.
As a child I was also involved in many competitive sports that I believe contributed heavily to my work ethic today. I was a competitive gymnast at the early age of 7. Anyone who knows anything about gymnastics knows how strict and disciplined you have to be in order to perform well.
Throughout my teenage years I always had 2+ jobs, was the head of countless committees (some of which I formed), NHS officer, in all of the clubs, volunteering multiple times a week, played volleyball, maintained a 4.2 GPA & somehow still found the time to have a social life. During my teenage years my work ethic was heavily formed simply because I wanted to be a good example for my younger 2 siblings who I would do anything for.
I have never fallen short of being someone who will always go above & beyond with their work. I believe every piece of my story has continued to propel me to improve my work ethic as I reach new heights…. as well as bring meaning and heart behind all that I do.
I am grateful for the example of my parents, the tough coaches and the personal goals I have for myself that continue to shape my work ethic as I evolve.
Today, my work ethic is mainly driven by the future I desire for myself and my future family.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I own a Woman’s Fine Clothing Boutique, Liv Lyn. We are primarily online right now, doing local popups around Nashville Metro Area, BUT… plan to be opening a storefront in the very near future… keep an eye on our socials for it to be announced! (Currently waiting for our storefront to complete renovations)! You are hearing it here FIRST ya’ll, very excited for this next step for Liv Lyn.
I am focused on scaling Liv Lyn and delivering elevated basics and statement pieces for the everyday woman who wants to “elevate her everyday style”.
The most special part about owning Liv Lyn is delivering quality pieces to women, at a price point she didn’t think was possible. I created Liv Lyn because I saw a gap in the market if women’s clothing that delivered quality pieces, at price points that wouldn’t break the bank. Pieces that were for your everyday woman, that made her feel like a million bucks, and like she could repurpose each piece for various occasions. I wanted to source timeless pieces for the working woman, stay at home mom, retiree who is traveling the world, and everyone in between.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I think the 3 qualities that were most impactful thus far in my journey have been: naive confidence, optimism, and authenticity.
Naive confidence because, I had no clue what entailed starting or running a business before I started… I just knew I could do it and would figure it out. Remaining confident and a little naive at times I think has worked wonders as far as me figuring things out and believing in myself.
Optimism goes hand in hand with my naive confidence, but I truly believe that if you put good out there, it will be returned to you in ten fold. I have never once doubted my business or my capabilities. I am constantly EXPECTING to sell out of each item and already act as though it has happened. Law of attraction my friends, it works!
Authenticity is the final quality I listed, and may be the most important. There is only one you, only one me, and I think too often people get caught up in trying to be like someone else in order to succeed… but it is unnecessary. I believe, that the Lord put this passion and drive in my heart for a reason, and no-one else is more capable of pursing this dream inside of me other than myself. I’ve continued to stay true to who I am, put my blinders on when needed, and trust my intuition over everything.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking for individuals to collaborate with! Liv Lyn just launched their ambassador program, and we are welcoming new members daily. We provide you a massive discount off your first purchase of Liv Lyn pieces to get your wardrobe started, have no deliverable requirements, and offer you an awesome commission on every referral order that is placed with your link or coupon code!
To apply for our ambassador program, head to our site: www.livlyn.com and click on the “brand ambassadors” tab at the top.
We look forward to working with you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.livlyn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsoliviamcdonaldd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsoliviamcdonaldd
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsoliviamcdonaldd/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/shoplivlyn/
