We were lucky to catch up with Olivia Newell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Olivia, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
When it comes to imposter syndrome & a career in the beauty industry, being humble and grateful is top priority. One minute you can be at the top of your career, only to next be challenged and set 10 steps backwards. Knowing that, I am who I am and loving myself for it allows me to have a mindset of confidence and inner peace. By staying true to what makes me Olivia & knowing I may not be the absolute best, but as long as I stay in completion with myself and be better than I was yesterday I’ll continue to stay proud of what I’ve accomplished.
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 am a wearer of many hats…and usually a cute one at that! I find as I continue to embark on my journey in life, I continue striving to say “yes” to things I want to accomplish. Whether that is an easy task at hand, or diving in head first knowing it will be a challenging process.
As I entered in my 33rd year of life this year, I so proudly find my most important title of wife and mom to be my foundation in which all my success stems from. When my home life is in harmony, I always feel like an absolute powerhouse. Never afraid to take on the world full force. Thank you to my amazing husband for that gift you’ve given me, consistently in awe of you.
From starting Theory, purchasing my first commercial property & running a high end salon; to styling my own clients, traveling for New York Fashion Week and creating multimedia magazine ads, to doing wedding hair and makeup for clientele, traveling across the country for L’Orèal Professionnel continued education and being an educator myself. I love leading my salon team on work retreats to the beach & New York, building our team to provide a great work environment. Starting my own consulting business, planning, and hosting marketing events. If nothing else, I am not afraid to do the work. It reminds me of one of my mottos I try to live by, “Always be the hardest working person in the room. Once you are, change rooms.” NEVER STOP LEARNING or EMBRACING CHANGE & GROWTH!
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?
1. Faith
2.Resilience
3.Humility
4.Passion
5.Accountability
….these 5 skills will take you anywhere you want to be. Show up early, stay late, do good when no one is watching. Dream big & then dream bigger. Manifest the life you want and work hard for it. Never give up, life’s sufferings are the best teachers. Surround yourself with people you inspire to be like.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Hands down, time and time again, willing to bet my life on it, without a doubt are my two business partners/family. Lita, my adopted auntie (if you will) and business partner. Joi, my actual mom & business partner.
These two women I owe everything career wise to. I had the honor of working at their East Cobb based salon from the early ages of 12-13 just sweeping hair and folding towels on Saturdays to become the salon manager after college of over 50+ employees.
They lead by their faith and dignity, to always do the right thing no matter what. To do good without any thought of praise or acknowledgement.
They taught with passion and perseverance, to serve others you must fiercely love what you do and strive to be your best self, no matter what curve balls life throws at you.
They built and grew with grace and forgiveness with truth and tough love. To show we are not expected to be perfect, but we dust off, try again with heads held high and press on. They would always have our back and they were family always.
They lived. They suffered tremendous losses and hardships, while finding strength of a million to find happiness again, chose to not let life make you bitter. That it’s okay to begin again & heal.
And so much more. They are hardworking, dedicated, selfless, intelligent, caring, and strong. I admire these two women with every fiber of my being & I thank God for pairing me with you two for life. Not only as partners, but lifelong friends. Cheers to many more years of success, health, and happiness! Love you both!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theory-salon.com
- Instagram: hairandmakeupbyolivia
Image Credits
Jensen Walter Photographer
