We were lucky to catch up with Olivia Manfredo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Olivia, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I find my purpose by looking for the people, opportunities and inspiration that set my soul on fire.
More specifically, during the pandemic in 2020, is when my purpose truly ignited inside. I decided to expand horizons and foster personal growth by beginning a fashion forward podcast incorporating aspects of lifestyle and beauty. I continued to notice how wonderful it was, to grow a community of like-minded people passionate about such similar aspects to life as I am.
I continue inspiring others through this platform and by emphasizing that the world has no limits, we can become whatever we might dream. The only thing ever holding us back is fear.
My love for girly fashion, feminine social media aesthetics, meeting sweet communities on social media, especially Instagram, and creating content in unique and extravagant places allows me to fuel my purpose and continue growing into the best version of myself.
Moreover, I would not be who or where I am without the continued support from my lovely family and friends, consistently supporting and guiding me to never settle for less than I deserve.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hi there!
My name is Olivia Manfredo and I am 21 years old from northern New Jersey. I am currently a senior at Penn State University and will be graduating this May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations.
Throughout my time at Penn State, I have learned invaluable lessons that have built my foundation in digital media, trends & analytics, social media strategy and more. At the same time of receiving an excellent education, the 4 years I have spent in college shaped me into who I am today.
I made the most out of every opportunity and was very involved in extracurriculars while maintaining a balanced schedule. I completed various prestigious internships in video production, strategic communications for Penn State’s Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life, marketing and promotions for Penn State Athletics and was in an event planning role for my sorority.
One of my proudest achievements so far is the position I held last summer at LoveShackFancy in Greenwich, CT as a sales associate/social media coordinator. Being able to work for my favorite brand was an honor and opportunity I will cherish forever. Other notable commitments include being a sorority sister, a member of PRSSA, French Club and very passionate about building my own brand through conducting interviews for my fashion/lifestyle podcast and partaking in outreach to professionals in my field.
Currently, I create content on a personal account and business account to represent my podcast. My goal is to keep consistent finding new ways to shoot unique content that match my aesthetic of romantic, effortless, and classy while of course, incorporating pink.
I am also working part-time for a Public Relations and Marketing firm virtually and am so excited for the next chapter of my life post graduation!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most impactful areas of knowledge in my journey have been networking to build life-long connections, passion and a drive, because there is simply nothing without it, and the perseverance to continue trying despite setbacks or obstacles.
These three skills have been the most influential in my success this far and help the mindset I have to continue setting goals and growing as a person with my brand.
For those just starting their wonderful journeys, my advice to you is to find what makes you feel the most alive and happy, and just try. Try the thing that is scaring you, do not let your inner doubt get in the way. You will thank yourself one day for simply giving whatever it is that you care about a go. It will not let you down.
I also encourage anyone reading this to not take the opinions of others so seriously, and only ask for someone’s advice if it is someone you care about and want to make proud. Not everyone needs to be apart of your journey, only those who want the best for you and see your fullest potential.
It is no one else’s responsibility to know why you do the things you do, it is your life and not theirs. Those who support you are meant to be in your life and those who don’t are not going to help you thrive.
In terms of developing networking skills, start by sending one kind message to a recruiter, employee or someone who inspires you. There will be someone out their looking to help you in your endeavor or career, and honored to chat with you. If the one person you reached out to does not answer, reach out to someone else! An amazing networking platform is LinkedIn, however, I have had much success with networking on Instagram and TikTok as well.
Passion begins inside you and is so important because it keeps you going in times of uncertainty. It keeps you in gear to keep trying and proving others wrong if they doubt you. Perseverance goes hand in hand with this — grow your work ethic by focusing on your endeavor or goal for a period of time each day as nothing good will happen overnight.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents have been the leading influence in my continued success.
They are two of the most hardworking people I know and have inspired me to be just like them. They have sacrificed so much to ensure my brother and I strive to reach our fullest potential and are always there for the good and for the bad.
I do not rely on many people, however my parents are so reliable and caring, whatever I might need to help me succeed, they are willing to do.
They have instilled the best qualities in me, including hard work, patience, consistency as well as the things that matter in life including family, faith and good health. Without these three aspects, we have nothing.
There are so many impactful things my parents have done for me, but if I had to choose one, it would be the continued support they provide to make sure I am happy and living my best life.
My parents have built the foundation I need to maintain a strong mindset and to appreciate the little things in life because one day we will look back and see them as the big things. They are my biggest supporters, confidants and forms of inspiration I am grateful for each day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamanfredo?igsh=Y2xvOXVzazlla2Vo&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviamanfredo?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: Podcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/0V7gYk7TsbFtD358RNJkxp?si=tpBW2DkMRkaYus47fxAiRA
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefashionfables?igsh=MmkzdGw4MmZuYXRp&utm_source=qr
