Meet Olivia Kirkpatrick

We were lucky to catch up with Olivia Kirkpatrick recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Olivia, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Many people struggle with imposter syndrome—and I’m no exception. Despite my bold and confident nature, I’ve wrestled with those familiar doubts: Am I good enough? When that question arises, I acknowledge it, but I refuse to dwell in it. What keeps me from spiraling into self-doubt is my confidence. Feeling like an imposter often stems from shaky self-assurance, but my confidence has been built over years of intentionally nurturing and fiercely committing to my relationship with myself.

Truly knowing myself didn’t happen overnight. It began in my twenties—after I left a tumultuous relationship that completely shook me awake. That breakup was the catalyst. It forced me to confront who I was and what I genuinely wanted out of life. In the years that followed, I remained single—not out of avoidance, but out of purpose. That season of solitude became a journey inward. With no one to distract me or rely on, I had only myself—and that’s exactly how I found me.

I “dated” myself. I took inventory of what truly made me happy, what sparked my curiosity, and what made me tick. I reflected deeply on what I, Olivia, wanted out of life—not what others told me I should want. One of the most powerful tools in that process was doing a birth chart reading with an astrologer. It helped me understand my unique blueprint—who I am at a soul level and what I need to feel fulfilled and whole. (Seriously, I can’t recommend a birth chart reading enough! DM me on IG for referrals!)
“Love yourself first” is one of the oldest sayings in the book—but how many people live it? How many truly commit to that pursuit, day in and day out? In my experience, this is the real foundation of unshakable confidence.

Here are some of the tools and truths I’ve discovered along the way (most might surprise you):

1. My curiosity and having a ‘forever student’ mentality. I am constantly listening to podcasts and hearing other people’s stories. (shout out The Skinny Confidential: Him and Her show- 10/10 recommend). Stories are fuel for connection and learning. Other people’s successes and failures force you to dig deeper into understanding yourself and what you want. It makes you self-reflective. This is where the answers lie.

Furthermore, learning enhances your knowledge and ideas, making you feel more intelligent and well-rounded, which in turn boosts your confidence. Which activity helps build your confidence? Endlessly scrolling through social media or picking up a book or listening to a podcast? The answer is likely the latter. TIP: ALWAYS STAY CURIOUS!”

2. Daily habits and rituals (which I have curated by listening to successful people and their health hacks). Every time you carve out time for yourself, whether that is 20 minutes to move your body, warm lemon water in the morning, meditation, taking vitamins, etc., you keep promises to yourself which builds confidence. Add one habit at a time, baby steps (not two or more or you will end up failing and ruin your confidence).

3. Choosing the right people to spend time with. You are the 5 people you spend the most time with-choose wisely. If people drain you and leave you ‘heavier’ they are not your people. If people make you feel ‘lighter’, those are your people.
4. My upbringing. My parents were a constant, quiet engine for my two brothers and myself, fueling our ambitions and softening the inevitable bumps along the way. They empowered us. This one is HUGE. I would be remised not to mention them.

5. Keep a journal and document what you’re grateful for. Reflecting on this breeds happiness and forces you to take inventory of where you are and builds confidence.

6. Change the narrative. I use the Activations app to reprogram my brain and negative self-talk. What you repeatedly tell yourself, you become. It takes 30 days to change a habit- start now.
TIP: get shower ‘affirmation cards’ that stick to the wall, so you stare at them every day or put a sticky note on your mirror of how worthy you are.

One last life tip I want to leave people with, one that I have experienced along my journey, ‘not all that glitters is gold’. In my industry of anti-aging medicine, hanging in certain social circles, and listening to countless, of arguably the, most successful people in the world, is that the people you idolize are usually the most unfulfilled and suffer from ‘imposter syndrome’. Maybe this makes me a cynic, but at least this perception creates a fortress of confidence. Don’t compare yourself to others, it truly is the theft of joy.

I hope this article finds who needs its most. Thank you!

xx, Olivia Kirkpatrick

IG @Olivia_Aesthetics_

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am Olivia Kirkpatrick, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, an Aesthetic Nurse practitioner, that works at a luxury boutique Medical Spa in West Loop, Chicago called The Confidence Bar. I am one of the unique people that genuinely loves their profession and going to work. Our med spa focuses on helping people achieve a realistic and natural-looking result, while empowering others to live the best life on their own terms. We truly focus on the mind, body, soul connection, which sets us apart from other anti-aging medical spas.

When I am not at work I am with my husband and our 17 month old son, Cash. We just bought our dream 5 acre property In the Northwest suburbs of Illinois where we are planting our ‘roots’. We are starting to build our little farm with nine baby chickens coming in June! When I am not at The Confidence Bar, I am working on my side business, OK Apparel (IG @OK_Apparel), which is a clothing line inspired by and for the ‘Confidence Dealing’ community! In addition, I am a Key Opinion Leader for one of the fastest growing, innovative medical grade skincare lines, Alastin.

I wear many hats and a true ‘busy body’- you will never find me sitting around!

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?

tenacity, ambition, and integrity.

My piece of advice is that it doesn’t matter how smart you are, it matters how hard you work. Hard work and tenacity outworks intelligence all day. So does integrity. Never compromise your morals and don’t take short cuts- you get what you deserve in life. Always rise above others and don’t take anything personal.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

The book that changed my life and helped me build mental agility is, The Daily Stoic. I actually have the phrase, ‘Amor Fati’ which means ‘ a love of fate’ tattooed on my wrist. Every single person needs this book. It is a daily devotional, so one page a day, and it helps you understand the art of living, happiness, leaning into faith, and how to change perspective. It makes you stronger, wiser, and happier.

Another book that changed my life and perspective is The Almanack of Naval Ravikant. Just trust me, read it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oliviakirkpatrickapparel.com
• Instagram: Olivia_Aesthetics_
• Twitter: olivia_aesthetics_1
• Other: theconfidencebar.com (my work website)

Image Credits

@samanthaelizabethcreative (professional photo credit) and @juliannapressleyphotography , @motherz.jpg