An Inspired Chat with Lydia Thomas of London, England

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lydia Thomas. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Lydia , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I completely changed the way I think last year. It’s an ongoing process but it has and continues to transform my life. It’s the most productive thing I’ve ever done.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey, I’m Lydia or “L” and I am a photographer and model among many other things. I also manage a photography studio and work as a production manager for a production company. Lately, I’ve been leaning into my own multidimensionality and it feels really good to not be limiting myself.

I am originally from Nashville, Tennessee, but I moved to London, England three years ago.

These days I am focusing on becoming a creative swiss army knife. My current role at Method Studios in the Design District has given me many opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. Some of the most valuable things I’ve been learning have to do with the more practical side of the creative industries. I’ve been expanding my technical skills with photography, lighting, filming, etc. as well as learning to produce, direct, and run a business more effectively.

My goals have changed a lot since my last interview with y’all and so have I. But I’ve learned to dance with change rather than resist it. I am about to turn twenty-four and I’m very proud of where I am and how far I’ve come.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
My second year in London was one the hardest of my life. In almost all respects, I really hit rock bottom. It was devastating and liberating all at once. I saw myself more clearly than ever before and learned life lessons I will carry with me forever.

There will definitely come a time when I am ready to talk about this point of my life in more detail, but for now I will say this: When all your deepest fears come true, you get to see where they came from and why they are there. You also get to choose to survive. On the other side of that survival, your fears no longer paralyze you.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. Here is a poem I wrote during that time:

I don’t believe in accidents,

My soul out on a ledge,

Asking me to jump with her,

I hold my pain to my chest,

Like it’s a badge of honor,

Like it is me.

No accident brought me here,

No coincidence can take credit,

I’ve died a hundred deaths,

Right here in my head,

But I resurrect each time,

With the pain in my iron grip,

Each time a little less,

And my soul smiles still,

She never grows weary of me,

Which breaks me open,

My anger and sadness,

Breaking like waves against rocks,

Wondering when the storm ends,

But I begin to see,

That I am the storm,

And my soul is a lighthouse,

Waiting for me to come home.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Captain Crunch cereal. I really miss it, can someone send me a box please?

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’ve dealt with a lot of imposter syndrome lately, but I continue to surprise myself in a good way. I’d definitely have to fully bet on myself and stop looking for anyone else to understand or affirm what I am doing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lydianoelle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-thomas-16a250213/

Image Credits
Second Photo: @andrewbroadhurst

Last Photo: @jthwai