Meet Livvy Nelson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Livvy Nelson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Livvy, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I finally realized it was no accident that I was born. For so long, I moved through life feeling lost and worthless—even while achieving things others might call incredible. I could receive a hundred compliments and still spiral over one critique until the room felt like it was spinning, often leading to panic attacks.

I struggled deeply with performance anxiety, believing that even the smallest failure would mean rejection or abandonment. Ironically, this demon became the very thing that caused me to fail and I entered what pop culture loves to call a “flop” era. My nervous system, after years of being pushed beyond its limits, collapsed. I was burnt out, ill, and depressed. I wasn’t an athlete anymore, and calling myself an actor or model felt fraudulent, imposter syndrome beating at the door of my mind.

Then came the self-blame—for losing my motivation, for not being ‘enough.’ Add to that a global pandemic, the grief of losing some loved ones, and my own health challenges, and I had the perfect ‘crap confidence’ cocktail.

But God met me exactly where I was, right there in that low place. Little by little, I began rebuilding my confidence, not from a need to prove myself or achieve perfection, but from a deep knowing that I was created intentionally and with purpose. ‘Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him’ (Jeremiah 17:7). This belief helped me to see how flawed my way of thinking had been and for so long. My faith reminds me that failure doesn’t disqualify you—sometimes it’s what shapes you.

Confidence isn’t about being fearless. It’s about showing up even when fear is present. It’s choosing kindness and patience, even in moments when they feel like the hardest options. I remind myself daily that my worth doesn’t rise or fall with someone else’s opinion or a single success or failure. That’s not what God calls me to believe, and some days it’s easier than others, but I keep showing up in this way for myself.

My grandmother once gave me a book called The Four Agreements, and it completely rewired the way I think. My favorite agreement is to never take anything personally. It sounds simple, but it’s freeing. So much anguish disappears when you stop carrying the weight of other people’s opinions and actions and instead make it a habit to forgive them and move on.

This industry can open the door to many attacks on self-esteem, so I’ve learned to keep collecting tools that help me move forward and strengthen my confidence. And above all, my faith reminds me that I can do anything with God by my side. ‘Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident’ (Psalm 27:3). Additionally, acting has become one of the greatest teachers of this kind of confidence. Every moment in front of a camera asks you to be vulnerable. Sometimes even when I feel myself involuntary shaking. Real confidence isn’t about walking into a room certain you’ll get the part; it’s about walking in knowing who you are, what you bring, and trusting that what’s meant for you won’t pass you by. The same tools that rebuilt my confidence in life—faith, patience, resilience, and learning not to take things personally—are the very tools that allow me to keep pushing forward, without losing myself along the way.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m an actor and model passionate about storytelling in all its forms—whether that’s on stage, in front of a camera, or through collaborations with brands that inspire people to feel something real or see something otherworldly. I’ve been fortunate to work across film, theater, and commercials, and each medium challenges me to connect with audiences in a different way.

What excites me most is the power of art to move people. It has the ability to remind them they’re not alone, to make them think, or even just to make them feel joy for a moment. I recently wrapped a feature film that’s finishing post-production and have been collaborating with beauty brands on campaigns that celebrate individuality and creativity.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on projects that align with my values and allow me to keep growing as both an artist and a person. I want my work to carry authenticity, depth, and a sense of hope, even in its subtleties. For me, this career isn’t just about performing; it’s about creating meaningful connections through the stories I help tell.

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?

Resilience has been essential because this industry is full of ups and downs, with rejection, long waits, and unexpected turns. I built resilience by leaning into challenges rather than letting them define me, and by remembering that a closed door often makes room for a better one.

Adaptability has kept me moving forward. Acting and modeling are always changing, and being open to growth, whether that means trying new mediums, learning new skills, or adjusting when plans shift, has allowed me to keep creating momentum instead of getting stuck.

Lastly, authentic communication, being able to connect with people, express your ideas clearly, and truly listen, has opened more doors than I can count. It is not just about speaking well; it is about being present and genuine.

For anyone starting out, my advice would be: do not chase perfection, chase progress. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, seek out experiences that challenge you, and remember that growth often comes from the moments that feel the most uncertain.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel myself starting to spiral, I go back to what makes me love this craft in the first place. I go to the movies and remind myself, ‘This is why I started.’ I’ll re-watch my favorite shows. I’m currently on my fourth run of Friends and I’m pretty sure The Vampire Diaries is next for me. I also spend time with family or people who help me feel like whatever I am facing is not as overwhelming as it seems.

The key is not to sit in it. You have to do something. Even a small action can interrupt the spiral before it pulls you under.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livvy_nelly/

Image Credits

Robert O’Donnell
Sam Lehto
Diego Larez
Mike Azria