Meet Olivia Inkster

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Olivia Inkster a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Olivia, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

How? Well, I had to. Simply. If I wanted to keep going, if I wanted a fulfilling life and to know true contentment again, it was a do or don’t do situation. Survive and hopefully, thrive…or just concede. And, I’m just too stubborn to completely admit utter defeat against anything other than my higher power.

I also understand my abilities despite every intrusive self-hatred-filled thought that enters my headspace. I inherently understand how to handle particular situations that call for my skillset. My work has spoken and speaks for itself, and in darker and doubtful moments, I have to remain steadfast in that. I also have learned who I am, and although I make mistakes, I’m a person of integrity. I try daily to be someone worth being proud of, but I believe in growth. Criticism can be ignored or used as fuel. I try to choose the latter.
Naysayers truly see something in you that’s lacking, and usually, that’s a personal problem. I’ve literally, been a critic. So, you can imagine how my largest battle is truly against myself. Alas, isn’t that the way most creatives feel? If I can prove myself wrong though, I don’t need to prove anything to anyone else.

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’m a writer and a creator. Mostly, though, I’m a storyteller. That’s what I was born to do and have been doing since I can remember. So, I tell stories with words, fashion, and music. I also seek and discover them in film, television, and theater. I’d love to begin delving deeper into those realms and expanding my writing’s reach. I know I’m capable, so I’m looking for further creative collaborative projects. I welcome all kinds of boundary-pushing…personally, professionally, mentally, and spiritually. Let’s do something together. I’m always looking for stories about inclusion, and I love being able to highlight unique voices in the fashion, art, and music worlds. It’s about connecting to someone else through any number of mediums. That’s what’s so beautiful.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Firstly, there’s resilience. Don’t let anyone tell you that “it won’t work.” That’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my often-painful and disheartening journey over these years. Secondly, never allow the world to steal your empathy. That’s what connects us. That’s what keeps your soul from crumbling and enables you to maintain your humanity. Lastly, remain curious. Find people, places, topics, animals, issues, and things that stir something inside of you. They should make you feel alive and inspired. Research a new word in the morning. Find out about that urban legend you’ve heard whispered about. Wear the magical shoes. You never know where your next brilliant idea, spark, or connection will ignite from if you aren’t actively searching for those moments.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m ALWAYS, ALWAYS waiting for that next magical collaboration. Find me on Instagram-@oliviainkstercreates. Email me. Stalk me on Facebook (kidding–kind of?). I’m looking for other artists, stylists, producers, and designers to write for and create with. If you have an idea, send a carrier pigeon. I live for a brainstorming session with anyone who has guts. Also, if you need help finishing the lyrics of your next album, want some suggestions on the tone of your next speech, or feel that the dialogue in your next novel could use a hardworking pair of eyes, that’s what I do. Additionally, I create snarky social media posts as well as the looks in them. My background was in the styling and editorial departments of national magazines, including W Magazine and Ladygunn, so I know what it means to hustle. If you’re ready to work, I’ll be there with my laptop and a notepad. I provide words as well as their visual representation without actually saying anything. I’m in the business of sending messages, so let’s figure out what yours or ours can be.

“Women have been trained to speak softly and carry a lipstick. Those days are over.” Bella Abzug, who is a feminist inspiration of mine, said that. I like to speak well and in a meaningful way–softly or loudly. And, I also have a lipstick or two in whatever bag I’m carrying for the day. I do it all and with intention.

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