We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Olivia “Ozzie” Bonich a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Olivia “Ozzie” , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I have found that consistently exuding confidence has made me truly channel and believe in that confidence.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Olivia Bonich, also known to many by Ozzie, and I am a professional dancer with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance from Wayne State University. I make sure that I train as much as I can while I’m not being scheduled to work my day job at Aritzia. One thing that I would love for everyone to know about me is that I would absolutely love to start styling people that want my help/creativity. I have been asked quite a few times to help style people in a way that would best suit them and their vibe, while also stepping out of the box and trying something new that they might end up loving! At the end of the day, I take a lot of pride in my eye for fashion. It’s so fun trying to turn clothing items that might be seen as “abnormal”, or even “ugly”, and making it work/look good. Not only do I enjoy utilizing fashion throughout my everyday life, but I also enjoy incorporating my fashion sense and style throughout my dancing.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First, I would say commitment. If you want something bad enough, it will require years of commitment to your craft. You have to be OK with missing out on some social events and vacations in order to become the best you can be in your craft. Second, Acceptance. In many industries, especially the entertainment industry, you will unfortunately receive more rejections than acceptances. Accepting that it may not have been because of your ability/talent, but because of the way you look. Third, surrounding yourself with a great support system + friends and family. Ultimate lows can make you feel like there’s no point in continuing on with what you’ve been working so hard for. Constantly feeling like you didn’t make it because you weren’t good enough is extremely deteriorating. By having a supportive group of people around you, it can allow room for what is truly deserved, happiness.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed I feel like I need to do something that distracts my chaotic thoughts and hones in on something particular. I usually like to either read, color in my adult coloring book (they are quite challenging and require patience), watch a TV show or movie that I’m familiar with, go for a walk, or go to the gym. If the overwhelming feeling doesn’t subside, I find that being with friends and family takes my mind to a better place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://orbonich18.wixsite.com/my-site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidozzie/
Image Credits
Vince Trupsin
