Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Olivia Reeves. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Olivia, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is one of those annoying things that pop up, almost like gnats or ants in your house. It doesn’t matter what time a year it is or how clean your house is, they will find a way to come in. Sometimes the rain will bring in the ants to search for a new home. Just because they might be searching for a “new home” that doesn’t mean you should allow them to stay. Just like any ‘bug’ (aka negative thought) you can kill it. So when it comes to fighting imposter syndrome it’s really learning how to cope with it and rewiring your brain and filling it with confidence. Filling your brain with clean thoughts and habits will create an environment where imposter syndrome won’t thrive. Sure maybe you’ll get an occasional bug but they wont survive.
Over the years I developed a technique that seems to work great for me. I can be an over thinker at times and with one thought I can send myself into a full blown spiral. So now when I feel a spiral coming on (typically triggered by anxiety) I get to the bottom of it, to “kill the bug” per se.
I will have an internal monologue with myself asking WHY questions to get to the root.
“I’m so nervous to do this new client”….Why?
“Because what if she won’t love her nails?”…Why?
“Because she’ll think my work is not good”….Why?
“Because I’m nervous I won’t do a good job”….Why?
-Why do you think you won’t do a good job?…..idk
When I can’t answer the WHY question anymore. Then that’s the root cause of it. Most of the time, if not ALL, it comes back to dealing with confidence for me. Once I acknowledge the doubt that I have created, I swallow it. Then wash it down with true accurate statements.
– If she doesn’t like it I KNOW can make changes.
– The times I have messed up, I HAVE easily fixed them without any problems.
– The times I noticed something wasn’t going right, I communicated that without any issue.
To eliminating self doubt I practice being present and learning to be proud of my work and achievements, especially being confident in my decisions. I tend to over think too much because I’m nervous on making the wrong decision. I relied too much on external validation rather than my own. When really my own validation is the only one that really matters and is the most important.
Nowadays when I have this little conversation with myself I get to the bottom of it very quickly. Imposter syndrome comes in many different forms (bugs). Imposter syndrome is more of a gnat to me now.
At the end of the day imposter syndrome is a “thought” it’s not an actual feeling. We create our own reality. So why create a prison?
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a Nail Stylist. I create and define client’s nail look. My style is more of a chic abstract glam. My clientele tends to be experienced nail girlies that were looking to elevate their nail game. A lot of my inspiration comes from decor, outfits, textures, the colors and patterns of nature, and the feeling of words. The flow of the conversation during the appointment really is part my creative process. I love learning about the client and their personality. I believe your nails are a reflection of your personality. And I love being able to pull that out of my clients and put it into wearable art. Your nails are an accessory to you and having them done add that extra touch to make you feel put together. My art is one of a kind.
I recently re-branded and really narrowed my focus on my artistic style. Really, creating new items and developing projects that match my brand voice. I get really get inspired from mood boards. So I recently launched a free collection of monthly mood board wallpapers for your smart phone/device located on my website (www.livfornails.com). So for every month I create a new collection. There are lot of new things on the way and in the motions. So I’m really excited to launch more projects by the end of the year
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?
Having Faith: learning to let go and be okay with it. Some times things don’t work out how WE want them to, however they always end up working out WAY better than we anticipated. I’ve learned that your dream may be too small and not big enough. So having faith and believing that God won’t steer me wrong has definitely been my number thing helping along my journey.
Be flexible and fluid: Imply that into every aspect of your life. Flexible as in meaning to adapt and willing to change. I was faced with a big obstacle of not knowing where or what I wanted to do next. I was feeling more stuck and sticky. I became fixated on the trying to solve the problem, which made me feel even more worse. When I gave into the idea of this stuck feeling and allowed it happen, I noticed that things became more clear. Almost like quick sand…the more you panic and move the more you sink. So now if I’m noticing a resistance I allow it to take me and put me on a better path. I envision it as like being on a floaty in the ocean hanging out allowing the waves to push me somewhere new.
Be authentic: That is THEE number one thing that sets you apart from everyone. Sure people can replicate a style or design, but absolutely nobody can be YOU. As people, we crave realness and genuine relationships. People are immediately drawn to people who are 100% themselves. Good, bad or ugly: just be yourself. There’s always going to be someone who doesn’t like something you assay or do…but who cares.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who’s not new to getting their nails done that is looking to develop their own individual nail style that also loves chic abstract art. I consider myself more of a Nail Stylist/ Designer. I love to create elevated looks that immediately draw your attention as well as accentuates my clients personality. The careers my client have range from realtors, hair stylist, entrepreneurs, tattoo artists, photographers, event planners, principals, and CEO assistants, pretty much jobs that require a lot of attention from them on a day-to day basis. So when they come to me, it’s their time to relax and they don’t have to worry about making another decision. My art is custom to each client as well as different each time. I get inspired by clients personal style, descriptive words, outfits, decor, and the colors and textures of nature. So they look forward to having someone customize their look for them it’s one less thing they have to think about. My biggest flex is that I guarantee your man will compliment your nails when I do them. An unsolicited comment at!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.livfornails.com
- Instagram: @livfornails
Image Credits
Liz Martinez @lizmartinezcreations
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
