We recently connected with Olivia Sweet and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Olivia, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
When you channel your creativity for both work and personal, it is really easy to burnout. I have been doing large scale event design with plants and flowers for 7 years, and before that I was still in the industry on a smaller scale for another 4 years. I’m only 26, so I have spent a good portion of my career utilizing my creativity. I’ve gone through many droughts and dry spells when it comes to creativity, when you create a career centered around it, it can often feel like you’re producing only for others.
I had to recently create a clear distinction: I love my career, but it is not what is going to fill my cup creatively.
Rick Rubin is a very inspiring figure to me and his book “The Creative Act” has been life changing. I read it for the first time over a year ago and have re-read it multiple times since.
The things I learned from that book have pushed me to focus my energy on connecting myself to the collective creativity.
Outside of my work, I don’t use floral or plants as a medium. I find that to be stagnant. Instead, I have had to explore many other avenues to create the right voice for the pieces I try to make.
I try to create spaces of peace and quiet for myself. Meditating and mindfulness walks have been my way of quieting my inner dialogue so that I can receive inspiration straight from Source.
The more I remove myself and simply surrender to the creative process, whatever it looks like that day, the more passionate I’ve felt to create. My burnout is often caused by my own pride and self. You have to be comfortable to sit in it, even if you are not actively putting out works of art. The periods of quiet are powerful.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have a company called Sweetwater Botanicals. Recently I have been honing in on what the next chapter of Sweetwater will look like. We have had a lot of emphasis on brand and corporate events, which has been incredible. Next, I am looking to partner with singers, bands, fashion designers, etc. to create beautiful immersive experiences.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most important thing I ever learned was that I had to develop a thicker skin. I am a hopeful romantic and tend to see things through the rosiest of glasses. Life and business aren’t always going to be easy. The higher caliber you get, the bigger the problems. I think it’s been important to be able to separate the problem from myself. A mistake in a project, missed deadline, or cutting feedback are now tools for me to develop a better process and not knives to the gut.
Beyond that, be genuine and be yourself. People will always respond to realness.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I feel like I live in a state of perpetual overwhelm – ha!
Breaking everything down into smaller pieces is the best way for me to tackle busy seasons. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to say no to outside projects. Don’t be afraid to still live your life even when your schedule is crazy.
If I stop seeing my friends or doing the things I love just because I tell myself I don’t have the time or energy, then my whole process suffers. Fill your cup and work on the task at hand. When it’s finished, move on to the next one, and if something needs to be left to tomorrow – its ok. Learn when you need to call it a day and just start earlier tomorrow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweetwaterbotanicals.com
- Instagram: @sweetwater.botanicals
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