Today we’d like to introduce you to Liv Garwood.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Dear reader,
I think everybody should be raised with mandatory book time before bed. I attribute a large portion of who I am and what I’ve done to my imagination, my strongest muscle. Growing up, book time was my oasis – I yearned to be the girl in the magic treehouse teleporting around the world, fighting bad guys, witnessing good prevail. My name is Olivia Garwood, this is my story.
For context, I’m a registered nurse by trade, but I am a serial hobbyist. From song writing to sewing to blogging, I have an insatiable curiosity for learning. My biggest one has been diving head first into the world of content creation. While I don’t have a magic treehouse, I have my iPhone camera and a few editing apps to make stories come alive. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with many local restaurants and businesses in Northwest Arkansas, and it has been a blast spreading the word with the community! I feel like Paul Revere (lol).
My most recent hobby has been teaching myself to sew so I can become a fashion designer one day. I’ve enjoyed exploring antique stores and turning pre-loved linens into something new!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My life has definitely has not been a smooth road, but everything I’ve overcome has solidified my resiliency. I don’t break easily. I won’t get into the nitty gritty of the past, but I will say, when you’ve walked through the proverbial fire, your joy to be alive and gratitude for every opportunity expands. Isn’t that interesting?
If it’s alright, I’d love to share a verse that has really reframed my perspective of struggling: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
Romans 5:4-5
With content creation, I’ll be candid, the biggest struggle I’ve faced is the fear of being perceived as something I’m not. Like a watered down version of me. It can be so easy to fall into the trap of placing your identity in the hands of your audience, which is so dangerous because people change their minds every day. You have to have a firm foundation. I’ve also struggled with committing to experiences, events, etc that don’t feel true to who I am. I’ve had to learn to be selective with my “yes’s.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently a whimsical content creator, rookie seamstress, nurse. However, I am probably most known for my videos here in Northwest Arkansas, specifically in the date night and lifestyle category. What sets me apart is my imagination, humor and creative lens. It brings me joy to make people laugh and to curate a video that feels like an early 2000s rom com.
One time, a dad messaged me and said he loved my date night videos because it gave him fresh ideas for taking his wife of 20+ years out on dates. That was a time I felt really touched because even if the videos I create only impact just one person for the better, that’s enough.
How do you define success?
Great question, I think a few definitions. For me, success in relation to my craft is being able to fail repeatedly and not let it affect how I see myself. It’s overcoming the fear to take risks or being perceived as “cringey.” I am constantly waging war against my inner critic, she’s got a lot to say. I have had videos with only 10 views. And that’s okay.
At the end of the day, success to me is being able to get to the end of my life and say wow I really didn’t hold back. I tried, I failed, I learned, I grew. I have no regrets.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivmylife
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@livgarwood
