Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Nelson
Olivia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Southern California, where sports and the arts shaped my early years. As a two-sport athlete in volleyball and track, I thrived in competition until an injury forced me to shift my focus. While athletics were a huge part of my life, I also found joy in musical theater and dance during high school, passions I later revisited in college.
But growing up and throughout school, I was always a bit of an introvert and could definitely be a bit awkward. I kind of felt like an alien at times. I cared a little too much about things that most people didn’t seem to bat an eye at. I was just… sensitive. I spent most of my time watching Avatar: the last Airbender or another show like it or reading. Things like that would inspire me to read and write my own stories. Overtime, I realized that being sensitive is not a bad thing, as most would have me believe. Being sensitive is not a weakness; it’s a superpower. It means you feel deeply, love fully, and connect with the world in a way that others may never understand. Sometimes I can feel a little too deeply, but the way I think of it is like an instrument that needs to be honed. And If being called “sensitive” is the price I pay for being someone who feels too deeply in a world that constantly tells us to harden, so be it. I have worked really hard to be someone that anybody can lean on for support.
That being said, I took many creative writing classes throughout school to try and put some of my “sensitivity” to good use and I hope to one day bring my own stories to life on the big screen. In college, I studied theater and screen acting, immersing myself in storytelling and performance. It was during this time that I was scouted by a modeling agency, though my journey in modeling actually began in high school. Whether on stage, in front of the camera, or on the runway, I’ve always been drawn to the art of expression and reinvention. It also helped me to feel more confident in myself as a person and bring me out of my shell. My path has been anything but predictable, but each turn has reinforced my love for creativity, resilience, and embracing new opportunities that come my way.
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?
The journey has been anything but smooth, but I believe that every challenge has helped shaped me into the artist and person I am today. Losing my best friend unexpectedly to illness in 2022 was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced. It changed me in ways I’m still processing. Grief doesn’t have a timeline, and some days, it feels like the weight of that loss is impossible to carry. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that love and memory are stronger than absence. Her passing taught me how fragile and precious life is, and after therapy and some time, I have been able to get to a point where it can now fuel my passion for my dreams even more. I know it is what she wants for me. So I want to create, to express, and to honor her in everything I do. Additionally to this, my own chronic illness has added another layer of struggle, making it somewhat difficult at times to keep up with the demanding nature of this industry. Navigating chronic illness in an industry that demands so much physically and mentally has tested me in ways I never expected. But through it all, I’ve learned resilience, patience, and the power of storytelling to heal and connect. Every audition, every role, and every opportunity is a reminder that I’m here for a reason and need to keep fighting. I am lucky to be doing better now but there was a month last year where I had more MRIs and CT scans than auditions or shoots. Through it all, however, I refuse to let these hardships define me in a way that stops me from moving forward and accomplishing my ambitions. Instead, they push me to fight harder, to embrace the moments I do have, and to bring real, raw emotion to my work. Timothee Chalamet’s recent speech at the SAG awards really inspired me. Being so bold in his ambition is something that I want to emulate in my own life.
If anything, my struggles have deepened my empathy and understanding of life. If I can tell stories that move people, that make them feel seen, or that remind them they’re not alone in their own battles, then every challenge I’ve faced has had a purpose.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work spans across film, theater, and commercial campaigns, collaborating with brands and creative visionaries. My most recent campaign for one of my favorite makeup brands just hit stores like Sephora and Ulta and I am super excited for my most recent feature film that is finishing up in post. Whether I’m bringing a character to life on screen or telling a story through movement and expression in front of the camera, my goal is always the same—to create something meaningful. What I’m most proud of isn’t just a single project, but the journey itself. The sacrifices, the victories, the countless hours of preparation and driving—all of it has shaped me into the woman I am today. Every role, every campaign, and every opportunity is a chance to step into something bigger than myself, to move audiences, and to leave them with something real.
What sets me apart is my deep emotional connection to my work. I don’t just perform—I feel, I embody, and I bring truth to every project I take on. My personal experiences have given me a unique perspective, allowing me to tap into emotions that resonate with people on a deeper level. Whether through film, theater, or fashion, I approach every project with the same intention: to create art that is powerful, authentic, and unforgettable.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Beyond my work, happiness comes from the little things—deep conversations with people, laughing until I might pee myself, or listening to music that makes me feel like I am ascending. More specifically, spending time with my mom and grandma in the kitchen in the morning, watching a movie with my friends and eating something I probably shouldn’t be eating with my lactose intolerance, or even just sitting on the grass with my dog, Scooby, while we take a break from our walk are some of my favorite things in the world. I also love being on set. There is just nothing like it. Working with an amazing crew on a set truly makes me so happy. I could go on and on, so many people, places, and things fill me with peace. But the thing that makes me the absolute happiest is when I can do something to help someone. It may sound a bit weird, but I truly believe God put me here so that I can be there for others. I am a “2” on the enneagram so that maybe helps it make sense, but I am not going to overthink it. I just want to be able to help as many people as I can, whether through performing and making people laugh or feel seen, opening a charity, or even something as simple as picking up the phone when someone needs to talk. I get fulfillment through being the kind of person that I myself would want as a friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dtmodelmanagement.com/women/1215-olivia-nelson/portfolio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livvy_nelly/
Image Credits
Sam Lehto
Haldane Morris
Alex Chik
Monica Baddar
Nikita Melvil
Robert O’Donnell
