We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alivia Levie. Check out our conversation below.
Alivia, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that has been bringing me joy lately is definitely my community… spending time with others around me who bring out my inner child and share the same values has been overflowing my cup in the best way possible.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Alivia Levie and whenever someone asks me what I do I reply with “storyteller.” I used to reply to this question with “actress/model” but as I have grown into my true purpose, I’ve realized im so much more than just that. Im a director, producer, writer, actress, model, business owner and spiritual mirror to those around me. A multi-hyphenate creative if you will. I own and operate a creative production company titled, EMULATE productions that represents stories worth telling… stories that are often time inspired by real life and make waves within society. Stories that the audience feels seen from.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a little girl, I was often shamed for being too sensitive; which ironically ended up becoming my greatest gift… Funny how life works out like that isn’t it? I no longer believe there is such a thing as “too sensitive” because in my adult life sensitivity has helped me with a number of discoveries; both personal, and collective. My sensitivity is a gift because I realize it’s rare, and not many people truly have it.. it’s what makes me connect with the characters I write or play. It’s what makes me understand others and myself on a very deep, layered level. It’s what makes my performances real; not fabricated… because they feel real inside my body every single time.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
When I was around 19 years old I began to write journal entries that were almost reminiscent of scenes from a film if you will. They were messy, but they were real. These writings were my form of free therapy when I couldn’t afford therapy sessions in its generic form. If you knew me growing up, there’s likely a high chance you really didn’t know me at all because I remained a very private person, and I thought that hiding my pain was the way to move through the world. This is because I was trained that if you show your pain, your “trauma” if you will, it always will be read as a weakness from society around you. Flash forward to 2023 when I was spontaneously called into a meeting at a major studio and shared those journal entries out loud for the first time. I cried in that studio office; really letting all the purpose drip off the pages through me. It was in that moment the studio executive looked me in the eyes, and told me that these scenes need to be told; that they deserve light shined on them. He urged me to develop a proof of concept where these stories can live off the page and on the screen. So I did just that and now we are about to gear up to shop those stories to all the major studios. Rewriting those narratives in a fictional way, while also melting in old stories that were true really pushed me to find my purpose as an artist. It showed me that these are the stories we need, because not only were they cathartic for me to write and relive, but they make any viewer who watches them feel undeniably seen. I know that every single person who sees this mini series will be able to relate to at least one of these characters.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Great question! We all wonder how we are perceived and sometimes we never really know, but I’d like to think that the most important aspect of life to me is to be an active listener; and not just to respond, but to receive and to carry the words and stories of others. I like to credit this quality to my grandmother, who is no longer with us in the physical realm… but who was and remains to be my muse in this life. You see, that woman could get caught on the street listening to anyone who needed to be heard… talking stories with them and making them feel heard. Isn’t that what everyone wants in the end of the day? When I started to incorporate this practice into my character, I noticed I was learning more about myself than I ever have before… that’s the funny thing about the ego. We think by being the loudest in the room, we will learn the most about ourselves, and receive the most attention. The funny thing is, when you listen to someone else and really are present with them in those moments, you end up making the most self discovery within your own human design. So, with that I would say my friends know that being present, and in the moment with one another is the most important thing to me as a human, and as an artist.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Growing up I didn’t have very many people who believed in me per say… I always had interest in acting, singing, dancing, and performing more so for myself, and not for the validation of others. I found the light on stage that I so desperately was needing back then. Growing up as the middle child in the family, I was pinned to be the most independent; the one who didn’t need help for example… In school, I was definitely made fun of for taking up space and for knowing what I wanted to do from such a young age… I received a lot of hate throughout middle school and highschool for walking with confidence when the truth is, I was highly insecure, but there was no way anyone could truly know that. That’s the funny thing about actors, we tend to use the tools in our toolbox on and off screen/stage. I learned from a very young age that If people didn’t like me, or what I was all about, I would just go even further with it. I learned to do what I love for me, but even more for the people who didn’t want me to win. I was embracing the cringe before that was even really a societal thing. Although this was quite isolating and deeply sad at points, I am glad it was apart of my story because it has made me who I am today. SO to answer your question, I’m not used to praise; and when I started to receive it in my adult life after reaching some success, it actually used to make me quite uncomfortable because, well, It was a new feeling to me. Now at 27 years old, I’ve found that it’s just a bonus of doing what I love and a signal from the collective that my art is finding it’s people.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Alivia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alivialevie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alivialevie
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alivialevie
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/alivia_levie
Image Credits
Lokii Reyes
Ramela Aruti
Aaron Ramirez
