Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Lagaly
Hi Olivia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am so excited about this opportunity- thank you for having me in VoyageLA! As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Both of my parents are entrepreneurs, so I’ve always had the drive to start my own business- I was just never sure what it would be! I tried so many different paths, but I was always driven back to doing something creative.
In college I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do career-wise, until one day I came across a video of the people who design prints at Lily Pulitzer, and I decided right then that I wanted to learn how to do graphic design (probably could have done a little more research, but it worked out!) So I majored in Visual Communications at the University of South Carolina, and that is where I fell in love with all things creative. I learned about photography, graphic design, web design, podcasting, etc. I got to take so many cool classes. Writing this I have tears in my eyes looking back at all of the things I learned that I’m so grateful for, because I still use them today!
After college, I lived in NYC from 2017-2020 doing freelance photography, graphic design, and nannying. Anything to get by, since I had a really bad anxiety disorder that kept me from being able to hold down a “normal” job. But being an entrepreneurial spirit, I’ve really leaned into having multiple jobs & passions going on at the same time, so it worked for me!
When the pandemic happened in 2020, I had to move back to my parent’s house in Ohio and really figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I got into personal development, watched “The Secret”, got a life coach, and really took a look in the mirror to ask myself who I am and what I want out of this life. I got into manifestation at that time, and manifested a remote job with a life coaching company, saved up some money, and finally manifested moving to California to live my dream of being near the beach!
Now living in Santa Monica, I work remotely and also have my own company, All Things Olivia, where I offer photography, web design and UGC video services. Getting to be creative and work with people are two of my favorite things, so it is truly a dream to be able to do what I’m doing now!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In my opinion, entrepreneurship is never a smooth road! I tried so many different businesses before landing on what I do now. I tried coaching, amazon FBA, and I wanted to start a donut business at one point? The list goes on!
Some of the biggest struggles for me have been picking one thing and really sticking with it until I see results. I would get excited about an idea but have trouble executing it, not see quick results so move onto the next thing, etc. My biggest piece of advice? Choose something you love so that it never becomes boring, and you won’t care if you’re seeing results because you love it enough to do it for free.
Find something you’re passionate about, and think about these two things: what can I offer? and who has the money that this would provide value to? (if you want to build a profitable business, the second question is so important!) I see so many entrepreneurs creating incredible businesses, but they don’t necessarily have clientele that needs/can afford what they are offering. What can you offer that you love, AND who has the money that would easily say yes to buying it?
I also think a lot of entrepreneurial spirits have a fear of being seen and really putting themselves out there. I had to work on myself A LOT in order to feel confident to put myself out there, even when it feels cringey or nerve-wracking! On the other side of that feeling is SO much freedom. You’ve got this 🙂
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have a company called All Things Olivia where I offer Photography, Web Design and UGC Video Services! I work with everyone from family & couples to Fortune 500 companies to create videos & photos for personal or professional use. My photography is typically focused on the beach in Santa Monica, CA for family or couples sessions, and I also offer UGC video & product photography for brand use in ads, social campaigns, website content, etc. On top of that, I also have a select amount of clients per year whom I offer web design & branding.
What matters most to you?
Feeling like I’m fulfilling my life purpose matters most to me, which I’m working toward every day! Feeling creatively fulfilled in my career, fulfilled in my relationships, home, finances, etc. I really want to achieve everything on my vision board so that I can look back on my life and regret nothing!
Pricing:
- Photography Sessions starting at $300 USD
- UGC Videos for brands starting at $250 USD
- UGC Photography for brands starting at $300 USD
- Web Design Custom Packages Available- Inquire 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allthingsolivia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivialagaly/?hl=en
