We had the good fortune of connecting with Olivia Steadman- Oladipo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olivia, how do you think about risk?
I believe life is a risk when lived fully. To truly live a purposeful life, you have to make choices that challenge and ultimately grow you. These kinds of decisions don’t always pan out the way we’d like them to. I am a risk taker at my core, I’ve always found my way by taking the unconventional route. In my life, I enjoy traveling. I’ve traveled 22 countries with 14 of them being solo. Does that come with risk? Of course, but it also comes with immeasurable experiences I’d never get within my comfort zone. In my career, I quit my stable, well-paying, government job to follow my heart and put action behind my dreams. I left working for others to become a full time entrepreneur and that may be the biggest risk I’ve ever taken— to fully believe in myself and my power with no back up plan.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am a wellness practitioner, I teach Yoga but it doesn’t end there. I am a big advocate for Self-care, which I express through both teaching and my writing. With my body, I teach others how to use their bodies to connect with their divinity. With my words, I teach others how to realize obstacles in their way and reflect on their growth. What sets me apart is my authenticity and my transparency, I am open with things that others choose to hide behind meticulously edited, manicured posts online. I don’t subscribe to that. I’m a real person, living a real life, so what you see is who I am and my clients enjoy that. I am most proud of the way I’m dividing my time between being a new mother and a professional. It is messy, difficult, and exhausting— but I am so proud of myself for continuing to find what works best for us. I’d love to share what I’m most excited about but you’ll just have to subscribe to my website to see it when it’s unveiled. I got to where I am today professionally by breaking. In growing into who I am today, I’ve had to break through each mold of my previous comfort level to allow a new version of myself to shine. I have had to adapt to the natural inevitability of change. Nothing about it has been easy. Remaining is easy, but the work that accompanies change can be crushing. I’ve overcome that by refusing to settle for a life that doesn’t invigorate me. Two of the greatest lessons I’ve learned along the way are: first, you can’t do it alone so learn to accept help. Your journey is enhanced by those you meet along the way, allow it. Second, your attachments are causing your suffering. Everything has a season, including people, including you. It’s best to learn how to let things go when it’s their time. Holding on does you a disservice. I want the world to know that I’m still unfolding and becoming.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first thing you have to do when you come to San Diego is go to the taco shop. With Mexico 20 minutes away, the tacos here are amazing. I recommend Border x Brewing or Salud! for delicious tacos down in Barrio Logan. A few of my favorite restaurants include: Bahn Thai, Homestyle Hawaiian, Azuki Sushi, India Palace, Pete’s Seafood, and OB Noodle House. Aside from having diverse food options, I personally love San Diego because it’s a city where you can spend all day outside. With mountains, beaches, lakes, rivers, deserts, and parks, all within minutes of each other, there’s something for everyone. A perfect week would have to include watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from the cliffs, a touristy but beautiful hike at Cowles or Torrey Pines, a walk through Balboa Park, a drive over the Coronado bridge, a fun day or night at Belmont Park— not complete until you ride the sketch rollercoaster, a walk on OB pier (dirty, but classic), and a day trip to Baja California.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first person that came to mind and stayed in mind even after consideration is my partner, Mark. We met the year I left my job to be an entrepreneur, I told him my dreams from day one and he has supported me tirelessly ever since. Entrepreneurship is difficult, but he is a lighthouse in a storm. He has been a steady stream of support in all areas and I can confidently say, I would not be where I am on my journey without his selfless belief in my purpose and consistent encouragement. I am eternally grateful.

Website: irinajonaa.com
Instagram: Personal: www.instagram.com/__anomaly/ | Yoga: www.instagram.com/livyourjourney/ | Writing: www.instagram.com/livandloveletters/
Twitter: @irinajonaa
Other: Email: livyourjourney@gmail.com

Image Credits
Rachel Mayers Photography Liv Your Journey Yoga Photography

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