 Olivia and I needed no ice breaker as she was ready to dive in with total gusto. Her comedic honesty was really refreshing and fun to engage with in a project that is typically deep and serious. She brought an element of fun that I enjoyed as well as really wonderful and thoughtful answers during our conversation. What makes you feel beautiful? “Well it all starts with a cup of coffee…” we laugh because AMEN. “But also, just being appreciated. I think it’s nice to give a compliment here and there, but when there is something that you are working hard on or improving yourself and someone notices and tells you in a genuine way. Being appreciated makes you feel important.”   Describe yourself in five words:
What does the world need more of? “An awareness of other people, I think. And not just in the sense that they take up space, but what people are going through. What are their needs? We need more empathy.” If happiness was currency, what job would make you rich? I really just like my jobs now! Working at the St. James Tearoom and teaching dance and leading in some capacity; I just really like what I do. I’m just content. Is that boring? Maybe we should add that to my list as word #6!” she giggles and I assure her the rest of the world wishes they were working their dream job and felt content.   What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done? She pauses for a long time. “Standing up to a bully.” She blinks a tear away and continues, “I think figuring out how to engage in conflict when it’s necessary and knowing it isn’t a bad thing to stand up for yourself. It’s okay that you can’t help everyone all the time.” I think she has touched on something that I see so many women (especially myself) struggle with: knowing when to take a stand for our own needs and sanity and not always trying to fix everyone around us at our expense.   What are you passionate about? There is no need for pause here as she answers with gusto, “I am passionate about cultivating potential. I always thought that being told that you had potential was a negative thing; like you just weren’t quite good enough. I’ve realized that potential is just like tilled soil that you can build on. I want to help people grow and build on that potential.”  What can women do to better encourage each other? “We can meet people where they are. Hollywood always portrays women as envious of each other as if we are always thinking ‘oh you’re dress is so pretty and you look so good, I hate you!’ It really all starts with appreciation. Appreciate each other, support each other, encourage each other to grow.”  You heard it, friends. Appreciate each other. Don’t compare. Don’t judge. Just love people where they are. And take the time to love yourself where you are, too. Welcome to the sisterhood, Liv. You are honest, warm, kind and hilarious! 
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 Noelle and I started our interview with a conversation about guilty pleasure TV. She tells me about how she loves to watch House of Cards with her husband, Christopher, and warns me of the dangers of binge watching too quickly. She is one of those people who just puts you at ease when you talk to her. You know she will always keep the conversation going and she isn’t afraid to be a little bit silly. We discussed our shared guilty pleasure shows for a bit and then turned the conversation to her passions. She is quiet and thoughtful for a minute before answering. “What am I passionate about? Hm.. My faith and my family. That honestly summarizes it. I am passionate about faith and family.”   Tell me about your mom. I specifically picked this question for Noelle because I know that she has a very close relationship with her mom. Sure enough, her answer did not disappoint; “My Mom!” she gushes, “I love my mom. Our relationship has really evolved. We were really close when I was younger. I’m nine years younger than my closest sibling, so it was often just my mom and I together during the week when my dad was traveling. I have such great memories of watching Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls and having popcorn and yogurt for dinner. I would sleep in her bed and it was just a sleepover every night of the week!” She laughs, and then gets more somber. “And then of course you become a teenager and are kind of a jerk – which is awful. I wish I could go back and change it. But thankfully, I grew up and she and I do literally everything together now (including running a Disney Tinkerbell half marathon together this past Mother’s Day!). Most people don’t understand our relationship, but we are really just the best of friends.”    What makes you feel beautiful? “Honestly, singing in church. I have zero vocal talent…” she can’t even get through the sentence without dissolving in laughter and I commiserate about my lack of musicality. “BUT when you are in a congregation, you can just put yourself out there and it doesn’t matter what you look like or sound like. Any time I’m with my family and happy, I feel beautiful.” What makes others beautiful? “Oh! Kindness!” she announces before I can finish my question. She elaborates, “Kindness is the driving force of beauty to me - smiling at people, saying a kind word. It can really change the relationship – even if there isn’t a relationship yet.”  When was a time you felt judged by other women? “The first time I remember feeling judged was in middle school. This group of girls that were supposed to be my friends told me that we were all going to wear our Easter dresses to school the Monday after Easter and I was so excited because I love getting dressed up! I remember getting off the bus and all of them standing there in jeans and t shirts and laughing at me.” She pauses and I know the next words she says are going to be meaningful, “I thought to myself, this can go one of two ways. So I decided to hold my head high and I went through the day with dignity. I got so many compliments on my dress and ever since that day, dressing up has been my thing. I discovered something that day. You never need a reason to wear a dress.” Of all the things Noelle shared with me, I know that this is the most personal and is a glimpse into her character. She is ever graceful and dignified. She didn’t lash out at bullies, she just decided to take something hurtful and make it into something sparkly and fabulous. That brings us to our last question…   What do you think the world needs more of? “I know this sounds super hokey, but kindness. I love the live action Cinderella movie that came out recently for that reason – Have Courage and Be Kind. That’s my mantra. It’s always hard to walk into a room and not know what is going to happen, but if you have the courage to go into any situation and be kind…that is what will make the world a better place.” That’s it, friends. Have the courage to be you and to be kind to others who are also being themselves. I loved that Noelle shared parts of her beautiful heart with us and that she takes every opportunity to show kindness. Welcome to the Sisterhood, Noelle. We love that you find joy in making the world a more beautiful place.
{All photos are property of Simply Sisterhood and Smitten by a Promise Photography. Please refrain from cropping, editing or copying photos.}
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