Daily Inspiration: Meet Olivia Neuhaus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Neuhaus

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I came to Grand Rapids in 2017 to attend college at Grand Valley State University. I am originally from a small town on the East side of the state, but fell in love with West Michigan and just never left. During college, I enjoyed being in a sorority ( hi, Alpha Sigma Tau!) but I also had the opportunity to dip my fingers into influencer marketing.

My first semester of college, I stumbled across a campus group called GVSU PINK. It was a on-campus marketing group affiliated with Victoria’s Secret. I interviewed for and got a position as a campus liaison, and had the opportunity to participate in various marketing events like pop-up giveaways, scavenger hunts and parties. We worked with multiple local businesses in the Allendale/Grandville/Grand Rapids area. One of my favorite events was a pop up at Laker Babe Cave in Allendale. This event led me to meeting another local small business owner who gave me an opportunity that was the spark that became my flame.

In 2019, going into my Junior year of college, I got my first internship. This was at Sweet Nectar Shop in Walker (the business I met at Laker Babe Cave!). I joined the team as the Small Business HR and Marketing intern, and when I left a year and a half later, I was the Client Engagement Manager. Working at Sweet Nectar Shop and gaining a deeper understanding of branding and personal marketing was crucial to my own sense of brand. During this same time I began to grow my own online following. I had the opportunity to work with major brands such as Glow Recipe, Mejuri, Stronger, Cooking Panda and more. I became a certified yoga teacher and taught classes for my sorority, various fitness groups on campus and even for a GVSU PINK event.

Later, in 2020 when I was jobless because of the pandemic, I used all of my branding and marketing knowledge started my own (very viable) business, Brie Happy Charcuterie (@briehappy). While I no longer am making charcuterie boards, this was an incredible experience to put my business acumen and abilities to the test. It was successful, and I learned that I can absolutely do it again.

After the events of 2020, and my graduation from college in 2021 (and also being a wedding dress model), I took a step away from my online platforms. I was no longer accepting brand deals or product affiliations and truthfully, I didn’t have any intentions to continue doing them. At this time, I was going through the first of two nasty break ups and at that moment, my goal was to work a job in the field I went to school for. I had no idea that influencer marketing was even a viable option and truthfully at that point in time I didn’t even want to look at social media.

This changed recently, in 2023. The prior year, I went through a second (and final) rough relationship and ultimate breakup. After everything was said and done, I sat down and realized I didn’t recognize myself anymore, and didn’t feel like me. What I shared to my community during that period didn’t feel authentic, and I missed being my outgoing self.

In 2023, I made it my goal to have the “Year of Liv”, and I did. I had my best year yet. I adopted the most perfect kitten, Sterling, who has his own Instagram following (@sterlingtheragdoll), I traveled to Hawaii, I traveled to California, I met the love of my life, who happens to be a handsome doctor (is this even reality???), I gained so many new friends and started a very popular Hot Girl Book Club, I posted more on TikTok and recently had another viral video. Finally, I am in the process of starting a podcast.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No road is ever smooth, and I don’t foresee my road ever becoming a straight shot. That’s the fun of life. I have hit rock bottom more times than I care to count, but every time I somehow make it back to the surface,

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My day job is in Human Resources. Now, I did not start out in this professional realm. In fact, when I started college, I planned on being a Physical Therapist. After a very sad bus ride to a job shadow and the epiphany that I would have to touch people’s feet, I moved into the business realm.

I adore what I do professionally. Human Resources is my kinda jam, and I don’t think I would ever leave this career path to become a full-time creative or influencer. But, my creative side is a big part of who I am.

Sometimes, I feel like career Barbie working two jobs. because, let’s face it, being a creator is a job. But, I believe I can have the best of both worlds.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Unpopular opinion: I don’t believe in luck. I believe in the ability to recognize opportunities and the foresight to prepare to take them.

There are many times over my lifetime where I have been in the right place at the right time, BUT I had right set of skills to achieve something. A lot of my job opportunities have allowed me to gain the skills I need to move into my next step in my career. Other opportunities have given me skills I didn’t even know I needed, but have been crucial to my creative successes.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @olivia_neuhaus
• Other: TikTok: @olivia_neuhaus