Hello Olivia! Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Olivia, I am the Senior Product Developer for Edge o’ Beyond, and I have been for the last 2.5 years! I recently moved to Manchester from London, to live with my partner and our pug, Trevor. I run a little Etsy shop selling illustrations and cards alongside my lingerie jobs, as I love to draw, and live to be creative. I love the industry I am in, it is so rewarding to see my creations making women feel empowered and good about themselves. We should all feel like this all the time!
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Women are unbelievable. Women are not celebrated enough. All women are born into a world that is still naturally unjust, Women deal with unequal rights on a daily basis, so it is so important to celebrate women on 8th March, and in fact, every other day of the year.
This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge. Tell us about a time when you were faced with an obstacle that you challenged.
I think one of my biggest obstacles I have faced is living on my own in London, during the first UK lockdown. I was unable to see my family, or my partner, or friends. I celebrated my birthday alone on the Easter weekend of 2020, I was struggling terribly with my mental health. My way through was a mix of constant facetiming, increasing my anxiety medication (always fully acceptable when you need to), and getting out at the weekends for exercise.
Tell me a time you felt the most empowered.
I haven’t ever hugely struggled with my self confidence as an adult. Only as much as any other woman would. But feeling empowered requires more than just feeling confident. I felt really empowered when we were shooting the Olivia range. Not only because I felt proud that I had made that, but because I could see how empowered they made the models feel as well, and I definitely feel most empowered when I have impacted another woman to feel confident.
What was your dream job as a little girl?
I remember putting on fashion shows with my friends, whilst playing vogue by Madonna, and strutting in each other's new party outfits! I have always known that fashion was the direction that I would take, but it wasn’t until my early teens, where I knew my interest lied somewhere more specialised.
If you could have dinner with 3 women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
I don’t want to sound cliché but my Mama and my 2 sisters. I have struggled not seeing them during lockdown, and It has brought us all even closer without a doubt. I’d choose dinner with my family over a celebrity any day!
What’s one piece of advice you would give to 18 year old you?
Don’t waste your energy on people that don’t deserve your kindness.
What is a change you would like to see for women in the next generation?
For women to feel like they can do what they want with their lives without judgement or without a gender pay gap!
What is your favourite thing about being a woman?
Being part of a community that so willingly and nonjudgmentally support others, just for being a woman.
Edge o’ Beyond is inspired by you and has a range named after you. Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
I have lots of inspirational women in my family, and without a doubt, I don’t think I could narrow it down to just 1. My 2 Grandmas are unbelievable in kindness, resilience and youth, (although 89 + 90), my Ma has the most positive energy, and views life practically, never giving up to find a solution to any problem. My sisters are full of life, both generous + selfless, and we navigate life together, battling similar issues with the support of our sisters.
How does wearing lingerie make you feel?
Wearing lingerie makes me feel feminine; dare I say it, sexy, and untouchable.
What’s your favourite EOB range?
It is definitely biased to say Olivia is my favourite, so I would say that one of the best ranges I have worked on has to be Barbie. The striking blue silk that juxtaposes the illusion tulle, is just what lingerie dreams are made of. She was based off Kathryn from a previous season, but we saw lots of opportunity to develop her to be almost an entirely new range. Bias aside, her fit is a delight, and the binding just frames your figure so well, with just the perfect amount of concealment to exposure, and I love it.
Each EOB lingerie + swim range is inspired by + named after a wonderful real-life woman. We're extending our celebration of International Women's Day 2021 + taking the opportunity to introduce you to some of them.
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