Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Hedrick.
Hi Olivia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi there, my name is Olivia Hedrick, model and creator of Oh’Dace Magazine. Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit about me and my journey! Let me take you back to the very beginning of my introduction to the fashion industry. Like a lot of other people, I didn’t have the easiest time in school. Without going into detail, kids aren’t always the nicest despite your own efforts to be, and it can definitely take a toll on you. One day, my mom and I were walking around the mall, and in the middle of it lay this catwalk with promises attached to it of being a “star one day.” Growing up with love for anything creative, I was drawn to it. Being the somewhat shy pre-teen, I was and struggling with confidence. My mom signed me up to audition for it. As soon as my foot hit that runway, I felt unstoppable. I ended up working there for a little while, showing basic poses and runway walks to anyone willing to listen. However, that wasn’t the thing that held importance to me. I, first and foremost would always remind each individual how treasured they are, and that this superficial definition of “beauty” has no value. My goal was to bring their inner confidence out to the light and to help them be proud of who they are. In my time there, something lit in me to make certain that no one would feel the way that others had made me feel before. No one could deem them less than, no one would make them feel like they weren’t good enough. This is something that I continue to do and live by. Presently, I find myself around like-minded creatives. The industry of art, in general really can be such a tough industry. With the insane amount of talented individuals that are in South Florida alone, many go undiscovered. I would watch how my friends and my own family would put in endless hours of work into their crafts and thinking to myself, “They put their whole heart into this. They deserve to be recognized more than they are.” With a business /marketing and journalism background, I decided I could be the one to do exactly that. I wanted to create a platform where artists of all mediums would have a way to be seen and share their art with the world. Thus, the vision for Oh’Dace Magazine was born. We are a digital and print magazine supporting creatives, no matter the experience they may have. The name “Oh’Dace” (pronounced “o-dace”) is a play on the French word “audace,” meaning bold, daring, audacious. Art comes in all forms, which is why we feature multiple creators. From musical artists, painters / visual artists, fashion designers to skincare and beyond, we’re here to shine the light on all of it.
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?
No, nothing comes easy. Everyone knows that things of substance require work, and work requires sacrifice. Sacrifice comes in so many different forms, not the only time. In my experience, it’s been a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of missing events / going out, spending a lot of time alone, all trying to make your vision come to life. Personally, I’ve always been someone that’s hard on themselves and constantly feels like there’s more work to be done, more ways to be improving. Not being so self critical and trying not to be hung up on every single detail of things has honestly been the biggest struggle for me. There will always be moments when you feel like giving up when you feel like you’re losing courage. It’s exactly in moments like those when you need to keep pushing. It’s easy to say and not so easy to do, but not let fear stop you from growing. Fear shuts down any growth. Know that you are capable of doing anything you put your heart and mind to, and don’t let the circumstance you’re in define you or your future.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I dabble in all things creative. Anything from modeling to singing, acting, photography, writing, design, I do a bit of everything. I’m someone who thrives off of learning, so anything that is unknown to me is fascinating and captures my interest. When I’m not studying to finish school or working on the magazine, I work at a robotic hair restoration center doing hair restoration surgeries, PRP’s, and IV Treatments.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First of all, the one to get all the credit is Jesus. Without Him and His grace, I have absolutely no clue where I would be right now. So, shout out God. My family has had the greatest impact on me during this journey, constantly encouraging and supporting me even when I feel like I’m failing. Over the years, I have been blessed enough to work and connect with talented individuals in the music and fashion industries. They know who they are and together, we are always there to build one another up. I’m extremely grateful for them.
Contact Info:
- Email: ohdacemag@gmail.com
- Website: www.ohdace.com
- Instagram: @oliviaraq
- Other: theoliviahedrick@gmail.com
Image Credits
Photos taken by: Mike Yeya (@mikeyeya) Andre Scheidt (@ikigai_foto ) Khaleel Dane ( @khaleeldane) Michael Hursey (@mhursey)
