Olivia Mangrum
Olivia’s a fashion and beauty model pursuing her dreams from Dallas, TX.
After nearly a decade deep in the industry, Olivia continues following her faith wherever God takes her. Whether she’s shooting in Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, or anywhere else in between, Olivia’s life is driven by purpose.
To her, nothing is simply a job - It’s a mission field. No matter the set location or length of conversation, Olivia lifts the atmosphere with the hope, joy, and truth she’s found in Jesus. We know you’ll be encouraged and inspired as you hear more from her heart, story, and pursuit.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
Working for myself, creating my own schedule, maintaining a healthy work life balance, collaborating with innovative, talented, and creative people, traveling and exploring new destinations, all while getting to spend ample quality time with my family and friends. I’ve found all of these things in a career of modeling.
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
Around the age of 4 or 5, I quickly realized I loved being in front of the camera. About a decade later, I discovered America’s Next Top Model and “obsessed” would’ve been an understatement. I started modeling with my first agency at 15 and instantly knew I had found something great.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
The modeling industry can be an extremely dark place filled with insecurity and self-doubt. It’s an industry in which you inevitably must learn that nothing is personal despite how personal potential rejection might feel.
I know that my confidence does not, and cannot, come from the way I look, or what someone else might think of my appearance. If I found my confidence and worth in this, or any other circumstance, I’d be in for quite the rollercoaster!
I know my purpose in this industry is far greater than working with wonderful clients and taking pictures. It’s to bring truth to an industry that so desperately needs it, and to show people there’s hope in a Savior who’s greater than any insecurity and every circumstance.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
My husband and I have a tradition of sitting down on the 1st day of each month to read and dwell on Deuteronomy 8 together. It allows us to humbly start each month with renewed focus on Jesus. It reminds us to praise Him for the talents, progress, and success we might be seeing in our lives, rather than trying to attribute that success to our own efforts or abilities.
What encouragement would you share with someone who’s going after their dream?
I can often feel overwhelmed looking at the full staircase ahead of me, but something I’ve recently learned is daily discipline and intentionality.
Daily discipline makes for a life of discipline, daily joy makes for a joyful life, and daily purpose makes for a life of purpose.
Don’t be discouraged by the full staircase or the obstacles you may encounter. Instead, choose to live each day intentionally and lean into Matthew 6:34.