Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Nunn.
Hi Olivia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
### Brief Walkthrough of My Journey
Olivia Nunn Communications officially launched on March 30, 2021, though I began working on it full-time in February 2023. My journey to this business is deeply rooted in my 20 years of service as a US Army Officer, which laid the foundation for my current work.
I retired from the Army in September 2021 after serving in diverse and challenging roles, including three deployments to Iraq, assignments at Fort Hood, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the Pentagon. Throughout my career, I have held various positions as a chemical officer and public affairs officer, leading teams and managing strategic communications.
These experiences taught me valuable leadership, strategic thinking, and resilience skills, which I now apply to Olivia Nunn Communications. My company specializes in communications, branding, social media strategy, and event planning, dedicated to elevating brands and driving impactful outcomes.
The past year and a half as an entrepreneur has been challenging significantly as the economy fluctuated. However, my Army training taught me to stay resilient in adversity. I adapted by expanding my services to include event planning and leveraging my network and skills from my military career. Known as the “Networking Queen,” I stay actively involved in three military non-profits and use these connections to foster growth for my business.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
### Has It Been a Smooth Road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. There have been months when work was steady, the flow of clients and income seemed promising, and everything looked positive. But then, suddenly, there were no clients and cash flow became non-existent.
The hardest part of being a small business owner, especially in the beginning, is setting the conditions: defining who you are, identifying your market, understanding your customers, and finding the sweet spot for sales. Often, clients don’t know exactly what they want or need. They only understand they need communication or marketing, usually after a crisis for their company or brand. The challenge is to get clients before a crisis hits.
Another significant challenge of being a small business owner is bootstrapping the business. Funding every aspect of the company has been challenging without any grants or loans. The costs increase quickly when advertising and gaining clients before signing them on.
Despite the daunting nature and the mistakes I’ve made, I wouldn’t change it. Being your boss, learning, and growing is a precious experience and worth rising each day to meet.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
### We’d Love to Learn More About Your Work
#### What Do You Do, What Do You Specialize In, What Are You Known For, etc.?
I am a storyteller. With over 14 years of experience in government relations, I founded Olivia Nunn Communications, a multifaceted agency specializing in communications, branding, social media strategy, and event planning. I leverage my strategic communication and stakeholder engagement expertise to craft compelling narratives, focusing on authenticity and creativity to help clients establish their presence in the market and connect with their target audience.
#### What Are You Most Proud Of?
I am most proud of my work within the military community, particularly as a mental health advocate. My passion for this cause is often why clients are drawn to me. My dedication to the military community is evident through my work as a known podcaster, social media influencer, and motivational speaker. I use my platforms to shine a light on mental health issues within the military community and advocate for destigmatization and support.
#### What Sets You Apart From Others?
What sets me apart is my passion and commitment to my clients. Through strategic planning and execution, I help them achieve their communication goals and bring their vision to life. My deep connection to the military community and my relentless advocacy for mental health issues resonate with many clients. This dedication and my ability to tell authentic and impactful stories ensure I provide unique and effective communication strategies.
How do you think about luck?
### What Role Has Luck (Good Luck or Bad Luck) Played in Your Life and Business?
I don’t feel that luck has played a part in my life or business. As a follower of Christ, it’s more about Faith for me. However, if I am being genuine and honest, there are times when my Faith is tested, and I find it hard to stay committed to my goals or not be discouraged. But I hold onto Faith that the path I am on, the journey laid out before me, is the one God has for me.
Every win, every loss, every choice I know was meant for me by God. I didn’t always understand it then, but when I took the time to listen and obey, I realized His plan was always the best. I believe that the work I do—the storytelling for the clients I have the honor of working with—drives toward one purpose: to create a better tomorrow for the military community.
My ultimate goal, the legacy I want to leave behind, is to end military suicide. So, for me, it’s about Faith and believing that even in this complex moment, even in this challenging time for my business, it will all work out for the better in the end.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.olivianunn.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/the_olivianunn
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/olivianunncommunications
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/olivia-j-nunn
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/oliviajnunn
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@olivianunn
- Other: http://www.youtube.com/@calm_in_the_storm
Image Credits
Anita Barsca Jared Wolfe