Deb, Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

Growing up with entrepreneur parents, one could say that I was destined to become an entrepreneur myself. As a homeschool kid, I was fortunate enough to learn about my dad’s business firsthand. From accompanying him to work and joining him on business trips to learning directly from the business secretary, I was immersed in the world of entrepreneurship my entire life. By the time I was 12 years old, I was already learning QuickBooks.

Recognizing my interest in the business realm, my parents wholeheartedly supported my entrepreneurial spirit. They curated my education to nurture my entrepreneurial spirit, ensuring that every step I took was geared toward becoming a successful business owner. Not only did they provide unwavering encouragement, but they also took the initiative to invest in my very first business.

Their dedication to my entrepreneurial journey went beyond mere financial support. Understanding my enthusiasm behind my desire to take this path, with my parent’s guidance and assistance, I was able to graduate from high school a year early, allowing me to launch my first business by the time I was 17.

Today, I am a living testament to the power of parental encouragement and fostering a passion for entrepreneurship. Through their wholehearted belief in me and their strategic involvement in my upbringing, my parents laid the foundation for my journey as a successful business owner.

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Rarely does a child want to learn QuickBooks at the age of 12. Even rarer is the youngster who graduates high school a year early, fueled by a burning desire to open their own business. And yet, against all odds, I found myself as one of those children.

It’s difficult to put into words, but I simply knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I observed the lifestyle that entrepreneurship provided my father—one that allowed him to be actively involved in our lives. My parents deliberately made choices that emphasized family bonds: my mother became a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling my sister and I, and provided support to my father’s company. Growing up, my father and his brother were business partners, which meant that our cousins became not only our playmates but also our partners in mischief at their workplace. The ownership of our fathers allowed them the freedom to leave work at a moment’s notice when one of us needed them or simply desired a casual lunch together. We were fortunate to go on numerous adventures with them, embracing the beauty of life.

Witnessing these experiences firsthand fueled my determination to offer the same opportunities to my future children. At the young age of 17, I took the leap and started my own business. Despite numerous attempts to veer away from my chosen industry, my heart kept calling me back. Raised in a time when success was often equated with a college education, I finally decided to defy social norms at the age of 23 and wholeheartedly pursued my passion for photography. I made a solemn vow to excel in my craft, employing strategic thinking and strong dedication.

Today, as a single mother to two incredible girls and a rescue puppy from Puerto Rico, we embark on adventures together, cherishing every moment. My girls often accompany me to work, allowing them to witness firsthand the rewards of hard work and dedication—values that my father instilled in me during my upbringing.

Throughout my 15-year entrepreneurial journey, I have opened and closed multiple companies. However, none of these experiences can be deemed failures, for each venture has given me invaluable lessons, offering insights into what can be improved upon in the future.

Here’s a secret: entrepreneurship is a realm of constant discovery. No one possesses all the answers, and trial and error become steadfast companions along the way. It’s akin to an exhilarating game—one where challenges are met head-on and victories are earned. This, precisely, is what makes being an entrepreneur so thrilling.

Today, I have the incredible opportunity to work with fellow business owners, empowering them to focus on their areas of expertise while I assist them in creating a captivating visual brand identity. Through captivating photos, compelling videos, and an effective marketing strategy, I help entrepreneurs stand out from the crowd and attract the right audience.

My journey as an entrepreneur is filled with joys and responsibilities allowing me to forge my own path while imparting valuable lessons to my children. It is a testament to the belief that hard work, passion, and a dash of risk-taking can lead to a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

At the age of 17, I embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure that blossomed into a remarkable, one-of-a-kind wedding business. Thriving and reaching new heights, I soon found myself the owner or co-owner of four companies. My wedding business was my pride and joy—I poured my heart and soul into it. However, in September of 2020, my world was shattered when I gave birth to my daughter Freya, who had passed away. Despite my determination to persevere, the weight of grief became overwhelming, and I realized I needed time and space to heal. In January 2021, I made the difficult decision to close the doors of my beloved wedding company. The pain was too raw, and I simply didn’t have the capacity to bring someone into my leadership role. I needed time to mourn the loss and find my footing again.

Shortly after closing my business, life presented me with new challenges. I discovered I was pregnant again, and I found myself transitioning into the role of being a single mother. Adding to the mix, I had just adopted a puppy from Puerto Rico, and my 5-year-old daughter was by my side. It was a daunting season of life, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Little did I know, this tumultuous period would serve as the catalyst for something extraordinary.

Amidst the chaos, I made a monumental shift in my life’s direction. In honor of my late daughter, Freya, I founded a not for-profit organization called AstirFreya. Becoming a new mother again, this time to my daughter Emelia, I navigated the challenges of becoming a single parent while breathing new life into my coaching + photography business. Focusing exclusively on helping businesses cultivate captivating visual branding, I found solace in my newfound purpose. Growing up amidst the world of entrepreneurship, I thrived on the exhilarating game it presented—the opportunity to design the life you desire with no wrong answers. At any moment, armed with new information, you can reshape your journey, make new decisions, and forge a different path. It’s never too late to transform your life.

This pivotal shift, closing the chapter on my wedding company and wholeheartedly embracing the realm of working with businesses to create compelling visual identities through photography, videos, and marketing strategies, has afforded me the precious gift of time with my children. I now have the privilege of working while they are in school and cherishing weekends off with them. It’s a realm where my expertise shines bright, igniting my passion for the businesses I collaborate with.

My journey from loss to empowerment has taught me the immeasurable strength of the human spirit. It is a testament to the resilience and the power of reinvention. Through the pain and challenges, I have discovered a newfound purpose, enabling me to help others shape their own visual brand identities. Life’s unexpected detours have led me to a place of profound fulfillment and the realization that no matter where you are in life, it is never too late to embrace change and create a brighter future.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

In the world of business, it is often said that one must adopt a cutthroat mentality to rise to the top. Witnessing firsthand the ruthless nature of individuals in my father’s business, I became very aware of the self-centeredness and intense competitiveness that exists in the business world. However, when I ventured into entrepreneurship, I was determined to carry forward the lessons my father instilled in me throughout my upbringing—a simple yet profound principle: be a flipping good human. I wholeheartedly believe in fostering genuine relationships and nurturing a sense of community over fostering relentless competition.

Surprisingly, my journey has led me to discover that the most significant success can be found in building authentic client relationships online, particularly on social media platforms. If you find yourself in the early stages of growing your business and seeking to expand your online following, I encourage you to actively engage with others in the virtual realm. Authenticity should be your guiding light.

In a world inundated with artificial facades and superficial connections, genuine interactions hold immense value. Embrace your true self and express your unique personality, you will attract like-minded individuals who resonate with your message and values. Strive to create meaningful conversations, offer genuine support, and demonstrate a sincere interest in the lives and experiences of others.   

Contact Info:

• Website: Deboliviara.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebOliviara

Image Credits
Deb Oliviara