We were lucky to catch up with Cory Oliver recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cory , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

When I was 6 years old, I used to grab my hairbrush and sing into it, while twirling around in the living room engaging my imaginary audience. I signed up for all of the school plays and talent shows of which I never won. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out I booked the role of a tree in my 5th grade production of, “Fiddler on the roof”. I was could barely breathe. I didn’t care that I had no lines and would most likely be unrecognizable after wardrobe got a hold of me. I think I had the hardest role, standing there silent for hours while everyone else delivered their lines then entered and exited stage left… The last night of my performance, I decided I had something to say, so I waited until the end and as the actors delivered their final lines, I turned my body, covered with moderately crafted paper mache leaves, gave the audience a wink, and said at the top of my voice, “THE END”! The auditorium erupted with laughter and it was then I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger then myself. It was a passion a desire that was in my heart. Something I instinctively knew I just had to pursue.

Cory , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I would consider myself an all-American girl – daughter, sister, Mother, Actress and Friend. My greatest joy has been being a mom. I would have to admit I was nervous at first as this was one role that didn’t come with a script but I quickly realized you just open the book and that each day is a new page, you just have to turn it! I’ve been fortunate in my life to pursue many of my hearts desires. One of them being acting where I have had the privilege of working with and along side of some of hollywoods finest actors and directors. I’ve experienced amazing moments that have in one way or another, shaped me into who I am today. The roller coaster of emotions that coincide with this profession are not only in front of the camera, rather included in the process of getting there. It all starts with the call from your agent, then the audition, then working out the dialogue and character by yourself or with your coach. Then the actual audition, where you sit in a waiting room filled with other YOU’s, all the while trying to stay in character until the audition is over. It is not for the faint of heart as you will likely be faced with multiple rejections before you land your first role. But someone told me early on, “persistence is the key to success”! So I just never gave up.

I’ve had many ups and downs in my life and in the profession I chose. We all do. It’s what you do with those moments that will ultimately shape your future. When I was in High school, I got a job as a trail guide on the weekends. I spent a lot of time preparing the horses for customers to ride. I would get kicked and thrown off a horse on a weekly basis. But I chose to get right back on. I have always believed you can do anything you set your mind to do, you just have to focus and believe in yourself. It’s important while doing that not to let the negative noise of others drown out your vision. If I had listened to everyone that said, you will never act or sing or songwriter or produce or create a lip balm line or write an award winning screenplay or book a leading role at 45, I would have never accomplished any of those things. My grandpa used to tell me to follow my heart. It will guide me to my next adventure. I read a quote early on in my career by D H Lawrence that said, ” a thing you truly believe in cannot be wrong”. So I just believed in myself and despite life challenges, kept moving forward.

I would have to say after all is said and done, I am most proud of being a mom and my faith in God. They are the two things I find the most joy in and have the strongest connection with. THEY are my legacy…

Moving forward, I currently have the desire to write music that someone how inspires others to connect with God. As I believe that connection has ultimately saved me during some of my most difficult and challenging times. I’d like to inspire others to turn their pain into their purpose. I always say, if it helps one person, its worth it!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have always been driven by an internal compass. I tell my daughter to listen to her, ” check in her spirit”. I use the 80/20 rule. Does that check say 80 percent yes and 20 percent no or is it vise versa? That rule has helped me pursue my goals and missions in life. It has in some cases helped me navigate life and fulfill my creative journey. It’s when I go against that rule, I usually make a wrong turn and end up facing the consequences. My mission now is to help others garner the confidence in pursuing their hearts desires and truly living up to their own potential. Helping them realize the strengths and use their weakness to their advantage. We all are born with some form of creativity. During the pandemic, I started a podcast. I had no idea what I was doing but I knew I was supposed to be doing it. Two years and 100 episodes later, Im grateful for the experience and learned a lot about not only others and what drives their creativity. It was a compelling experience that I will forever be grateful for.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

RESILIENCE:

The dictionary definition is, “The capacity to withstand or to recover quickly form difficulties; toughness.
The ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity.

At this point, I believe if I were a a superhero embodying the definition of resilience, I’d be stretch armstrong!

I got married and my new husband left 26 days later. I wrote and recorded a song called, “Im somebody’s daughter” which allowed me to turn my pain into my purpose. God doesn’t waist anything…

Contact Info:

• Website: coryoliver.com
• Instagram: Coryoliverone
• Facebook: Cory Oliver
• Linkedin: Cory Oliver
• Twitter: Coryoliverone

Image Credits
Bill Waesche, Im somebody’s daughter photo