We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Olivia Grace Barkley-smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Olivia Grace below.

Olivia Grace, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

I love this question, and I’m happy to share. My mother is one of my greatest heroes. She had the courage to leave America and return to her home country of England, but she also took the bold step of starting her own business. She successfully owned and ran a beauty salon for several years with her best friend. How cool is that? To not only build a business from the ground up but to do it with your best friend and make it a success.

Although I wasn’t born yet during her business years, the stories she and her best friend shared with me growing up are deeply ingrained in my memory. Whether it was about the importance of customer service, the intricacies of accounting and payroll, or just the daily challenges of running a business, she shared it all—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

One of the most profound lessons she taught me was about resilience and adaptability. Life doesn’t always go as planned, and she was honorable enough to share with me the challenges that led to the eventual closure of the salon. Hearing about the downfall of her business, and the grace with which she handled it, has been a powerful lesson for me. It’s something I hold onto and learn from as I navigate my own entrepreneurial journey.

My mother showed me that women can truly do it all. She was a businesswoman, a mother, a wife, and a best friend, all while navigating the complexities of life and business. Her strength, wisdom, and ability to balance so many roles have been a constant source of inspiration for me. She’s a living example of perseverance, and her journey continues to influence mine every day.

Olivia Grace, 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’m Olivia, a hybrid entrepreneur passionate about sustainability and green tech. My journey began with a simple observation: our environment needs champions, especially in industries that often overlook the impact of single-use materials. This inspired me to create Leaf + Cycle, a company dedicated to transforming how businesses use glass packaging.

At Leaf + Cycle, we’re not just recycling—we’re extending the life cycle of glass products across various industries, from jars to bottles. Our mission is to reduce waste and promote a circular economy, within an industry that is rapidly growing but often lacking in sustainable practices. This leads us to helping companies embrace more eco-conscious practices.

I’m proud of the impact we’re poised to make in reducing environmental waste. Everything I do is driven by a desire to create meaningful global change. Leaf + Cycle is just the beginning—I’m passionate about exploring new ways to innovate within the glass industry and beyond, ensuring that sustainability is at the forefront of every decision. Whether you’re a potential client, a follower, or simply someone who cares about the environment, I hope you’ll join me in this journey toward a greener future, one glass container at a time. Let’s make sustainability not just a goal, but a way of life.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I’ve had to unlearn is that sticking rigidly to a plan guarantees success. At the start of my entrepreneurial journey, I thought consistency was key, but I quickly realized that in a fast-evolving industry like sustainability, flexibility and adaptability are key.

As Leaf + Cycle takes shape, it becomes clear that evolving with the market and listening to our clients’ needs means being open to change—sometimes even starting over. What seems like setbacks are actually strengths. Being adaptable doesn’t mean losing direction; it means staying responsive and innovative in a constantly changing world.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One of the most impactful resources for me has been the Diary of a CEO podcast. Listening to the stories and insights from various entrepreneurs and leaders has provided me with invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to your vision. The candid discussions about successes, failures, and everything in between have offered me a real-world perspective on what it takes to lead effectively and sustain a business over the long term.

Another resource that has significantly influenced my thinking is Stephen Covey’s, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This book has been instrumental in helping me develop a more strategic mindset, both in my personal life and in business. It’s taught me the importance of prioritizing what truly matters, being proactive, and always keeping the end goal in mind. These principles have become fundamental in the way I manage my time and make decisions.

Lastly, I’ve found value in exploring resources focused on women in leadership. Books and articles that highlight the experiences and challenges of women in business have not only inspired me but have also provided practical advice on how to navigate and thrive in a traditionally male driven environment.

These resources have reinforced the importance of authenticity, empathy, and strength in leadership, qualities I strive to embody every day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivia.barkley?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/olivia-barkley-smith