We were lucky to catch up with Olivia Kristin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Olivia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents had a huge impact on the woman I am today. One of the most important things they did right was simply allow me to figure things out for myself. They did not try to control me or obsess over every decision. Instead, they gave me space to breathe and explore who God was calling me to be.

They were always present and affirming, making sure I felt supported in everything I did. Growing up, they encouraged me to explore creative arts, like dance, acting, and summer camps, while also grounding me in faith and making sure I knew The Lord Jesus Christ. That foundation taught me confidence, discipline, and creativity, but also the importance of aligning my life with God’s guidance.

They also supported me in big life decisions, no matter how much I changed my mind. When I said I wanted to go to school to be a nurse, they cheered me on. When I realized nursing was not my path, they still encouraged me. When I decided to start my photography business, they were behind me. Later, when I felt called to pursue ministry and study Pastoral Counseling and life coaching, they supported that too!

Ultimately, what my parents did right was trust me to discover my own path, always cheering me on and being my safe place to grow and make mistakes. That freedom and support have shaped how I approach my career and life with boldness, creativity, faith, and the confidence to try new things. Shoutout to my parents Kim Leatherbury-Smith and Morris Smith and Booker Smith and Bonitta Smith for everything they did and continue to do!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Olivia! Honestly, questions like this are a little tricky for me because I always have my hands in so many different things. I currently own Olivia Kristin Photography, which is approaching its 10th year anniversary. I started this business as a hobby, simply taking photos of family and friends, and I was later encouraged to turn it into a business after people on Facebook started asking how much I charged. Through this work, I’ve been able to create authentic and timeless photos, but more than that, I’ve had the privilege of doing life with people, watching their families, businesses, and personal journeys grow over time.

Beyond photography, I’m also a writer under my brand Olivia Kristin Writes and have published four books: I Didn’t Know I Was Dead, The Gift of Singleness, Learning to Live: 40 Day Devotional, and Learning to Say No, which includes a digital course. I try not to put myself in a box; I’m okay being known for different things because I don’t wrap my identity up in what I do. My identity is rooted in being a daughter of God, and wherever I’m being used, it’s always for His glory.

What sets me apart is really just being me. It’s not just about the photos, the books, or the courses. It’s about the experience, the connection, and my genuine love and desire to see people grow and succeed. I want my clients and readers to feel seen, encouraged, and empowered through what I create.

I’m most proud of not giving up. Choosing to leave my nursing career and dive into full-time entrepreneurship by faith back in 2020 was not easy. There were doubts, fears, and moments where the path seemed uncertain. But I chose to trust God, pursue what He called me to, and keep showing up. Today, I get to do what I love, impact lives creatively and spiritually, and walk alongside people as they grow, and that is more fulfilling than I could have imagined.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the need to explain or justify myself. As someone who has followed God through multiple seasons and pivots, I used to feel like I owed people an explanation for every decision I made. Over time, I learned that clarity comes from obedience, not approval, and that I do not need permission to follow where God is leading me.

I also had to unlearn the belief that I needed to choose one identity or lane to be taken seriously. I am creative, faith-driven, entrepreneurial, and pastoral at heart. For a long time, I felt pressure to simplify myself so others could understand me more easily. What I’ve learned is that God uses different expressions in different seasons, and embracing that has allowed me to show up fully without shrinking who I am.

Lastly, I had to unlearn the idea that success has to look impressive. Some of the most meaningful and impactful seasons of my life were quiet, unseen, and deeply formative. Letting go of the need for recognition helped me redefine success as faithfulness, alignment, and obedience rather than applause.

Unlearning these things gave me freedom to move with confidence, peace, and purpose, trusting that what God is doing in my life does not need to be explained, simplified, or validated by others.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, there is a very clear mission driving my creative journey. At the heart of everything I do is a desire to serve people well and glorify God through whatever He has placed in my hands. Whether it’s photography, writing, or teaching, my goal is not just to create something beautiful, but to create work that brings clarity, encouragement, and hope.

My creative work is rooted in helping people feel seen, valued, and reminded of who they are in Christ. I believe creativity is a powerful tool God uses to heal, restore, and point people back to Him. Through my photos, I aim to capture authentic moments that reflect truth and connection. Through my writing and courses, I want to help people navigate seasons of transition, boundaries, healing, and obedience with faith and confidence.

Ultimately, my mission is to use creativity as a bridge. A bridge between where people are and where God is calling them, between confusion and clarity, and between striving and surrender. If someone walks away from my work feeling encouraged, grounded, and closer to The Lord Jesus Christ, then I know I’ve done what I’m called to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oliviakristinphotography.com & www.oliviakristinwrites.com
• Instagram: @oliviakristinphotography & @0liviakristin
• Facebook: @oliviakristinphotography & @0liviakristin
• Twitter: @0liviakristin
• Youtube: @oliviakristinwrites

Image Credits

Jonathan Edward Photo
Olivia Kristin Photography
Dejah Gilliam