Trades Make the World Go 'Round

The struggling woman you see standing at the overpass with a sign isn't just looking for handouts. She's looking for an opportunity. She's looking for someone to take a chance on her but in this world the people willing to give her a chance are few and far between. Most people neglect her potential and pass her by day by day. You've seen someone in this position, I'm sure. These are the women I want to help. I am Olivia Berit Thompson, a 22 year old from Texas. While I have hobbies galore my passion is to be someone for someone else. I never had a “someone” in my life. I was always that person for others; a shoulder to cry on, a 2:00 a.m. call, and a friend to everyone…no matter their story. I choose esthetics for several reasons; one being my own struggles with lack of self confidence. I wasn't the "it girl" or the "show stopper." Sadly I was often passed by and rejected because of my looks until I found the right products and people to help me reach my goals. I always sought for approval through others but once I found confidence in myself, my life changed for the better. It's a heartbreaking reality but I was given more chances to show who I am from the outside-in once my appearance was elevated. I want to help others achieve this feeling of acceptance so that new opportunities arise from it. I have started a blueprint for what I call “Success for All”, an organization I want to build that focuses on primarily women fighting homelessness. With this I plan to get a community of beauty professionals ready to bless the less fortunate with services that will elevate their look preparing them for a better chance to be seen as successful. While success looks different for everyone, I envision a judgment free world for these women after we are able to assist them. Whether it be for a job interview, an important meeting, or gaining back their once lost self love, these individuals need people like us. I am investing in ethetics to invest in others' futures. Being dependent and estranged from my parents I have seen how incredible it is for a good community to turn into family. I pray just this for the future of Success for All. Each woman will not only be provided service, resources, and products but a new life long friend that does not pass but cheers them on day by day.