118. Navigating the Music and Modeling Industries as a Multifaceted Black Woman with Olay Noel

Welcome back to Too Smart For This! This week, Alexis is joined by Olay Noel for a delightful conversation on all things self-care, entrepreneurship, and more.The Atlanta, Georgia native knew from a young age that she was destined to walk the catwalk, drawing heavy inspiration from Naomi Campbell. While earning her degree from Kennesaw State University, Olay took a trip to New York City and returned with a modeling contract from Wilhelmina Models, the world-renowned agency that has had such clients as Naomi Sims, Anjelica Huston, Beverly Johnson, Patti Hansen, and Whitney Houston among others. Despite facing adversity as a woman of color in the modeling industry, Olay has continued to book countless projects including Essence, Cosmopolitan, and L’Officiel. Upon her parents’ advice, she has expanded her repertoire and started her own clothing and jewelry line with her sister that highlights the Black Diaspora, called MIANIK, which has been in business since 2019.Listen to Olay's New Single “Flowers”Show Notes00:58 Learn more about Olay!8:10 Solitude as self care11:05 Olay’s career trajectory13:03 Developing the confidence to audition yourself14:52 Juggling and nurturing multiple interests and talents16:07 Ignoring the pressure of conformity17:52 Seeking other women for inspiration20:39 Developing an entrepreneurial spirit/mindset21:59 How to find structure amidst uncertainty and spontaneity23:37 Investing in small things that boost your mental health25:54 Trying to develop community in new environments27:35 Knowing when to pivot when experiences no longer serve you29:13 Importance of escaping your comfort zone to realize your true potential32:15 Thinking of your life as a series of lessons rather than timelines34:41 Importance of promoting inclusivity beyond fads or trends37:59 Finding community in a post-pandemic world39:29 Importance of being the initiator Resources/MentionedOsea Undaria Algae Body Oil: https://rb.gy/5lirgOsea Advanced Protection Cream: https://rb.gy/sr9bqZuri Fate Body Butters: https://rb.gy/so0hsLaneige Lip Sleeping Mask: https://rb.gy/w550yGlo Skin Beauty GlyPro AHA Resurfacing Peel: https://rb.gy/dwbwcThe 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by Grant Cardone: https://rb.gy/uq7ypKeep up with Olay!Follow Olay on InstagramFollow Olay on TikTokToo Collective WebsiteToo Collective Affirmation TextsFollow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=enFollow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=enFollow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=enSubscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtAAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toocollective.substack.com/subscribe