Olivia Westbrooks, The Determined Dreamer
Olivia Westbrooks has contagious confidence. The kind of belief in herself and the world’s possibilities that just oozes out and leaves you thinking ‘Wait, can I do anything I dream up too?’ But don’t let her impeccable outfits and infectious laughter fool you into thinking it’s always been easy. Westbrooks has weathered the loss of her mother, her dream job and even her first interior design business. Now, on the other side of a battle with depression, she hasn’t just found her footing as the owner of Olivia Westbrooks Interiors and the host of Hallmark+’s “Home Is Where The Heart Is,” but her purpose in leading others through their stuckness toward their best self.
What does creativity mean to you, as an artist, mother, mentor and entrepreneur?
Creativity is like breathing—it connects every part of my life. As a designer, it’s about crafting spaces that cultivate peace and belonging. As a mom, it’s about creating an environment where my daughters can dream without limits. As a mentor, it’s helping others uncover their own voices and reminding them that their perspective is valuable. And as an entrepreneur, it’s weaving together passion and purpose to build something that sustains me and uplifts others.
What inspires you to get up every morning?
My family. My husband and daughters are my greatest motivation. I’m also inspired by the opportunity to create beauty in people’s homes and tell their stories through design. I believe design can be a catalyst for healing and empowerment. It helps people feel seen, valued and at home in their own lives. When my mom passed, her last words to me were, “I knew this day was coming, I just didn’t think it would be today. I still have so much left to do.” For 16 years, those words have stayed with me. Every day I wake up is another opportunity to live out my purpose and carry her legacy forward.
What’s your best advice for those who want to reignite a passion for their work?
Take a step back and reconnect with what first inspired you. Explore the parts of your work that excite you and do more of those things. Understand that purpose is rooted in service. Ask yourself: What are my gifts? How am I meant to serve? When you cultivate an aligned career rooted in passion and service, growth and success will follow.
What is your favorite way to give back?
Through “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” I’ve helped Atlanta families honor their legacies through design. Watching their tears of joy reaffirms why I love what I do. I also value mentorship. I hope to show women it’s never too late to reinvent their lives or careers. I truly believe the root of so many problems is the lack of love and worthiness people feel for themselves. It starts from within, and I want to help others reconnect with their inner source of worthiness.
