How Olivia Culpo Found Universal Happiness
At just 27 years old, Olivia Culpo has taken on the universe, literally. In 2012 alone, she went from representing Rhode Island in the Miss USA pageant to being crowned Miss Universe (the first U.S. contestant to win the whole thing for America in 15 years). Since then, her modeling career has taken off and she’s graced the cover of magazines around the globe. No easy feat for a middle child of five from the smallest state, Rhode Island; but this superstar is quick to credit that upbringing for making her who she is today.
From modeling to acting to opening her own restaurant back home, Olivia is constantly evolving. And what inspires us the most? She is continuously using her platform to motivate her fans to find and feel the most beautiful versions of themselves. She is grounded, she is candid, she remembers the importance of family and friends, and she’s one of our fave ladies; read the below and we’re pretty damn she’ll be one of yours too!
the *rhode* to success
“I was lucky enough to become Miss USA and Miss Universe in 2012, and since then I have worked with many different people, teams, and brands. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity and work hard every day to ensure I am doing what is best for my brand.
Even more so, I am incredibly proud to be from Rhode Island, and am grateful I was able to grow up there. [I went to an all-girls high school], that also played a very important role in my life. In my line of work, I am surrounded by other women, and I believe my high school (as well as pageants) did an amazing job preparing me for what I do now.
On top of that, having such a big family is amazing. I am so grateful to be close with not only my immediate family, but my extended family as well. My siblings and I are very close and they remind me of who I am, where I came from, and why it is so important to remain humble and appreciate every moment. Remaining grounded is so important to me, and it’s great to have people in my life who support this and make sure I remain the fun-loving, middle child of five from Rhode Island that I am.”
posing challenges
“Every line of work is filled with challenges daily; this goes for both men and women. I think a big challenge for me is the misunderstanding behind what I do and how hard I have worked to get to where I am today. In my line of work, sometimes I can be on a shoot for 12 hours, and while it is fun, it can also be exhausting. Getting into the right mentality and the right headspace before those days is so important.
I also believe it is so crucial to be your own number one supporter. Sometimes it can be difficult to feel confident or be proud of the person you are, but you have to be able to look at yourself everyday and love the person you have become. Your confidence can give you the power to achieve whatever it is you want. I believe a woman’s confidence is her greatest super power.”
model behavior
“I think people would be surprised to know I am very passionate about meditation. I like to try and find time every day, even if it is just a few minutes, to set aside some time for this practice. I have a few apps on my phone that have guided meditations, but I also like to do my own.
Music also plays such an important role in my life. Growing up in such a musical family, I had music in my blood from the beginning. [I play the cello] and my mom still plays the viola in the Boston Symphony—I even got the chance to play my cello alongside her for a concert. I think music can be so powerful and speak to you during times when you may need it most.
One of the ways I relax is listening to country music. There is something about it that I just love! It can be playing in the background and I can be doing other things, or I can completely tune in and listen to every word and note. There is something about it that allows the listener to interpret the song however they would like; they can envision the song about them, or their own life, and it can be helpful to view a problem or even an accomplishment in a new light.”
a snapshot of advice
“As cliche as it may sound, it is so important to always be yourself. By being myself, I have been able to surround myself with the most amazing people and team who truly understand me for the person I am. No matter where your journey may take you, and no matter the roadblocks you may encounter, face each new opportunity with positivity and always be true to yourself.”
get to know Olivia more at her newly-launched website: www.oliviaculpo.com