How to Stay Positive with Olivia Smalley

Olivia Smalley headshot

JOI-HACK #1: KINDNESS BREEDS POSITIVITY
“When I assess what’s most important right now, kindness is at the top of the list. It’s important for me to be kind to myself, to be kind to others, and to remind people to do the same. It’s a pay-it-forward mode of thinking and really works.”

JOI-HACK #2: HELP SOMEONE ELSE
“Work hard every day to add value and positivity to other people’s lives. For me, that includes creating lighthearted content on Instagram by interacting with my followers, and showing them some of my favorite quarantine hair hacks.” Check out Olivia’s latest hair hack right here:

JOI-HACK #3: DON’T LET FEAR INHIBIT YOUR GOALS
“It’s easy to get anxious if you’re out of work. But one of the things that helps is getting creative on how you can build additional income for yourself. Make a plan; try to stop spending unnecessary money; create online content and encourage clients to do a product pick-up. When I present my favorite hair hacks online, I always talk about and use products that I can sell to my clients now – they get excited about the styles, and I help them and myself.”

Olivia with defy damage

JOI-HACK #4: MEDITATE
“I use the Calm meditation app when I’m feeling anxious — it’s a quick, three minutes of my day. I’ll do it while driving, on my break, or right when I wake up in the morning. It absolutely shifts my mood.”

JOI-HACK#5: LEARN TO LOOK AWAY
“It’s important to stay informed, but don’t feed into the media monster; it just increases anxiety. Instead, watch a movie or read a book! I just finished Tiger King and MY GOODNESS. JUST watch!”

JOI-HACK #6: REACH OUT AND (DON’T) TOUCH
“Phone a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Ask them how they’re doing and remain positive. I’m sure they’d appreciate it. I haven’t seen my parents much, just to be safe; but I do FaceTime them a lot. My dad recently shaved off all of his hair, and we did a grand reveal over the phone. It was great!”

JOI-HACK #7: WATCH YOUR WORDS
“Words make a big difference in how you feel AND in the way others perceive you. For example, when someone at work asks how you are, instead of saying “I’m so stressed and busy,” try something light-hearted like, “I just had the best conversation with my client. How’s your day going?” This will naturally lead the conversation—and your mind—to a more positive place.”

JOI-HACK #8: SET ASIDE COMPETITION
Now’s the time to choose our community over competition. Remember that we’re all working through this together: Support your local hairstylists and offer advice when you can. When we get back to the salon, I’ll invite a student to come shadow and help with blowouts; or might give my under-stylist in the salon opportunities to help them increase income while keeping my clients happy. I encourage people to reach out to me — no question is too big or too small.”