By Wyndi Kappes
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’s found a renewed sense of purpose as the owner of Olivia Westbrooks Interiors and a meaningful way to honor her mom through the Over 40 & Fabulous Fashion Meets Passion event.
What does creativity mean to you as an artist, mother, mentor and entrepreneur?
Olivia Westbrooks: 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?
OW: 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.
How has your mom inspired you to be a part of the Fashion Meets Passion event?
OW: I’m walking in Fashion Meets Passion in memory of my mother, Ida Nezey, who showed me what it means to live fully and purposefully, regardless of circumstance. She was a trailblazer, entrepreneur, community leader and lifelong advocate for others who continued creating, serving and pursuing new dreams even while battling breast cancer. Her life taught me that adversity does not get to define what is possible for us. I walk to honor her legacy, the women whose lives have been touched by breast cancer and the resilience it takes to keep becoming, creating and living with purpose through every season of life.
Olivia’s Fabulous Faves
Restaurant: Catalina Cucina
Cold Treat: Whit’s of Woodstock
“The BEST frozen custard.”
Place to Walk: Old Rope Mill Park
Shop Downtown Woodstock boutiques
“I bought the coolest pair of patchwork jeans from Branches.”
Live Music: Cherokee Amphitheater
Art Classes: Reeves House
“I’ve taken a painting class there and a ceramics class at the Kish Center.
My kids enjoy going to the art summer camp with Woodstock Arts there, as well!”
