The Bradley Bravettes Dance Team has played a role on campus for generations, yet they remain unfunded and unrecognized as a sport by the university. While this year’s season looked different than most, the team usually performs at all of the men’s home basketball games and dedicates around 10 hours per week to dance...
Small businesses took a hit in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have gone out of business and are on the brink of surviving. But in the midst of everything going on, some small businesses have soared to new heights, and some are just getting started.
Born and raised in Peoria, IL, Olivia always enjoyed shopping at small businesses in the area. During her time as a student at Peoria Christian High school and then Bradley University, she worked for small businesses in the area such as Lou’s Drive-In, Venue Chisca, and Random Boutique.
Oliva Vonachen, owner of Olivia Nicole Boutique, LLC.
Class of 2019 Bradley Alum, Olivia Vonachen always had a dream to own her own small business one day, and it quickly became a reality. In October of 2020, Olivia started a home decor business, Olivia Nicole Boutique LLC.
When asked about her inspiration to starting her business, Olivia answered, “I absolutely love all things home, especially decorating. My mom has always decorated our homes so wonderfully over the years, and she definitely passed down her love and knack for it. My passion for home decor inspired me to start my own business: Olivia Nicole Boutique.”
As I’m sure for all of us during quarantine, we picked up new hobbies and started thinking outside of the box, looking for things to do. People all over discovered new talents and qualities that they didn’t know existed within themselves. Amidst all the trials individuals faced every day in the year 2020, whether mentally, emotionally, or physically daunting, a light was flickering in Olivia’s head to start her business.
Starting a small business is already a rugged hill to climb; toss in a worldwide pandemic makes this task much more complex. With lots and lots of endless prayers, Olivia relied on her faith to help guide her to make the ultimate decision that this is what she was meant to do.
“I felt the Lord lead me to start this business right before quarantine, but it got delayed a few months due to the pandemic. I became an LLC over-the-phone with my attorney. It was all a very smooth process,” said Olivia.
I asked Olivia if she thinks the pandemic hurt her business like it did so many others. “I don’t think the pandemic has hurt or benefited my business. It might be too soon to tell,” said Olivia.
When asked about the most significant lesson she has learned so far, Olivia simply answered, “Patience. Nothing instantly grows overnight without time and effort. Another lesson I’ve learned is that comparison is truly the thief of joy and will only be a setback to growth.”
If 2020 has genuinely taught us anything, nothing will happen or pan out how we want it to or when we would like, but with patience and humility, our goals are attainable.
Lastly, I asked Olivia what her advice would be to those who want to become small business owners. She answered, “if you have an idea placed on your heart, go for it, but also pray about it, seek out advice from other small business owners, always be proud of what you accomplish, and last but not least, do not let the fear of failure control you and stop you from pursuing your dreams.”
You can visit Olivia Nicole Boutique at https://shopolivianicoleboutique.com/, on Facebook at Olivia Nicole, LLC, and Instagram @_olivianicoleboutique_. Olivia sells home decor inspired by “Farmhouse,” “Boho,” and “Shabby Chic” styles.
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