We’re looking forward to introducing you to Olivia Symone. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Olivia, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I think we can all agree 2025 has been a hectic year- honestly since 2020 life has been filled of tumultuous times! In the same sense, there have been a plethora of really great moments and opportunities that have occurred. Since February 2025 I have had to balance working as a barista, a realtor and a new business owner (Gypsy Lab Sessions). My repeated phrase this year has been “I need an assistant!”
Unfortunately, those don’t grow on trees and the show must go on! I am a very grounded person who is passionate about working hard, especially for what I really want; whether that be my treat-yo-self lifestyle or thriving success in my businesses. That said, I also know how important it is to prioritize myself and check in with my mental/physical health to ensure I don’t have a burnout. Typically my version of relaxation would be sipping a pina colada on the beach. But if I went to the beach every time I needed a pause from life I wouldn’t be able to tend to me priorities as well!
Colorado is home to the most beautiful lakes and rivers! Everyone thinks the mountains are extremely difficult to journey to, this is not true! There are a multitude of beautiful foothills/ mountain locations that can be as close as 30 minutes from Denver! Being anywhere near water calms my nervous system and allows me to check in with myself. I love long drives and will go to Evergreen Lake or Clear Creek River in Golden. The water is soothing and when I get overwhelmed I unplug from my devices and turn all my attention to all the beauty nature has to offer.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Olivia Symone, founder of Gypsy Lab Sessions and a Denver Realtor. I started Gypsy Lab Sessions alongside my best friend Devin “Rebellious” Patterson and family friend Michael Acuna. We wanted to curate a platform that displayed local artist backed by a live band. Music is such a versatile way to connect with different types of people! We started Sessions August 2024 in the basement of my mother’s coffee shop, The Gypsy House Cafe! Due to gentrification and the constant rising prices in my beloved city, my family staple was forced to close it’s doors. The Gypsy House Cafe has been apart of my life since I was 6 years old- this was one of the most impactful losses we’ve had to deal with this year! But like I mentioned, there is always light at the end of the tunnel! With this loss my team and I were devoted to continuing Gypsy Lab Sessions. This was an extension of a legacy of community, creativity and joy.
Sessions has been just that- flourishing after each monthly event! Denver has welcomed us with open arms allowing us to host at a variety of music staples such as Two Moons Music Hall, Dazzle Jazz Club and Beacon Rino. August 2025 will mark one year since we’ve curated this platform and we intend to expand our platform by mentoring youth and growing our team through internships!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I have been reflecting on this question a lot so it’s interesting it’s followed me to this interview! I’m very intrigued with astrology, don’t worry I’m not going to give you a star-lesson right now! Being that I’m 28 I’ve entered my Saturn Return journey- this is a pivotal time where life as I knew it will begin to transform drastically until I’m 30! I’ve been releasing many parts of myself, my beliefs and some relationships.
The biggest part of me that has served it’s purpose would be my over-bearing sense of control. I’m a very responsible person and have constantly felt the need to be in control of everything around me. 2 months into this year I was forced to understand life truly has it’s own flow and what is for you will find you!
I realized my need to control stemmed from a consistent feeling of fear or potential failure. I didn’t know I was apprehending myself from dreaming big and believing I CAN accomplish anything I desire. Through challenges from last year to current day I have handle each challenge, big or small, with grace and patience- persevering and succeeding more than I did before. Though responsibility is apart of my core being, control and silent fear will no longer be!
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Chef’s kiss to whoever came up with these questions!
I love this question so much, this one is an easy answer for me- gratitude. When we are thriving in life we’re in celebration mode, riding the tallest wave and patting ourselves on the back. When life dips and pushes us to the depths we forget all that we once had, accomplished, celebrated and tend to get stuck in a negative rut. I’ve appreciated the challenges I’ve encountered this year and quite frankly throughout my life. I haven’t always had this perspective. I’ve had some really murky dark moments where I thought this would be the new normal of life for me. But like wine, I’ve gotten better with age. I’ve learned in the suffering, in the struggle, the only thing that will pull me out of the depths and motivate me is being grateful. I wake up expressing 5 things I can be grateful for IN THAT MOMENT. Some days are easier than others, but once I made this part of my daily routine I quickly realized how blessed I am. Success has given me the feeling of being proud. Suffering has forced me to remember to have gratitude through the ups and the down.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
YES! In this modern day world filled of catchy social media handles and filters that give you $10,000+ worth of work at the click of a button I believe it’s important for your truth to shine through your image, not your image to shine for you.
I’m a very bubbly optimistic person who has fiery moments. I’m also one of those rare human beings that genuinely love people. I think that’s what’s made my business such a success because people naturally gravitate toward me, and I to them (they call this networking in business terms). Authenticity and sincerity are core values to my being. I want people to see who I am publicly and make their decision right away if they like me or don’t, so we don’t waste each others time or energy!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What false labels are you still carrying?
Being a woman who is half black and half middle eastern my skin color has always been a divide in who I am versus what I look like. My skin color has prevented people from getting to understand my depth, because my cultural morals are a blend of my two worlds! My parents never pushed me to lean to one side, in fact they always encouraged me to embrace both!
I feel proud of my mixture and the ethnic woman I am. It becomes difficult allowing that to shine through because there are so many barriers I face, in my day to day life, that make me feel hesitant or cautious. With it being 2025 I never thought the idea of mixed individuals would be such a heavy weighted blanket on my chest.
From walking into an environment of people who don’t look like me at all, I notice the side eye glances or the less tentative want to provide me with customer service. To interacting with people who look like me that test my awareness or knowledge of cultural references. I receive false labels from a multitude of sides.
With the political climate of the world I am fully aware of where both my people are receiving hostility and hatred- It hurts me deeply and does not make sense as to how we can still treat human beings with such an ugly attitude simply for the way they look, the color of their skin or the stereotypes crafted to blatantly divide us.
I am a woman who likes to understand and is more than happy to have a conversation to ensue clarity! I’m further learning that I cannot change everyone’s opinion and people will always have judgements or create false labels to who you are. The only thing I can do is continue to celebrate my heritage, embracing it with pride and move on with my life knowing some people will understand me and some won’t.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ososymone
- Instagram: @ososymone
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GypsyLabSessions
- Other: Instagram for Gypsy Lab Sessions: @gypsylabsessions
Image Credits
@davidsdaysoff @daysoff.studio
