We’re looking forward to introducing you to Olivia Marino Dudley. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Olivia, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, my husband and I have been finding a great deal of joy in slowly renovating the home we purchased a year ago. We recently completed our second bathroom renovation, much of which we did ourselves. Working on these projects together has been both deeply rewarding and an incredible learning experience, allowing us to grow as a team while creating a space that truly feels like home. The process has taught us patience, problem-solving, and the value of celebrating small milestones along the way. It’s been especially fulfilling to step back and see our shared vision come to life, knowing the time and care we’ve invested has transformed not just our home, but the experience of building it together.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Olivia Marino Dudley, and I am an aesthetic nurse practitioner working alongside Dr. Diana Ponsky at Ponsky Facial Plastic Surgery. I am approaching five years in the aesthetic industry and have found this field to be both professionally fulfilling and personally rewarding. I love my work because it allows me to help patients look and feel their best, enhancing confidence in a natural, thoughtful way.
I began my nursing career in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, where I developed a strong clinical foundation and honed skills that continue to shape me as a practitioner today. While that experience was invaluable, I ultimately discovered my true passion in aesthetic medicine—where artistry, science, and patient care come together to create meaningful, confidence-building results.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents have taught me invaluable lessons about hard work and the rewards that come with it. They have been small business owners for more than forty years and have built a successful, thriving business through dedication and perseverance. They began their journey in the 1980s by opening their first hair salon, which at one point employed nearly twenty people.
As I was entering my junior year of high school, they made the intentional decision to downsize and create a more intimate salon run solely by the two of them; a change they have truly enjoyed ever since. Through every stage of their journey, my parents have shown me that hard work, adaptability, and perseverance can take you far in life, and their example continues to shape my own approach to both work and personal growth.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
That is a challenging question. I believe the fear that has held me back the most at times is the fear of failure. I have always considered myself a perfectionist, often approaching new tasks with a strong desire to excel. While this fear hasn’t prevented me from pursuing opportunities, it has certainly humbled me when things don’t come easily or perfectly the first time.
Through those moments, I’ve learned the importance of patience with myself and the value of perseverance. They’ve taught me to push forward, seek out education, and continually grow—both personally and professionally—rather than letting imperfection stand in the way of progress.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say that what you see is truly what you get, and that is something I take pride in. I strive to be genuine and transparent in all of my interactions, especially with my patients. When I’m with them, I focus on being authentic and approachable, never trying to be anything other than myself. I believe this honesty helps build trust and allows me to create meaningful, comfortable connections with those in my care.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What light inside you have you been dimming?
One area of my life that hasn’t been a priority lately, but that I hope to reconnect with, is my love for music. I studied classical piano for fourteen years and stopped playing when I began college. Since then, I’ve often felt that I haven’t had the time to return to it—though I recognize that this is more about not prioritizing time for myself than a true lack of opportunity. Music has always been an important creative outlet for me, and I would love to begin taking piano lessons again in the future and reintroduce that sense of creativity and balance into my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drdianaponsky.com/about/olivia-marino/
- Instagram: oliviamarinonp
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-m-1758158b/
- Other: TikTok: oliviamarinonp
Image Credits
Lauren Ickes
