Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Robinson.
Hi Olivia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into social media began organically through my teaching career. I began teaching at my school in Nashville in 2022, and this fall will mark my fourth year as a first-grade teacher. Prior to that, I completed a full year of student teaching in kindergarten, and I’ve always felt that education is my calling. In today’s world, teaching requires a deep sense of purpose—something beyond the tangible rewards—because, as many of us know, the return doesn’t always match the investment.
To stay grounded and energized, I’ve always leaned on my other passions—particularly fitness and fashion. I found that when I made space for these outlets, I showed up as a more balanced, creative, and present educator.
During the summer after my second year, I posted a lighthearted TikTok where I “imagined the thoughts or read the mind” of one of my students. I woke up the next morning to thousands of notifications. At first, I assumed my friends had flooded our group chat—but it turned out the video had gone viral. That moment changed everything.
From there, I started creating content that celebrated the idea that ‘Teachers Have Lives.’ I share my love for teaching, but also the other things that make me me—like health, style, and joy. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and the opportunities it has brought—both personally and professionally—have been beyond what I could have imagined. I’ve received amazing resources for my classroom, connected with passionate educators, and built a community that lifts each other up.
In the classroom, I find joy in engaging, educating, and inspiring my students—and that naturally extended online. What started as a way to share ideas and connect with other educators grew into a platform that reached far beyond the classroom.
It’s been empowering to realize that I don’t have to choose one path over the other. Instead, I’ve created a space where both passions not only coexist but actually enhance each other and I LOVE to spread awareness to other educators, especially those entering the education system or thinking about it, THAT IT IS POSSIBLE to do so.
In many ways, I’m living in this unique overlap of two worlds—kind of like a Hannah Montana moment—and I truly feel like I get the best of both and found a beautiful balance between the two. By day, I’m shaping young minds; by night (and sometimes weekends), I’m building community, sharing insights, and sparking conversations online.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—and I think that’s what makes the journey so meaningful. Teaching itself is incredibly rewarding but also emotionally and physically demanding. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, especially in the early days of balancing lesson planning, classroom management, and just finding my footing as a new teacher..
Adding social media to the mix brought its own challenges. Suddenly, I was navigating public feedback, learning how to set boundaries, and figuring out how to stay authentic while also being mindful of privacy and professionalism. At first, I questioned whether I could do both—and do them well. While I do my best to tune out negativity, it can be loud—especially when it comes from people who hold outdated views about what teachers should or shouldn’t do. One of the most frustrating and inappropriate comments I’ve received is: ‘You shouldn’t do ________ because you’re a teacher.’
Teaching is a profession, just like any other. We are professionals. The fact that we work with children does not mean we forfeit our personal lives or identities. No one says to a doctor or a lawyer, *’You shouldn’t go to a concert’ or ‘You shouldn’t have a drink on the weekend’—so why are teachers expected to adhere to a separate, stricter set of social rules?
Enjoying my weekends, working out in cute sets, going to dinner or a music festival, or attending an event—none of these things make me less of an educator. In fact, they make me a better one. I’m extroverted, and spending time with friends and engaging in my hobbies recharges me. I come back to school energized, focused, and ready to give my students the best version of myself.
I’ve also taken my social media partnerships and side projects very seriously. If I’m attending an event or working with a brand, I show up as a professional—just like I do in the classroom. It’s not about ‘partying’ or living irresponsibly—it’s about building a fulfilling, balanced life.
I’m 26, unmarried, and don’t have children yet, but some people expect me to live like I do—quiet, reserved, and behind the scenes. The reality is, many young teachers are entering this profession full of energy and passion, but burnout is real. One of the main reasons I haven’t burned out is because I’ve given myself permission to have a life outside of school. Teaching fuels my purpose, but my outside interests—social media, fitness, fashion, and creative work—help protect my peace.
This conversation is about more than going out on the weekends. It’s also about advocating for teachers to pursue other income streams, hobbies, and goals. We don’t have the same growth trajectory or compensation models as many other professions. Why shouldn’t teachers be encouraged to build something of their own outside the classroom—especially when it brings benefits back into the classroom? And like I shared previously, the doors that have opened for me personally through social media have also brought exciting opportunities and resources to my students and school.
To top it all off—yes, I’ve even been told I’m ‘too pretty to be a teacher.’ Comments like that are not only offensive, they’re deeply reductive. We need to shift the narrative. Teachers are whole people. We’re diverse, dynamic, passionate, and multi-dimensional.
But all of those bumps in the road helped me grow. They pushed me to develop better time management, stronger communication skills, and a thicker skin. I learned how to take breaks when I need them and to surround myself with supportive people who understand both sides of what I do.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth—but I wouldn’t trade it. The lessons I’ve learned through the hard moments have shaped me into a more grounded educator and creator.
And once again to sum it all up: Teachers have lives. And we should be allowed to live them fully.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Educator/Content Creator
I am most proud that I have found a way to do both and advocate for it!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I wouldn’t have always described myself as a risk-taker, but looking back, some of the most pivotal moments in my journey came from decisions that required me to step out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned that risk isn’t about being impulsive—it’s about trusting your instincts even when there’s uncertainty involved.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was deciding to share my full self on social media—not just as a teacher, but as a young woman with a personality, passions, and a life outside the classroom. In education, we’re often held to extremely rigid standards, and I worried: Would I still be taken seriously? Would people judge me for being visible outside of school hours?
In teaching, there’s this pressure to fit a very narrow mold of what a ‘respectable’ teacher should look like. So when brand partnerships started coming my way, especially those outside the traditional education space, I had to navigate them carefully—and bravely.
That fear became very real when I was approached for a brand partnership with an alcohol company. My first reaction was hesitation. I thought, There’s no way I can say yes to this—I’m a teacher. But then I paused and asked myself: Why not? I wasn’t promoting anything inappropriate or irresponsible. I was simply being invited to represent a lifestyle that many adults—including educators—already live. I knew I could do it in a classy, authentic, and mindful way. So I took the partnership—and it was a turning point for me. It reminded me that professionalism and personality can coexist. The world didn’t end. In fact, the response was incredibly positive.
Another partnership that brought a lot of internal dialogue was with a plastic surgery clinic—following my own personal decision to get a cosmetic procedure. It’s not something I broadcasted widely at first, but when the opportunity arose to work with a clinic, I chose transparency. Not because I owed anyone an explanation, but because I believe it’s important to normalize personal autonomy, especially for women. I did something for myself, safely and confidently, and I was open about it. I knew some people might not agree—but I also knew that by being honest and thoughtful, I could help break the stigma around teachers having personal lives, and personal choices.
That experience taught me that risk is often just fear dressed up in uncertainty. And sometimes, leaning into it leads to growth—not just for yourself, but for the people watching you do it. Risk doesn’t mean being careless—it means being courageous enough to challenge expectations and show others that it’s okay to live fully and unapologetically.
So no, I don’t take risks just to take them. But when the opportunity aligns with my values, supports my goals, and feels true to who I am—I’ve learned to say yes, even when it’s scary.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivialeighrobinson?igsh=OXJ6bmZmbTdvMmY1&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@olivialeighrobinson?_t=8kmnwv8oguZ&_r=1
