TWINSBURG, Ohio — On most days, you'll find 26-year-old Olivia DePiore making just about anyone she's around smile. She's a family gal: Mom, Vicky, and Dad, John, are her world. She likes to visit with her Uncle Daryl, too.
During the day, you'll find her at the Walmart in Macedonia folding clothes in the children's section. She's a hard worker with expert precision and fashion sense.
That may be because Olivia is an international model, walking runways in Paris, Milan and for New York Fashion Week several times. She even traveled to Dubai a few years ago for a World Influencer award.
"Big hotels. And, they've got a lot of money over there," Olivia joked.
Along with her quick wit, Olivia is sure of herself, especially when it comes to modeling.
"Oh, I love modeling," she told us.
She's been intrigued since she was a little girl. Eventually, studying YouTube videos of model poses. Now, she needs no instruction -- she's mastered her own strut.
"I remember seeing her on the stage at the back of the stage, and she would (take a deep breath) and then she'd take off. She focused," Vicky said.
Focus and courage are things Olivia learned early on when she battled Leukemia as a young girl.
"It was 17 years in remission now," Vicky said. "I was standing there looking at her and she looked up at me and said, 'Mommy, it's okay.' And I'm thinking, 'Wait a minute. I'm supposed to be consoling you and you're consoling me."
"It's amazing how she can always find the positive in something no matter what the situation is," Olivia's dad, John, said.
Those situations sometimes include ignorance.
"I know a person. They're not in the state, but they had some gorgeous dresses. And I reached out and said, 'Is there any possibility that we could rent them off you?' ... whatever the case may be. And they were just gorgeous gowns. And her response was, 'No, Olivia shouldn't wear things like that,'" Vicky recalled. "Why not? Why is she different than anybody else that would be in that category? She's 26 years old, allow her to be 26 years old."
There have been hurdles, for sure, but most experiences have been positive.
"In most of those communities, especially the fashion communities, she's been welcomed with open arms. And what we're also seeing is, is young ladies are reaching out to you," Vicky said to Olivia. "Today, somebody on Facebook, that also has Down Syndrome, wants to learn how to model."
Olivia isn't just breaking down barriers; she's making a difference. In 2022, she was named one of the Top 85 women in the United States for "Women Worth Watching."
"She's on a mission ... not just a mission with her modeling, but a mission in life. And I love to see someone that's driven like that. And, you are, you're driving that bus. And you're telling everybody, hop on. Hop on. 'Cause it's gonna be a ride," Vicky said to Olivia.
Remember that focus Olivia has? It'll always be there.
"I focus my head and my heart," Olivia said.
She's a survivor, trailblazer and superhero. And, she's living her best life.
"My dream come true," Olivia said.
Even though Olivia is busy with modeling and work at Walmart, she still has time to give back. Over the years, she's raised over $100,000 for the American Cancer Society, and $5,000 for the Make-A-Wish program.
To find out more about Olivia, click HERE.
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