Introduced by
Have you met Matt Olin?
He brings kindness, heart, intention, focus, energy, humor, and whip-smart savvy to any conversation.
Hello, hello! Have you met Matt Olin?
When you DO meet Matt, one thing you learn within a few very short minutes is how deeply intertwined his heart is with his wife’s. So it wasn’t long after I met Sarah at a women’s small business owner gathering that I met Matt, too. The two stopped by a casual party before hitting the town for date night. They were dressed to the nines simply because, well, it was date night, and they love dressing up for each other. I mean…how awesome is that?
But that is just the kind of conscientious guy Matt is. He doesn’t miss details. He thinks about the whole picture. And he brings kindness, heart, intention, focus, energy, humor, and whip-smart savvy to any conversation. And when Matt looks at you, there’s one thing you know for sure: he really *sees* you. That’s kinda priceless.
By day, Matt is a kick-arse copywriter and branding ninja. We’ve already established that he’s an amazing husband. And he is a wholeheartedly smitten dad to daughter Mirabelle. But what you may not know is that he’s also the initiating force behind Charlotte’s very own CreativeMornings, launching in the Queen City on November 6. Be there, or be square!
I asked him 6 questions. His answers are below his picture.
What motivates you? Where does your drive come from?
Honestly, my drive has always been a bit of a mystery to me. So many times in my life, I’ve been driven to do something – create a new piece of theater, join a band, produce a creative event of some kind – and all I know is that I’m tossing and turning at night, unable to get it out of my mind. It’s got something to do with passion and purpose. I always try to stay in tune to living a “purpose-filled life” and my projects over the years have surfaced organically out of that mantra. It’s exactly how I feel about launching CreativeMornings/Charlotte right now. We’re all volunteers rallying around this passion project. It takes time and energy and it doesn’t feed our bottom lines, but we simply need to do it.
What would you say your hardest trial has been and how did it change you?
Some of my biggest trials have included a failed marriage, a very public exit from a highly-visible job, and weathering a friend’s betrayal when he chose fame and fortune over all else. But a couple years ago, when I was struggling through this thing we call “The Thrash,” regretting some past decisions and trying to figure out what was next in my life, a friend introduced me to the concept of viewing my life as a party. The good stuff, the messy stuff, the trials and triumphs – it’s all part of what makes it an unforgettable bash. So as long as I keep inviting the people I want there, bouncing the folks I don’t, and playing the music I love, life is amazing.
Why do you love Charlotte?
I grew up here. I’ve watched this city develop and grow. It’s like growing up with a dear friend and having so much history with that person that you can’t help loving them deeply. That’s how I feel about Charlotte.
If you could have a conversation with someone that’s no longer living who would that be and why?
William Shakespeare – I have so many questions for one of the world’s most prolific geniuses.
Jack Lemmon – I always thought I’d have the opportunity to work with my favorite actor of all time, but I never did.
My Aunt Pat – I want to ask her what heaven is like.
What would you love to see happen in Charlotte in the next 5 years?
I fully assume and expect that Charlotte will become known as one of America’s true creative hotbeds. Like, top 3 in the country. We’ll be associated with massive creative output, game-changing creative thinking, and a community of makers and doers who are truly moving the meter is so many varied disciplines. It’s already happening in a big bad way. We have some major wind in our sails. We just need to capitalize on our momentum.
What makes you smile?
When my 3-year-old daughter says things like, “Mommy and Daddy, you are always in my heart.” (Melt.)
Get in touch with Matt at hello@mattolincreative.com, mattolincreative.com or charlotteiscreative.com.
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