Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosa Olivo.
Hi Rosa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My path into events and markets wasn’t something I originally planned.
It started when I began showing up to support local, and it turned into a path I never expected.
From there, I started by attending local events and markets. Then I began networking and supporting Orange Blossom Market Co. and small businesses in my community.
As I learned more behind the scenes, I started taking on more, and my role just kept growing from there.
Today, I’m the Senior Event Operations Manager for Orange Blossom Market Co., and I love working behind the scenes and being part of what it takes to make each event come together.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve learned a lot since I first started in 2022, and I’m still learning.
A work challenge has been learning to manage different things as they come up, think quickly, go with the flow, and troubleshoot in the moment, while staying calm and remembering that there’s always a solution.
One of my biggest personal challenges has been trusting my growth and stepping into bigger responsibilities with confidence.
I’m constantly being pushed outside my comfort zone, but I’ve learned that usually means I’m growing.
Along the way, I’ve learned to be more intentional with my time, even though I naturally love giving and helping.
I’ve also learned the importance of using my voice and advocating for myself the same way I advocate for others, and finding a balance so I can keep helping others while also making space for myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I started with Orange Blossom Market Co. as an Event Specialist in 2022, and over time my role grew into Senior Event Operations Manager.
In this role, I help oversee the behind the scenes details on event days that help everything run smoothly from start to finish.
That includes vendor coordination during events, making sure everything runs smoothly on site, and solving problems in real time so vendors and guests have a consistent, positive experience, and when we have multiple events running at the same time, I help oversee one of them and make sure it stays organized and running smoothly.
I previously served on the board of the Mount Dora Jane Austen Fest as Volunteer Chair. In that role, I attended board meetings and coordinated volunteers, communication, scheduling, and day of support.
I focused on making sure volunteers had all the tools and information they needed to feel prepared and valued, so guests had a smooth experience throughout the Fest.
For me, it’s all about community.
I love connecting with people, building relationships, and helping others get seen and supported.
I’m big on finding solutions, and even when something goes wrong, I try to find a positive, learn from it, and make it better next time, and having my husband and two daughters as my biggest support system motivates me to keep pushing forward.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m passionate about creating spaces where my family, friends, and anyone I come in contact with feel welcomed, understood, supported, and seen. I love helping people.
Whether it’s friends, family, vendors at events, volunteering, or everyday connections, I believe small moments of care and encouragement can make a lasting impact. That’s a big part of who I am today and comes from how I was raised and the values my parents instilled in me.
Image Credits
Jessica Taylor Photography
