Ode to Olivia
Two years ago, a lovely young graduate from Brown University contacted me inquiring about a position with Manhattan Sideways. I was fascinated with her resume and agreed to meet. She had me at hello, as the saying goes. Her beautiful long red hair, her smile, her voice, and her warm, friendly personality captured my heart immediately.
When I look back now, as we approach 100th Street, I am not quite certain how I completed those earlier streets without Olivia. Her attention to detail, her thoughtful writing, her positivity and energy, and her willingness to take on any project are endlessly appreciated. She has played an instrumental role in every aspect of Manhattan Sideways since the fall of 2014. She has traversed the city from the East River to the Hudson and back again every single week, conducting interviews and writing so many of the fascinating stories that are now on the site.
Olivia has always had the same vision and commitment to supporting and promoting the side street businesses that I have. Her enthusiasm and eagerness devoted to my passion project have kept me in line and moving forward every single day.
With all my love I wish the bright and talented Olivia a very happy birthday today, June 28th. I thank her for adding so much to Manhattan Sideways and for being my friend, confidante, and best supporter.
Our fabulous photographer Tom has been Olivia’s partner in crime and is also an integral member of our team. I asked him to put his thoughts into words to honor our dear friend on her birthday:
For the better part of two years Olivia and I have become a force to be reckoned with on the side streets of Manhattan. Through bitter cold, searing heat, and drenching rain, we have had the pleasure of listening to countless touching stories with the business owners from 1st to 100th Streets. Together, we have been able to capture much of them both in my photographs and in her words, while also forging a unique bond and lasting friendship. She has become a constant source of laughter and encouragement, and I could not imagine Manhattan Sideways, or my life, without her. I wish her the happiest of birthdays – first (and second) round is on me!
