Pioneer Definition:

A thought. A decision. A vision. Worlds come into existence for a multitude of reasons. They aren’t all masterplans, but a pioneer harnesses that inception and uses it to fuel, hone and share their intention.

Liv

Words by Fayola Douglas

Brand Editor, Amplify

Little Writer, President of gal-dem & Author

Images: Bexy Cameron

Little by name but with big ambitions, Liv Little has shown her talents to stretch far beyond the creative outlet that first set her on our radar.

Moving on from her role as gal-dem’s Founder and CEO to become President of the board, Little is now pursuing other creative endeavours. These include writing her first novel, Rosewater, which is scheduled for release in spring 2023.

Little’s talent lies in being able to identify a story and deciding on the best way to tell it. Her move into fiction and drama has allowed her the creative freedom to explore various themes, topics and wild ideas.

Slowing down to build worlds

During the pandemic, I went walking around Epping Forest, because walking was all we were allowed to really do, and I was listening to a horror soundscape. You’re looking at this normal environment but everything becomes creepy because of the sounds.

There are lots of places to seek inspiration – from discovering new places to seeing how people interact with each other, or viewing an environment through a new lens. Many characters I am working on are based on my observations of how different personalities move through life, through situations like grief or walking down the street. I find myself watching people and formulating little stories about who they are or what might be happening in their lives. You can find inspiration, ideas for storytelling, worldbuilding and character development anywhere.

Allowing yourself the time and space needed is important. In the past two years, I’ve slowed down my way of working and the way I show up, coming from running a business to writing stories and building ideas out. And that’s been key to me being able to explore and experiment.

gal-dem beginnings

I started gal-dem when I was 21 and in my last year of uni. I really wanted to connect with people and didn’t know that it would be as popular as it became, or that so many people would want to be involved with it. There was an energy of just going out and doing things and trying things. It was very DIY to begin with, then evolved into a business. I ended up with less time to feed the creative parts of my brain as you’re having to feed the business. It was an honour, I’m super glad and fortunate that I had that experience.

But as you near 30, you realise you are a different person to how you were at 21. On a personal level, I have experienced the loss of my dad and stepdad, and those moments of deep grief and sadness are reminders of what’s important and the fact we should be unafraid and go after the things we want.