Meet Holly Bills | Writer & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Holly Bills and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Holly, how do you think about risk?
Risk, the four-letter word that so many fear and avoid, except perhaps for the adrenaline seekers out there. Entire books have been written on that little word. Now when I think about risk, I am considering two items in particular: an associated timeframe and the type of risk at hand.

Timeframe is easy: immediate, mid, or long term. As for types of risk, there are several to consider: reputational, monetary, operational, strategic, health and safety, and compliance. Before you determine how to properly manage the risk, you have to determine the form it takes. After all, an immediate risk to someone’s safety is not addressed in the same way a long-term reputational risk is, nor should it be.

Risk management has played an integral role in my professional career, comingled within my finance and accounting, human resources, and nonprofit management experience. If there is anything I can impart, it is this. You cannot eliminate risk; you can attempt to avoid it or minimize its effects–but you cannot cease its existence. Once you embrace that truth, you can determine the acceptable level for you and your business and plan accordingly.

Before I started my writing business, I took special note of monetary, operational, and reputational risk. I considered the following questions carefully. What financial costs was I committing to? Did I have appropriate time to dedicate to this endeavor to make it successful? How could the topics I write about potentially affect my professional career and personal life? What boundaries was I willing to set and which ones were more pliable?

There is not a one size fits all approach nor an easy answer. Risk can be managed, and successfully. But to do so, you must be knowledgeable of the inherent risks, your approach, and coordinate a plan should they come to fruition. Do not let risk in and of itself deter you from your goals; instead, let it guide you.

Let’s talk shop. Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me and Southern Holly apart? Number one, I buck the SEO optimization template that so dominates the internet. Have you noticed how many blogs and articles are all set up the same way, and yet offer little to no substance? I write with a purpose to tell a message. If that costs Southern Holly visibility but gains it someone who finds meaning, or healing, or joy–in my mind, I still come out ahead. Indeed, we all do. The other thing that sets Southern Holly apart is the willingness to be honest and candid in an empathetic way. An inspirational blog that avoids the difficult parts of life or preaches instead of going into the trenches is a disservice to all. I want to weave a story so poignant you feel it was written just for you, in this moment, and yet so meaningful, once read, you return to it again.

One of the challenges of writing is putting yourself out there for the world to see. Your musings, thoughts, and way of looking at life are on full view. When you have a talent or a desire to pursue an interest–that winds up pulling rank on all the doubts and misgivings. Certainly, you steel yourself, but you also remind yourself of the ‘why’ behind what you are doing.

I’ve learned that if we want to make real connections, we have to at times make ourselves vulnerable. It’s the same as when the floor is opened up for questions, and no one raises their hand. And then, a hand slowly raises asking the question that was on everyone’s mind. The room audibly sighs in relief as discussion breaks out. Do not be afraid of raising your hand or living your truth.

Southern Holly is an inspirational blog that provides weekly articles, taking no more than 2-3 minutes of your time, and are accompanied by original photography of places in the Southeast that tie in some way to the article. All are welcome, and I encourage you to visit Southern Holly’s website and pick an article. You may find something that you needed to hear as laughter, solace, joy, encouragement, and resilience are free and always on the menu.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In any given city, I tend to avoid the tourist traps and chain restaurants and the overall go, go, go. Peace and rejuvenation are a prime consideration. I prefer to start with the history of a town, so museums and historical tours are a must. After that, some environmental appreciation is always welcomed–parks, trails, panoramic vistas, and anything that is unique to that area. If you want to understand a place, you have to understand its beauty. Dinner would always be locally owned with the specialties of the area on the menu.

Rather than value the number of exciting people or places to come across, I value meeting accurate representations of a community. They may not be in high denominations, but the conversation and experience will be memorable and lasting. And really, isn’t that what a trip is all about?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would be remiss if I did not begin with family and friends, who believed in me when my writing journey was nothing but a wistful dream (and are not afraid of telling me which stories resonate and which ones are just so-so). Thank you for always being willing to go on a drive to gather more photos and inspiration, and for understanding when I have to hole myself up in my writing space for extended times.

Beyond that, I have to dedicate this Shoutout to all of the people I gather inspiration from. The imperfect, the ones whose eyes tell a story not yet told. The ones seeking hope and a way to understand the world we live in. The ones who have a purpose or are still looking for theirs. The ones who intentionally look for joy. The ones who look to better their relationship with themselves as much as with others. The ones who realize that sometimes we have to take life second by second instead of day by day. The ones who reinforce that our tragedies and triumphs are not the sum total.

Website: https://www.southernholly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernhollyblog/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southern-holly/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernhollyblog

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvwQOY6NP4dOLh4MWbKmMBA

Image Credits
Holly Bills Jared Bills