Currently reading:
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellor
Working on:
Consulting clients
My creative practice
Little Studio Tokai
Being a mom :)
Here to create.
Meet Holly
Hello, I'm Holly Jade Courtenay, a solopreneur, writer and digital brand strategist, committed to learning, growing and doing the work to manifest the most abundant, creative life possible.
I love developing creative businesses and brands from the inside out, and working with growth-minded individuals to leverage their authentic expression and bring their soul-projects to life.
My happy place is exploring themes of creative intelligence, psycho-spirituality and growth mindset in the things I watch, read and listen to. These ripple into my work with clients, creating both a safe container and an unpretentious, authentic space to go deep and shift forwards with aligned strategy and vision.
I believe the world needs to see, feel and be changed by this new kind of business: the heart-centred, soul-led, purpose-driven kind.
I live in Cape Town with my husband, daughter and dogs, and enjoy good music, reading literary fiction and books on personal transformation, getting arty and crafty, experimenting in the kitchen and spending time in nature.
As a multi-passionate and multi-skilled creative, I’ve spent two decades studying and practising a variety of disciplines and modalities including; creative writing, journalism, public relations, digital writing, brand strategy, event management; and more recently, sub-skilling with interest studies and coursework in life-coaching, art therapy, writing fiction, and creating abstract art. I’ve been part of creative business coaching containers and conscious business communities, and have exited two creative business ventures I was part of nurturing from start-ups into successful, scalable entities.
Attended Boston Media House in Johannesburg, majoring in Public Relations and Journalism, earning Student of the Year 2006
Started my first business at 21, Done Blonde Media; a public relations and content
writing offering to the music industry (before content was a thing!)5+ Years in social media, digital marketing and community management at Network Creative Agencies and PR Firms, including contract consulting to build, train and
up-skill digital teams11 Years of Aitch Create - my business reflects my evolution in digital marketing and brand communication. I left my agency job to take a chance on myself in 2014 and
never looked back!15 Years as a music writer, columnist and pr/event marketer, writing for local and international music publications, and promoting some of South Africa’s iconic music festivals and events
7 Years as Partner and Communications Director of a Cape Town-based electronic music festival, established and scaled the digital presence and marketed 17 sold out events. Exited in 2020
Co-founder and Creative Director of Otherness, an event company specialising in curated boho and moroccan-style low-lounge and picnic setups - a niche business servicing high-end clients and events, sold in 2023
Founded Creative Motherhood, an early motherhood project and community connecting mothers with their creative selves and practising creativity as a form of self-care through creative workshops and experiences.
Launched Little Studio Tokai, a creative space and event room for local artists and creatives to host workshops and share their talents with like-minded creatives - later pivoted into an Airbnb.
Started the Creation Circle, A weekly gathering for female solopreneurs to connect and do deep work sessions together on live calls.