Holly grows up surrounded by makers — spending weekends in fabric stores with her mother and grandmother, both passionate about sewing, interiors, and design. She works in her mother’s art gallery and frame shop during high school, nurturing a deep appreciation for color, craftsmanship, and creativity.

Holly becomes an elementary school teacher, dedicating 18 years to the classroom. Throughout these years, she remains a self-taught oil painter, running an art consulting business and exploring fashion, textiles, and design whenever possible. Creativity is always there — waiting for its moment.

As Holly continues teaching, she begins imagining clothing for women that feels both easy and elevated — silhouettes that honor her love of color, art, and timeless design. The idea lingers, grows, and whispers “why not?”

With unexpected time away from teaching, Holly slows down, reconnects with painting, begins making jewelry again, and finally has the space to explore her long-held design dreams. Holly Shae® is officially formed — while she is still teaching full-time.

Holly reaches out to a manufacturer and begins bringing her clothing ideas to life. Wanting her garments to merge art and fashion, she collaborates with @studiobetsy and @dallisfosheeart to develop original watercolor prints that become foundational to her aesthetic.

For two full years, Holly teaches elementary school by day and builds her fashion brand by night — designing, painting, packing orders, and running a business fueled by passion, persistence, and endless creativity.

Custom watercolor prints, timeless silhouettes, and Holly’s love for color become the recognizable heart of the brand. Retailers begin to take notice, and small-batch apparel production grows.

Holly partners with Janice Dean to create a custom Derby dress, a collaboration featured on Fox News that brings national attention to the artistry and heart behind the brand.

She is also featured as a 2023 Real Housewives of Miami guest designer! You can see her with the housewives on Season 6, episode 11.

Thanks to the incredible support and collaboration with Janice Dean and her 2024 Fox News Derby feature, Holly Shae® expands into 300 boutiques and resorts across the U.S., Canada, and Europe — with showrooms in Atlanta and Dallas at Reeves & Company. This milestone was reached with humility, joy, and an “it’s never too late” mindset.

Holly deepens her support for Teacher’s Closet, giving back to the very world that shaped her — educators, students, and the classroom community she held close for 18 years.

Now at 50, Holly stands as proof that it’s never too late to chase what you love. Holly Shae™ continues to grow while staying true to the heart that started it: art, color, craftsmanship, and connection.