Des Moines Parent Spotlight: Katie Holl of Holl Marketing Services and Katie Holl Creative
Katie Holl keeps busy with not one, but two small businesses. She’s also a mom to three young ones, so you could say she keeps a full plate. Des Moines Parent connected with Katie to learn more about her and her journey.
Give us a little background on yourself.
I grew up in the Twin Cities area and came down to Des Moines to attend Drake University. Iowa grew on me, so I pursued career opportunities here in Des Moines and have called Iowa home since 2006. My husband and I currently live in Johnston with our three children, Charlotte (10), Axel (7), and Evelyn (5), as well as our very active dog, Ginger.
In addition to running my two small businesses, I enjoy volunteering with our children’s school and church and have found a fun creative outlet for baking and decorating allergy-friendly cakes.
Could you give us an overview of your businesses and what inspired them?
I have two small businesses. I graduated from Drake University with a degree in Creative Advertising and always enjoyed the creative arts and writing. After I graduated in 2006, I ended up on the account management side working for many local ad agencies. While these agencies taught me some incredible skills in management and relationship building, I felt called back to my passion for writing. So, in 2013, I took a leap of faith and began Holl Marketing Services, my freelance writing and marketing firm. I get to support clients and share their stories through content creation and marketing support.
My other small business evolved from a passion to advocate for children and individuals with food allergies. All three of our children have multiple food allergies, which came with a 180-degree lifestyle change. I wanted to share our story to empower those living with food allergies, as well as educate those without food allergies to grow in compassion and awareness. So, I decided to write children’s books, which is how Katie Holl Creative began in 2020. I currently have one book published and am working on our second book!
What are your favorite parts of your businesses?
I love the flexibility I have through owning my own businesses to be accessible to both my clients and my children.
I truly love building relationships and creative problem-solving with my clients. I enjoy learning their stories and sharing them in fun and creative ways to engage with their audiences and support their business goals and growth.
How do you juggle your parenting responsibilities with your business responsibilities?
I’d probably be lying if I said I’m doing it well. Kids and life can certainly throw some curveballs, but it all comes down to time management and planning. Because I am at home, it can be difficult for the kids to understand I may need time to work, but my husband is so supportive, and we do a good job tag-teaming to give each other the time we need while assuring our children are also getting their needs and wants met. Now that all our kids are in school, it allows me to work during the day so I can make sure when they are home, they get my full focus.
For my publishing business, it’s been incredibly fun to have my kids help at events and even ship out books. Making them a part of the process, getting their input, etc., not only teaches them but gives me time to connect with them as well.
What are some of your favorite things to do with your family around the metro?
I love how much Des Moines has grown, so we take advantage of the events and fun around town. Attending the Des Moines Art Festival each summer is a must in our home. We also enjoy visiting local bookstores and libraries and finding new fun indoor play areas to check out.
In the summer, you can likely find us at a local park, out biking on the trails, or at the Blank Park Zoo.
What’s your ideal parent day or night out?
Well, we don’t get out much, but we’ve always enjoyed live music, so dinner and a concert would be right up our alley. And maybe a stop at a local brewery. Backpocket Pin and Pixel recently opened in Johnston, which has been a great place to grab a drink and play some fun arcade games.
What’s your number one parenting tip?
Give more grace. For yourself, as the parent, and for your children. Everyone’s learning together. No parent or child is the same, and giving grace allows love to lead.
Follow her!
