Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Rust.
Hi Holly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
The military brought me to San Antonio. My father was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base. We moved from California, so as a young child, I pictured wooden doors, horses everywhere, and tumbleweeds when my dad told us we were moving to Texas. I was wrong, and we settled in nicely. What I loved about our new home was how everyone was welcoming. I enjoyed growing up under the Friday Night Lights and loved every minute of my high school experience at Judson ISD. I was a member of the Galaxie Dance Team, and it taught me so many disciplines I still use in my life today. Once I graduated, I decided to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio. It was an up-and-coming University when I heard, but before I left, it started growing, and I barely recognize it today! After graduating college, I earned a coveted internship with the San Antonio Spurs, a dream come true. I’ll always remember my time there and the rush I would get watching the team run out of the tunnel each game. My time with the Spurs spanned over the dynasty years, so as you can imagine, it’s time I’ll always cherish. Shortly after my time with the Spurs, I moved to Chicago but came home to visit often. I love the growing food scene and seeing how San Antonio is now a top travel destination. It will always be “home” to me.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
A road is never smooth; if someone says it is, they lie. After leaving San Antonio, I worked in luxury hotels for a decade, then started my own media company, which has continued to grow more than I ever could have imagined. I focus on content creation for brands. I’ve written pieces for major publications and have helped hundreds of local Chicago businesses grow. Each growth stage has come with challenges, but that’s where you shine. Success takes grit and showing up daily, even when you don’t want to.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Holly Rust Media?
I started a media brand in 2012 while working in luxury hotels. It began with a blog sharing where to go and what to do in Chicago, with a few new moms living in the city. I eventually got picked up by the Huffington Post and began writing for their blog platform. From there, I started writing for Hearst and other publications, which brought a social media following. In 2014 a brand asked if I would create content for one of their products, and a light bulb went off. Since then, I’ve worked with and created content for Google, Hyundai, the NBA, Broadway In Chicago, and many more. On top of creating content, I also consult businesses on social media strategies and how to grow their brand. I still have my blog, which I started in 2012, and I share all things Chicago and travel.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Anywhere I go, I’m talking to people. I’m always making connections, and I also love to connect with people. When I engage in conversations, my thoughts are usually based on how I can help them rather than how they can help me. This creates genuine relationships. Relationships create friendships, friendships develop partnerships, and partnerships create empires. You never know if your next connection will return when needed, so never stop networking!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollydays_chicago/
