Meet Holly D.

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

Hi Holly, how do you think about risk?
Risk plays a large part in my life – I now believe life is about timing and chances; feeling the moment and making a decision based on how you feel in that moment, so long as you’re trying to do what is best for you. I used to be a very calculated person who always worried about the future, which would bring on so much stress. I was constantly fearing what choices will result in the better outcome later and striving for some perfect result each time. I lived in the future and not in the moment. It really took a toll on my mental health without me really noticing it. I had some unexpected things happen in my life such as health and financial changes that I unfortunately had no control over. But that’s just it – We never really know what the future holds as much as we try our best to control it. It took a special person to help me realize that as I struggled with anxiety and depression through the process. Once I accepted the difficult reality that I had no control over my health situation, I started making more sporadic (Risky) changes and today I am so thankful for that. I chose to completely quit the life I had before because it was out of my control- Which brought a new opportunity to do content creation and modeling full time whereas before, I was unpassionate about the corporate jobs I’d worked all my life – Just sailing through day to day like a robot in society. Though I’d lost financial reassurance and fought the constant “Am I doing the right thing?” mentality, I now had the time to do the actual work I’d been passionate about that I’d wanted to pursue my whole life. I am now meeting people, working with photographers, socializing. I now have the time to do photoshoots, make outfits, be creative, and travel when I’m able. Before, I was too afraid to take this risk even with good health and good money!!! I’m now in a much healthier mental state than I was before because even if at a slower pace – I’m doing what I enjoy as an unexpected tradeoff from the past person I was therefore making me a better person.
Sometimes you must do things that you are unsure of regardless of trying to predict the result. Most of the time the decision will not be as perfect as intended…it may be different and that’s okay! I’ve learned that literally when something seems negative, another positive situation comes as a result. There is no perfect guide book for your life, so don’t be so hard on yourself if something doesn’t go perfectly! Take peace in knowing you have done what is best for you in the moment because life can change at any given moment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a freelance alternative model and content creator. I specialize in boudoir, cosplay, and body art. I do cater to the general alternative communities whether that be gaming, anime, music, fashion, or specialized photography. I feel it’s complicated to describe myself simply because I do not fit into any specific genre. I’m very literally “all over the place” when it comes to my creation style. One day might be cosplay. The next might be alternative fashion, the next day might be boudoir…sprinkled in with the occasional cat selfie…I enjoy being different and always popping off with content that someone may not always predict from me. Keep them guessing! I got into modeling around 2014 and been doing it ever since between jobs or when the opportunity arose, However, I am a full time model now. The journey was a little tricky because you have to balance finances and time. People often think it’s so easy to whip out your phone and take a few pictures and “poof!” You’re a famous YouTube star over night…without realizing it takes money to purchase outfits, props, studios, materials. It can take hours to edit and produce a measly 1 minute video. Obtaining expensive computers, cameras, tech to film such content, I could go on and on.
There’s a lot of judgement in the industry, no matter what community you’re apart of. It’s important to stay yourself, do what you love FOR YOU and not others despite all the eyes watching. It’s hard to maintain staying true to yourself, being comfortable with yourself and the content you’re putting out, but also keeping the attention of your audience.
I do my best to maintain a judgement free zone through my content and invite everyone to continue to be themselves. I often talk about the risks of succumbing to social media judgement and the effects it can have on mental health – especially to the young audience who make up the majority of social media consumers. I hope that by being who I am and preaching freedom and acceptance of expression it can make a difference on anyone struggling with their identity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A fun hang out for me is hitting Puttshack in Atlanta for some really fun mini golf and good drinks! Another fun place is Blue Ghost Arcade, it offers a retro gaming atmosphere where you can play unlimited pinball machines and modern games with a bar! I also prefer Asian cuisine so I’d venture over to Buford highway for some amazing authentic Asian food restaurants. The same is true for Lawrenceville and Duluth. Some of my favorites places specifically are Shoya Izukaya, Yebisuya, Kyu Ramen and Kpot. Then I’d finish up with some great bubble tea and anime stores! I absolutely love Chi Cha San Chen for specialty drinks! Ebisuya, Kinokuniya, and Teso Life are so fun for special anime products and snacks!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a shout out to everyone who’s been insanely supportive of me through this process, really the last two years. One being my wonderful Fiancé – Won. I can’t thank him enough for supporting the opportunity for me to do any and all the things I enjoy by cheering me on along the way. Whenever I have doubts about anything, he steps in to help give guidance and support. He’s seen me laugh. He’s seen me cry, but I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without him. My best friends – Tabi, Nero, Kenny, and others. Whenever I feel like I’m not good enough they literally hype me up and convince me I can do anything. They’re constantly offering me resources like people I should work with or concepts I should create, even cool clothing brands or video game stuff I should get into for inspiration. They’re always the first ones to hype up anything I create.
The photographers I’ve worked with over the years, too many to name. I’m extremely thankful for those I shoot with because it takes trust, personality, skill, and creativity to work together to produce the same concepts we both enjoy. It’s the most fun when it’s something super artsy and both of our minds just click!
My social media followers: Literally without your support I couldn’t continue to create content! It’s your likes, comments, and sharing that spreads my face across the world! I’m genuinely thankful to even imagine a handful of people loving what I create much less the amount of support I actually receive. It’s absolutely amazing to me and I thank you all.

Instagram: Instagram.com/cuppykitsune

Other: Business email – Cuppykitsune@gmail.com 

Image Credits
Solita Delacruz Reeyon Rouse David Hobbs