We had the good fortune of connecting with T. Hollie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi T. Hollie, do you have a budget? how do you think about personal finances?

Who am I? Sheesh, well, I’m T. Hollie.. often misunderstood; ALWAYS authentic. Honestly, I’m just another South Jersey Girl, from Cumberland County aspiring to be a Hollywood STAR; Obsessed with all things Hollywood & Entertainment growing up, I was sure I was going to be Hollywood Royalty.. welp, Realizing, not everyone was made for the spotlight, I found my passion making other people feel like stars!

 I’m known for my straight forward sarcastic personality, dark sense of humor, “hypeman” stature and my unique/deep outlook on pretty much every and anything, giving me a irresistible vibe. Honestly, the street culture and city mentality of my hometown is the ONLY reason why I am the way I am today. Humans are very observant, me being one of them. I like to think that everyone you meet is met for a reason, which is why I found a way to learn from everyone I ever meet, of course perfecting it for, me. The lessons Ive learned from my hometown have helped me mature, be open minded, and see the world for what it really is. I used go to the Bodega daily, and the owner would always say “Hollie, when you make it to Hollywood, promise me you won’t ever let someone take something from you that belongs to YOU.” Two things you can never take from me, my love and kindness for ALL people and my passion for photography.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am an iPhotographer and owner of HOLLiEWOOD STUDiOS that gives Regular People, Celebrity Results & at a fraction of the cost! Yes, you’ve heard me correct, iPhone! I’ve spent countless hours a day, for months learning how to use my iPhone camera to capture magical moments and give magazine worthy results.

While growing up, have you ever looked in Vogue, Harper Bazaar, Paper Magazine and GQ and say, “I wish I could have a photoshoot like that”? But then always knew you couldn’t afford it? I was that girl.

I had stacks and stacks of fashion magazines where I would cut out different parts of each photoshoot to create a mood board of what my dream shoots would be. I never really saw my exact ideas in the spread throughout the magazines. I see things differently and with the world being where it is right now, I wanted it to see itself, how I see it. I try to see the beauty in EVERYONE and its always a different beauty than most even see in themselves. Now, with HOLLiEWOOD STUDiOS, you can see your authenticity through my eyes and have them memories to look back on if ever you forget your beauty.

You’ll get not just a Photoshoot, but a HOLLiEWOOD EXPERiENCE!

When people discuss what they are most proud of, I’m most proud of never losing my character and authenticity; raw and real! I hope it reflects on my sets, my clients, and my finished product. I’m always excited to see my clients (HOLLiE HOTTiES) look at themselves in my photos and not just SEE how beautiful they are, but also FEEL it.

I find myself as an over achiever that wants to push boundaries, opening the minds of others; making them feel and see their true beauty, ALL simultaneously while being kind and appreciative.

It wasnt always easy, trying to become me, and in fact, I’m still working on it. Being better than the person I was yesterday while still staying authentic, is what I strive for. Living in dreams that are realistic.

Ive learned a lot of life and professional lessons:

1. Walk in your own path: you will be rejected, hated on and outright lied about. That doesn’t change YOU!
2. Good things dont come easy: it’s hard work, but sometimes it’s worth the sacrifices.
3. Never hesitate, when you should act: like Nike, JUST DO IT!
4. Set Goals in Reality, and be flexible: people change, so dreams do too.. be cool on yaself. It will work out.
5. Never fail to try MORE: self explanatory 🙂
6. Experience what you have learned: & then reflect!
and
7. MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT!

While no one is perfect, I do strive for greatness and never take any opportunity for granted no matter how big or small. Putting limits on myself is NEVER an option, and believe me, i have wanted to quit many many times, you just can’t!

 I was recently asked what my goal is for the next five years and for the past 15 years, my answer has always been the same. My only wish is to leave a positive mark on everyone I meet.. lead with kindness and truth, have the world see itself, as I see it & let everyone feel when I’m gone .. that I made a difference, I WAS HERE!

I won’t live forever, but the memories I capture can, and will live on for generations to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite locations to go in ATL is less in crowd and more of the hidden gems in the city. First one being, Dolls Head Trail, Atlanta’s Rainbow Crosswalks in support of LGBTQ, Trap Music Museum and to eat, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken.

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?
Id love to dedicate my shoutout to my daughter, Aiyanna, and my girl Sabrina, who are the inspiration and core reason on why I grind the way I do! Also, for all the women that thought they could never do it or weren’t good enough…YOU CAN! YOU ARE! You WILL!

Instagram: @holliewoodstudiosi

Facebook: Holliewood Studios iPhotography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.