Today we’d like to introduce you to Holli Dean.
Hi Holli, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I won a local pageant and took many years of dance. I was cast in a local PAC as the lead of Rumpelstiltskin. All credit to my mom, I was immersed in the arts & drama and this allowed me to be very involved with commercial work and theatre. My favorite was always Little Shop of Horrors as Audrey in 2004. Being an arts advocate and getting my vocals prepped with my school choir, I sang in NY, and then came home to win the local Miss America pageant -Miss Owasso 2005. Miss Oklahoma has many stories to tell. And I was able to help fund my own college associate of art degree in theatre with those scholarships. I recommend the Miss America pageants to those who want to help get into college. Moving to Los Angeles, I wanted to be in modeling, singing, + acting. I give all the credit to my Dad for getting me into the SAG-AFTRA union. And today, you can still support us on the Parenthood tv show filmed in Los Angeles. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the babies in the baby carriage. 3 of them! My husband and I spotted each other at our church in Los Angeles. We pulled through to Minnesota to be near family and sent in the troops for help with our growing family. Today you might spot me in my Gramps’ navy hat proudly and probably annoyingly so…but I want to remember to pray for my Grandma and keep his memory alive. Thanks to those who are able to read this story and check out my artwork whether it be in a magazine like this or singing, acting, or modeling. It means so much to use my talents for good. God bless!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It is always a challenge in the entertainment industry. Everyone is trying their best to portray their passions. We then have to put ourselves out there to be reviewed by the audience and hold strong to how that plays out.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love singing, acting, modeling, writing, + drawing art. I’m most proud of my music + makeup. I believe breaking stigmas is my hobby. I love to be a misfit and help others see how important they are in society. We all want to be seen and be viewed as important and I believe that is God’s job. I stand out because I’m a Jesus freak but I don’t force others to believe. That’s not my job. I know that entertainment + media can be used for both evil + good. I make sure to be intentional with each day God gives me to engage + pull through. I’ve struggled with wanting to exit life…to ask God to take me…but He nudged me to use the arts to pull through and use it for His good.
What does success mean to you?
I believe success is not giving up. I wanted to so many times, and I realized it was more vain to take my life. If God gives me this life, I better see how he can use me + not pull the plug. So my success is living + staying out of the darkness as the AFSP states in their campaign. Shine bright!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollidean_/
Image Credits
Studio 292
Kelly Gritzmacher Headshot Photography
Quarter Horse Photography
Modeling Shots Family Photo – Mathias Orfield
