Holly Chester
Holly Chester is an author, creative, and entrepreneur based in Nashville, Tennessee. Her writing is meant to encourage and inspire others, whether they’re enduring heartbreak or feeling lost in the world. She’s a former artist-in-residence at the Chateau Orquevaux Artist Residency in France, where she worked on her debut poetry book Welcome To My Mind. She's always planning her next trip to Paris or penning her next poem.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
Writing a book was a big dream of mine and now that I’ve released a book into the world, I find myself dreaming new dreams. I’m still writing, so another book is always on the horizon, but I’m also feeling led to start a clothing brand and venture into the travel industry.
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
I’m still discovering it! I have so many passions and curiosities I’m interested in (languages, writing, wine education, travel, clothing design) and it’s leading me down this path of discovery where I’m discovering new versions of myself or versions I’ve never allowed to fully exist. I feel God is uncovering some dreams that may have been dormant and some new ones I’ve never thought of before. But through it all, I value connection and encouragement and continuing to find those within my career will always be the overall dream.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
I couldn’t do it without Him. But I also get frustrated with Him because I’m a planner and he doesn’t always tell me what’s going on, ha. Pursuing the idea of a clothing brand is intimidating because it’s in an industry I have no experience in, but I believe he’s asking me to trust Him and to be okay with not having all the answers. When I look back at what He’s brought me through before, I realize everything will work out and He’s not bringing me to this point to leave me. At the end of the day, it all comes down to trusting and letting go.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
Take a small action every day. For me, I recently went through a season where I didn’t want to write. I’m now writing for five minutes every night in my Notes app before bed and I added a calendar reminder in my phone to keep me accountable.
This may sound counterproductive, but make sure you set aside time to rest and not think about being creative. I set aside a day (or few hours if it’s a busy week) to just be - whether it’s binge watching a show or reading a book. As creatives, we get so focused on reaching our dream that we forget we need to rest and recharge. Every time I do this, I come back to my creative work with a fresh perspective or new idea.
What encouragement would you share with someone who’s going after their dream?
Remember your “why.” When I was writing my book, I wanted to give up so many times but then I remembered I was doing it for 12-year old Holly that wanted to write a book one day. Now I look at that book on my coffee table everyday and it reminds me how far I’ve come. When you focus on your “why,” it gives you the motivation you need.
Nothing is permanent. The tough season you’re going through won’t last forever. You just have to go through it. I also believe it’s important to find people that are pursuing a similar path and/or a coach or mentor that can guide and encourage you because feeling alone can be a killer of dreams and motivation.