Meet Holly Shaw

We were lucky to catch up with Holly Shaw recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Holly, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I think my work ethic really comes from balancing multiple commitments at once. I’ve been working full time while also studying nursing full time, which has taught me how to be organised, disciplined, and consistent even when things get busy. On top of that, I create social media content, so I’ve had to learn how to manage my time really well and stay motivated. Juggling these responsibilities has shown me the value of hard work and persistence, and I carry that same mindset into everything I do — including my content creation.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Holly Shaw, a fashion, lifestyle, and food content creator based in Sydney. Alongside working full time as a nurse and studying nursing, I’ve built a growing online presence where I share everything from styling inspiration and beauty finds to standout food spots across Sydney.

What excites me most about content creation is the opportunity to connect with people in a real and relatable way. My audience follows along not just for the aesthetic content, but because I share my genuine experiences — whether that’s balancing a busy lifestyle, discovering hidden foodie gems, or showcasing brands I truly love. I think that authenticity is what makes my content stand out.

Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow my platforms and collaborate with brands that align with my style and values. I’ve been creating multiple Instagram reels and TikTok videos that bring fresh energy to the brands I work with, and I’m excited to keep building that momentum. Looking ahead, I’d love to expand into larger-scale collaborations and projects that allow me to showcase my creativity on an even bigger stage.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I think the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been discipline, adaptability, and authenticity.

Discipline has been essential for me — balancing full-time nursing work, full-time study, and content creation has taught me how to stay consistent and organised even when things get busy. For anyone starting out, I’d say focus on building routines and sticking to them; it makes a huge difference in the long run.

Adaptability has also been key. Social media trends and algorithms change constantly, and in nursing I’m faced with new challenges every day. Being open to change, learning quickly, and not being afraid to try new approaches has helped me keep moving forward. My advice is to stay curious and view change as an opportunity rather than a setback.

Finally, authenticity has had the biggest impact on my content. People connect with real stories and genuine experiences. For those starting out, I’d encourage you to lean into who you are and share from your own perspective rather than trying to copy what’s already out there. That’s how you build trust and a real connection with your audience.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

If I knew I only had a decade left, I’d spend it making the absolute most of every single day instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment. I think a lot of us fall into the trap of saving things — whether it’s opportunities, experiences, or even the little joys — for some ideal time that never really comes.

It reminds me of when I was a kid and would always save my favourite stickers because I didn’t want to “waste” them. The funny thing is, I ended up never using them at all. I don’t want life to feel like that. I’d rather live it fully now — travel when I can, celebrate milestones big and small, say yes to opportunities, and spend quality time with the people I love.

For me, it’s about being present, appreciating the moment, and not holding back the things that bring joy. Life is too short to wait for perfect timing — and if I only had ten years, I’d want to know I used them wholeheartedly, without regret.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hhollyshaw/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hhollyshaw

Image Credits

Holly Shaw