We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Holly Eaton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Holly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I hope people remember me for the way I made them feel—seen, welcomed, and truly cared for. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Leave people better than you found them,’ and I do my best to live by that. To me, it’s all about showing kindness, speaking with love, and making sure others feel respected and valued. I want people to look back and say, ‘She always made me feel better, brighter, and more loved.’ It’s not just about how I treat people, though—it’s how I want to show up in every part of life, with compassion and heart.

Holly , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Holly Eaton, or if you follow me on Instagram you may know me as Holly B. I’m a single mom of three wonderful kids, and we call sunny Southern California our home. From a young age, I’ve been absolutely smitten with everything home-related—from cooking to decorating, it’s my happy place!

Back in high school, I vividly remember spending my last few dollars on Martha Stewart magazines, staying up late, completely absorbed in every page. Her beautiful recipes inspired many late-night cooking adventures and that is where my love for the kitchen truly began. There’s something magical about preparing a meal for the people you love, and that’s been my greatest joy ever since.

As a mom, my love for cooking only grew stronger. I spent 18 amazing years as a homemaker, cherishing every moment—raising my kids, cooking, cleaning, decorating, you name it. But after a difficult divorce, I faced the reality of needing to provide for my family in a new way. I had no idea where to start, and the thought of reentering the working world felt overwhelming.

At first, I felt completely lost. I was scared, unsure of my next steps, and wondered if anyone would really care about what I had to share. All I knew was that my passion for cooking and homemaking ran deep, and I wanted to inspire others the way Martha Stewart once inspired me. But where would I even begin?

Then, I heard a piece of advice that changed everything: “Just start.” Those two simple words became my mantra. I realized I didn’t have to have everything figured out; I just had to take the first step. So, I did.

Even though I was terrified and knew nothing about running a business or the world of social media, I trusted my gut and took the plunge. I figured things out as I went, learning to trust myself and listen to my heart. Over the past year, I’ve learned more than I ever could’ve imagined—not just about business, social media, or blogging, but about myself.

I discovered that I’m capable, strong, resilient, and determined. And I wouldn’t have found this side of myself if I hadn’t made the decision to “just start.”

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I was “just a mom” and that I didn’t have anything special to offer. For years, I thought my natural talents and abilities weren’t anything unique. I remember when my kids were little, we had just moved to a new neighborhood, and my neighbor asked what I did for work. I told her I was a stay-at-home mom, and she responded, “Oh, so you’re just a mom?”

That comment stuck with me for the longest time, and I started to believe it. I thought my role as a mom was where my abilities ended—that I couldn’t be more than “just a mom.” But as I’ve started building my community and business, I’ve come to realize how wrong that thinking was.

Now, I see that I am much more than “just a mom.” I am a woman who is strong, creative, resilient, kind, and loving. And yes, being a mom is a huge part of who I am, but it’s not the only part. Embracing all the facets of myself has been one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I first started on Instagram, I had no idea how I was going to build a community, but I knew that’s exactly what I wanted—a positive, welcoming space that loves good food as much as I do. At the beginning, I started by finding similar accounts with content I enjoyed and resonated with. I’d genuinely engage with their posts, showing up in the comments and supporting their work. And 9 times out of 10, they would turn around and do the same for me.

Every night, I’d set aside just 15 minutes to connect with people on Instagram—whether it was commenting on posts, responding to stories, or reaching out through DMs. Over time, those little moments of connection added up, and I started to see my community grow.

My advice for those just starting to build their social media presence:

Be genuine- People can tell when your engagement is authentic. Show up because you truly want to connect and support others, not just to grow your numbers.

Consistency is key- Whether it’s posting regularly or spending a few minutes each day engaging with others, consistency helps you stay top of mind.

Don’t be afraid to start small-Building a community takes time, but every meaningful connection matters. Even if it feels slow, keep showing up—you never know who you might inspire.

Stay true to yourself- Share content that reflects who you are and what you love. The right people will find you, and those genuine connections will be the foundation of your community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hollyb.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hi.itshollyb?igsh=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-eaton-234b66326/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hi.itshollyb
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hi.itshollyb?_t=8pcK5y4Du2h&_r=1