Ever since I started my platform here at The Pink Chickadee, I have LOVED getting to interview several women and men, all of which I have known personally and mostly from my college. I am so excited to expand my interviews beyond my little friend and college bubble in this world. Today, I am interviewing the lovely and ultra-talented friend of mine – Holly! Holly runs a Disney small business known as Glitter & Daisies (linked here) you can also follow Holly @glitteranddaisiescastle on Instagram, where she designs the most beautiful Disney ears and gives some of the proceeds to the American Cancer Society (only the BEST way to spread some Disney cheer!!!). You can also use my code PINK10 to get 10% off your purchase on anything on her site. Now, let’s learn more about the amazing Holly!!

Tell me a bit about yourself!

I’m Holly, I love all things pink, glitter and floral. My favorite animal is a corgi. I am a huge romantic comedy movie fan. My favorite TV show is Parks and Recreation. I’m 27 and still figuring out this adult thing. I love to craft and spend time with friends and family. 🙂

When did your Disney obsession begin?

My Disney obsession started as long as I have existed honestly. A lot of my childhood was spent watching Disney animated movies and watching Disney channel with my dad. I remember  when Lizzie McGuire was airing live on TV. My dad and I used to watch the show together sitting in his favorite recliner chair. My bedroom was Little Mermaid themed growing up, I had the bedding set and a rug, I felt like the coolest kid. I remember getting so excited for all the new DCOM’s (Disney Channel Original Movies) to air. As I got older I still felt connected to Disney and  was fortunate in high school to star in my high school’s musicals of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. When I went to graduate school to pursue my master’s degree I made a really good friend who also loved Disney! During the pandemic I was able to have more time at home in the evenings since I was no longer commuting to the office and was able to really dive deep into Disney movies I hadn’t seen in a really long time.

Who is your favorite Disney Princess and/or Disney character?

My very first favorite Disney princess was Ariel. The Little Mermaid was my absolute favorite when I was growing up. When I was in high school the movie Tangled came out and I instantly fell in love with Rapunzel’s personality and her independence. So Ariel and Rapunzel both have a special place in my heart!

Tell me a bit about Glitter & Daisies?!

Glitter and Daisies started out as a fashion instagram during my first semester of graduate school. I was in a new city and didn’t know anyone, so I wanted to explore my passion for fashion and started an instagram page! I still utilize my fashion instagram but have shifted my focus more now on the Glitter and Daisies brand within the Disney community. 

So, what made you want to start Glitter & Daisies?

I have honestly always wanted to start a business. During the pandemic I needed a creative outlet and I started making Disney ears. At first it was just a fun little project but then I fell in love with the idea of sharing my ear designs with others and seeing them worn in the parks. So I pulled together my resources and started my business!

Tell me a bit about some of the designs that you’ve made. What’s been your favorite of the bunch to design?

I feel like every time I make a new design it becomes my favorite! At this point in time my favorite is a pair I called Rapunzel’s Glow. They really look like pure joy and sunshine to me. I have a pair that was my original favorite and part of my original line up from when I launched my shop celebrating the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. That pair is so special to me. I included glittery depictions of Cinderella Castle, little pom poms on the trim and this beautiful blue and purple iridescent fabric. 

I know you have donated some of your profits to the American Cancer Society. I think that is inspiring! What inspired you to do just that?

I have always really appreciated when brands or companies take the time to honor important causes. I know as a consumer that’s something that I really value when I can shop for things I love and support a good cause in the process. I already had this pink ear design called Aurora’s Crown and October is such an important month because it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The pieces really just fell into place and the idea clicked! I researched organizations that had a positive reputation in where their funds go to and how they help breast cancer patients and survivors. Obviously I am not a huge corporation, but if I can use my shop to help support such an important cause then I want to do what I can.

What were some of the first steps you took to make your dreams of opening Glitter & Daisies a reality?

I had to do a lot of research into how to start a business. My background is in mental health counseling, so I have zero experience when it comes to actually making a business come to life. I am fortunate that a really good friend of mine from college is a CPA so one night I had a long talk with her about steps I needed to take to make it official and obtaining my business license. If anyone out there is considering starting a business, google is your friend. There are so many amazing step by step guides to help you with filing for your business license and knowing how to make a website.

Running a small business isn’t easy for anybody. I know you made a super fun Instagram Reels sharing the many roles that you take on for Glitter & Daisies. Can you share a bit about what some of those are for those that may not know what a small business may entail?

When you run a small business, especially at first, you may not really have a staff. In my case, I was starting this business from my apartment. I do almost everything in the business myself. I make the ears, buy the inventory, ship the orders, manage the website, do the social media marketing. It can be a lot, but I have been able to learn so much and really appreciate the work it takes to have a business. My boyfriend helped me make my website and he designed my logo because he has graphic design skills. I am definitely happy to have support!

We all know that commitment is key when running a small business or any side hustle. How do you stay motivated to keep hustlin’ even when you feel as if you need a break?

One thing I have learned is it’s okay to take a break. Some days you are just not in the right headspace to go film videos or take photos and that is okay! Burnout is a very real thing and it can strike at any time. On days where I maybe feel less motivated, I try not to overload myself. On a day to day basis I write down what I call my daily intentions. It’s a to do list, but I call them intentions because these are things I want to view as intentional and meaningful to me. I try to have at least 5 things on a daily list. Some days that includes working on orders, other days it is filming videos for Instagram and Tiktok. On days where it is more of a struggle I get done what I am able to, but I give myself the grace to allow some things to remain on the list for tomorrow. I also remind myself that I started this business as a fun creative outlet. I love to look at pictures and videos I receive from customers because it reframes my focus and brings me so much joy.

Also, on the note of Instagram Reels and Tik Tok, you create some of the most fun content when it comes to those two things! What is some advice that you have for others who are struggling with creating Reels and Tik Tok’s?

Oh I love this question! At first I was really hesitant with reels and Tiktok. But my best advice is to lean into it and allow yourself to have fun! Some of my favorite videos and most popular ones on my pages are ones where I let loose and let my personality show. I am generally a really happy person who loves to make people laugh and if I can bring that to a video, even better! Start small, don’t feel like you have to go out and film 15 videos tomorrow. Try just working on a small video and brainstorming ideas that sound fun to you. You absolutely do not have to do dancing videos! I know some people are super intimidated by them, and even I am at times. I use the app InShot to edit all my videos, it is such a helpful tool and it’s free!

What has been your favorite Instagram Reels/Tik Tok that you have made?

I really love the styling my ears series I have done. It combines two of my passions, Disney and fashion! It also reminds me of where I started since my brand began by starting a fashion blog. I also really loved the one I did based off the Full House theme song where you show the different roles in your business.

What is one thing that you didn’t expect to learn from running Glitter & Daisies?

Hmmm, honestly learning TikTok! I didn’t utilize Tiktok at all until I started this business. So I have had to learn how to use it, market within it and growing an audience there, which is pretty different from Instagram. Social media marketing in general can be tough to navigate but is such a necessary means of growing your brand, so I have been learning and growing my way of reaching people.

Many people dream of starting their own side hustle, including a small business. Today’s Instagram Algorithm makes it rough for new small businesses to garner visibility. What has helped you to stay afloat and still get some great visibility for Glitter & Daisies?

Oh the algorithm…what a time I have had fooling with it. Instagram is tough and it can be really defeating at times if I’m being honest. That’s just the nature of the algorithm. Making more video content has been helpful as well as focusing on building connections with other Disney creators. I have made some really sweet friends through Instagram and when you make those connections, those people will show up for you. I have recently been focusing more on audience engagement through stories as well because that’s a space where people can get to know you on a more personal level. Sharing small bits of your daily life (and only as much as you feel comfortable sharing) can help them to see the person behind the brand and the more raw moments of your life. Posting questions boxes, polls, and asking them questions helps them to feel important too!

I know you’ve started supporting others within your Disney niche on social media via engagement, whether it be influencers or other fellow small business owners. How has that benefitted you and your business?

It’s important to build connections. It’s similar to the traditional business world where networking is important, the same goes for social media. When you start engaging with other creators, you have the opportunity to get to know a real person. I have been able to meet some truly fabulous people through my business in the last few months. When you build connections, you’re building trust as well. And when people trust you, they will show up for you by engaging on your content and can even work with you on partnerships. It’s also been really nice to get to know other Disney creators because I unfortunately do not live close to the parks. So I am not one of those people who can go every week. I’ve had people that I have gotten to know who have offered to take product photos for me in the parks when I am not able to be there. I am always so appreciative when people offer to do something like that because they don’t have to. They don’t owe that to me. But they want to help me out and I am always blown away by the support from people I haven’t gotten to meet in person yet. 

There are many people who want to start their own small business solely for the profits. But, we both know there’s so much more to it than money. It involves passion and I can see it in your creations and social media content! What would you say to someone who is looking to start their own small business?

I would definitely say don’t start one just for profit. It takes a lot of work to make a business profitable. Sometimes it can take months to years before you reach a place where you are really profitable. One thing I have had to learn is patience. I have all these goals and big dreams, but it doesn’t happen overnight. You really have to work for it and that takes time. And I would also say that it is easy to get discouraged, but if it’s something you really want, hang in there! And have fun with it too, you want to do this for a reason and you need to enjoy it!

What are some of your goals for Glitter & Daisies in 2022 (that you don’t mind sharing!)?

Oh this is a fun one! In 2022 I would love to expand my Princess Series collection. I am hoping to potentially add a few new products (besides ears) to the shop as well. And a goal I have is to reach different locations across the country. One of my goal states is California! This may not happen in 2022, but I would also love to someday do a pop up of my shop. That may take more planning than I can do in 2022, but definitely a future goal of mine!

So, I know you are going to Disney World in 2022! What are you most looking forward to doing?

Oh my gosh, everything!! I am going to celebrate my 7 year dating anniversary with my boyfriend. We have never been to Disney together so I am really excited to experience this with him. We were able to snag a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table and I am soooo excited to get to eat there! As far as attraction wise, I am super stoked to get to ride Slinky Dog Dash, it’ll be our first time getting to ride it! And honestly just excited to be at Disney. It’s such a magical place and it’ll be nice to just be there.

I also know you participate in virtual runDisney events. Tell us a little bit about that!

So back in my high school days I used to run cross country. I kept up running throughout college just not on a team. Once I got into full on adulthood I had a harder time with maintaining work, social life and having down time after work to relax. I wanted to get back into an exercise routine once I was working from home because I really had the time to make it a priority. Then I learned runDisney was doing virtual races and I jumped at the opportunity! What’s great about it is you have the ability to do this on your own time, it’s not something where you have to do it on a certain day. So you could space it out over multiple days or do it all at once depending on your preference. And it’s nice to still feel a part of the magic even if you aren’t able to attend the races in person. Plus you get a super cool medal and I just can’t pass that up! 🙂

Lastly, what are some ways that others can support small businesses like yours and others that they love?

Engagement on social media is huge to help businesses be seen, especially when bigger brands tend to purchase ads and show up more often in people’s feeds. Sharing posts and videos is a free way to help businesses reach more people and show your appreciation for the content they spend time making. Tagging friends in comments if there is a product you think they would love is also a great way to help out! And I can’t tell you how much joy it  brings to see someone appreciate the work you put into not only your product but your content. Sometimes it can take hours to get the right photos or videos and edit them. Every little like or comment means the world! 🙂

Holly is extremely wise beyond her years. As she shows off her Disney ears, I cannot wait to see where Glitter & Daisies takes her in the many many years to come!

XOXO – Katie <3