Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Michelle.
Hi Holly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started coding and building websites when I was 10 years old. It was always the dream… little me knew this was what I wanted to do when I grew up. Something creative. I loved all things art!
I taught myself everything I could, which eventually turned into coding Myspace layouts for my friends (yes… I’m that old, haha).
In high school, I took on website projects for the school and even ran my own site where I shared custom graphics and layouts. After graduating, I picked up photography as a side hustle and started working at a bank. Over ten years, I worked my way from teller to banker, branch manager, loan officer, and eventually back-office compliance. I liked the work, and I learned so much about business, but I always felt like something was missing. I admired the business owners that came into the bank and I loved talking to them on how they got started. Hoping to be in their position one day but didn’t think I could figure out how.
Then my sister and her husband started a business and asked me to build their website and create their logo. Once people saw it, they started reaching out for their own sites and that’s what nudged me into starting my own web design business. I eventually let go of my photography business and poured everything into web design instead.
After a couple years of building things up, I was able to replace my 9–5 banking career with my own business. I’ve been in business for four years now, and 2025 is my very first full-time year after officially quitting the bank at the end of 2024.
I get to wake up every day and do what 10-year-old me dreamed of! not just being a real web designer, but running my own design business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never a smooth “get rich quick” path in business. It took me three years of building, learning, and growing before I was able to fully replace my 9–5 and go all in on my business. I made plenty of mistakes in the beginning and honestly, those mistakes taught me everything. I’m still learning, and I don’t plan on stopping. I ran into some difficult clients that were very disrespectful, ghosted me and talked down to me. I handed out free services and discounts when I shouldn’t have and let a few walk over me. I learned a lot from each of those experiences.
As I’ve worked with more and more businesses, I’ve added so much value to what I offer. I’ve seen firsthand what actually helps a business grow through its website, and I love partnering with my clients and watching their businesses level up just from the strategy and intention behind how I build their sites.
There are so many late nights, feelings of doubt, bumps in the road and worries to overcome.
I didn’t grow up around business owners or money. I heard a lot of negativity along the way, and most people didn’t expect me to make it. I got hit with comments like:
* “What are you going to do when you fail?”
* “There’s not really a market for that… you should keep your 9–5 just in case.”
* “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”
* “You’re not worth charging that much… why don’t you lower your prices?”
* “I’m scared for you.”
* “You’ll go back to a regular job in a few months.”
and more that I wont mention.
And when I finally told the people in my life that I had left my 9–5, I was dismissed, doubted, talked down to, and dropped. These were people who were supposed to be friends.
None of these people shared posts for me, recommended me, encouraged me or helped me in anyway. They disappeared.
I heard what was said behind my back, and I saw sides of people I didn’t expect. I could’ve let it break me… but I didn’t. I kept going anyway. I could’ve fallen into their “victim mindset” and fears… but I didn’t.
At the end of the day, the most important thing you can have is belief in yourself. That’s what carries you through.
You WILL make mistakes. You wont be perfect in the beginning. You’ll have limited support and you’ll hit lots of bumps in the road. It’s important that you keep going anyway.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a web designer and the owner of HM Digital Design. I actually started building websites when I was 10 years old like I mentioned, and that childhood passion eventually turned into the full-time business I run today. I specialize in creating strategic, conversion-focused websites for elite businesses! Sites that don’t just look good, but genuinely help my clients grow through the power of psychology, strategies, design and user experience.
Because I’ve worked with such a wide range of industries, I’ve learned what actually moves the needle for a business online. I’m known for pairing clean, modern design with intentional strategy, and for really partnering with my clients. I love digging into what makes their business unique and building a site that reflects that and supports their goals.
What I’m most proud of is the journey it took to get here. It took me years to build my business to the point where I could leave my 9–5 banking career and go full time and I did it without coming from a business background, family money, or a cheerleading section. Now I get to wake up and do what I dreamed of as a kid: design websites and run my own business.
I am also proud of the partnerships Ive built with my clients and how I’ve been able to truly make a difference in their business!
What sets me apart is the mix of experience, intuition, and genuine care I bring to every project. I don’t just “make websites and take your money” I create digital homes that help businesses grow, and I treat every client like a partner. My clients feel that and I pride myself on being the support my clients needs and helping their passions grow!
You’re website is your 24/7 sales person, your storefront, a first impression often times and a home for you business online. It’s a very important tool in your business and I love being a part of that for my clients!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mom, my oldest sister, my friend Kristin, and my husband were the ones who believed in me. Even though my husband was nervous about me leaving my 9–5 (honestly, I was too, lol), he still stood by me. we took that leap together.
Outside of those few people, I didn’t really have a support system or any “cheerleaders.” No one else even cared to checked in or asked how things were going. Most of what I heard was negativity or dismissive comments.
In the beginning, I tried finding a mentor or business coach, but none of them seemed genuinely interested unless I paid them first. So I never bought courses, coaching, or classes. I leaned on my own experience and figured everything out through trial, error, my own research and persistence.
I truly built this from the ground up on my own.
Im my own photographer, marketer, designed my own logo and website (obviously lol), admin, manager… I wear all the hats haha
Thank you to my mom. oldest sister, Kristin and my husband <3
I wont forget the love and support from either on you! Thank you for being there when no one else was.
I hope I’ve made you proud!
Thank you to my clients for also believing in me and trusting me with your websites and allowing me to help you grow your businesses! I am truly grateful for each of you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HMDigitalDesign.com
- Instagram: @hmdigital.design
