Holly New is one half of the family team who created Ballarat’s own Studio Canvas in Harold St, Wendouree. At just 23 years of age Holly has worked extremely hard to pursue her goals of owning and building her own successful business. Having grown up and spent all of her life in Ballarat, Holly, a self-confessed introvert, has had to face some enormous hurdles in her life. Affected by crippling social and separation anxiety Holly spent many of her teenage years relying on her mum to be ever close at hand. Though she loved working with people and enjoyed the opportunity to complete a VCAL program through school as a teacher’s aide, her separation anxiety became so pronounced that Holly was forced to walk away from school at the end of year 11. Having commenced work as soon as she was able as a teenager, Holly quickly sought to find employment and worked for a year as a dental assistant before losing her mum tragically just days after her 18th birthday. What followed was a period of disquiet with Holly floating between jobs and accommodation, whilst searching for her niche. Having spent many years as a child spray tanning with her sister at home, Holly made a chance purchase of a tanning machine and tent and created a fundraiser for Beyond Blue with support from Bondi Sands, working a day job during the week Holly made a name for herself and created her new business “Tans by Holly”, initially raising funds to support Beyond Blue then continuing on in her own business. After a year of solely providing tanning services, Holly expanded her business to include make-up, completing two make-up training courses in Melbourne, and so “Made by Holly” was born. Always looking to expand her business base and break free of the Monday to Friday office job life, Holly completed further training in eyebrow and lash lifts, constantly promoting her work and business through social media, in an effort to promote her brand. In 2020, with Ballarat in the throes of pandemic lockdowns, Holly joined forces with her sister, Maddy, to create the space that is now the home of Studio Canvas. With beauty services heavily restricted during that time, Holly was forced to take a lead role in the design and renovation of the space. Two years in, Maddy and Holly are well known, working both from the shop and remotely to provide hair, beauty and make up services. With drive and determination this young lady is proving that with courage and a willingness to work hard you can achieve anything.
