It’s not uncommon for an entrepreneur to be described as having “a head for business.”  A creative person is often said to have “an artist’s heart.”  But these two traits are not mutually exclusive. Holly Rollins of Bella Grove is strategic and artistic, analytical and imaginative, and these are the characteristics that guide her in her business life and in her art.

Holly grew up in Hayesville, North Carolina, a small town with a population of fewer than a thousand residents. While her community may have felt limiting at the time, she understands the influence of her hometown’s people and place.

“I’m incredibly grateful for growing up in Hayesville. I was surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and raised in a close-knit community. That sense of nature and connection shaped me more than I realized then.”

Education has played an important role in Holly’s life.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and marketing from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree in journalism and global public relations from the University of South Carolina.  She is also the director of a college scholarship fund, the Rollins Scholarship.

“The importance of higher education is what drives the Rollins Scholarship, which will be given to four high school seniors in 2026.  When I was a college student at Appalachian State, I was studying commercial art, but I also received a strong foundation in fine art and art history.  Learning about modern art, in particular, deeply influenced my own artistic evolution.  ASU has an outstanding business school, and my business and marketing studies proved invaluable when I became an entrepreneur.  Finally, my master’s degree from USC gave me deep respect for true storytelling and sharpened my writing and editing skills.  Both disciplines continue to influence how I think and create.”

Because of her education, Holly sees no dichotomy between business and art.  After several marketing positions in the Upstate, she started 10X Digital, a full-service marketing agency in downtown Greenville.  It’s a point of pride for Holly that her business has remained successful for more than two decades by relying on both data analysis and creativity.

“I’m most proud of building and sustaining a marketing business for 23 years. We’ve remained nimble through major industry transitions, from traditional marketing to digital, and now we’re helping businesses adapt and excel in the AI age.”

Even as she was building her business, creating art was a passion of Holly’s.  But about 12 years ago, she immersed herself more fully in fine art.  In 2025 she was a featured artist as part of Greenville Open Studios, a series of free studio tours open to the public.  Greenville Open Studios is a project of the Metropolitan Arts Council, and Holly is the first artist from Bella Grove to be featured.

“My art is rooted in an appreciation of the great masters and styles of the past two centuries including modern, fauvism, abstract, and neo-impressionism. I often find inspiration in travel, which is a vital part of who I am.  Exploring the world offers the greatest lessons in history and humanity. Different geographies and cultures are endlessly inspiring. While I’ve painted scenes from many places, it’s often the essence and history, especially of Italy and France, that serve as catalysts for my work.

“I am also inspired by animals and the beauty of the human form. My ‘old world’ heads, animals, and Sumi ink pieces are especially close to my heart. Painting animals brings a unique joy; their personalities seem to emerge on the canvas. I often catch myself smiling as they take shape. This is especially true of Vinny, my Italian greyhound who is full of personality… and a little bit of mischief. He’s adorable and knows exactly how to use his charm to his advantage.”

To run a business, create art, and maintain a personal life is a balancing act.  Holly and her partner, software developer Will Brown, find balance outdoors, often hiking or paddleboarding.  Time in nature resets both head and heart as her business and artwork change.

“10X Digital is moving to offer our clients more AI visibility, and my art is growing more contemporary.  I’m excited to continue expanding creatively in the coming years.”

To learn more about the Rollins Scholarship, visit Rollinsscholarship.org.  If you are interested in commissioning artwork, contact Holly at hrollins@10xdigitalinc.com.