Women We Love: Dana Holler

She’s got style! Cville Fashion blogger—and Charlottesville Woman magazine writer—Dana Holler has fashion style in spades. In her professional life, Holler has Cville Fashion, but is also an IT Project Manager for a company in Ruckersville. She recently got engaged and has started to plan for her wedding and honeymoon—which we’re sure will be stylerific!

“I sort of fell into Information Technology,” Holler says. “In college I had a difficult time figuring out what I wanted to major in, so my dad suggested business, as there is so much you can do with a business degree. I found out I could focus my business education on information systems and went from there.”

That’s also how she fell into fashion blogging.

“I’ve always felt drawn to fashion magazines. Reading ‘In Style’ one day, I saw an advertisement that featured different fashion bloggers from all over the country and thought ‘that might be fun to do,’” Holler says. “I love putting outfits together and figuring out what looks good on different shapes and complexions. I find myself more into the logistics of the outfit rather than trying to make it artsy or quirky. It’s a great creative outlet for me.”

Add to her professional life Zumba, as she’s just become a licensed Zumba instructor. “I work the typical eight-hour day at my office job and if I’m lucky, I might find a couple hours to work on blogging at night. It’s been a challenge lately as I just also became a licensed Zumba instructor, so much of my evenings are spent coming up with material to be able to teach a class. It seems like I never stop going!”

So, how does Holler find some balance?

“My life doesn’t always feel balanced and one could argue that I overextend myself. However, I do feel like there is some harmony coming into my life now. For years, I’ve had an office job that’s provided great stability to my life, but when I left college I really didn’t have any hobbies I could focus on. So, there was a great imbalance there.” And with all the work she noticed she really needed to start focusing on her health more.

“I believe the body is one of the most precious things you have (you only get one!), so I decided to start paying extra attention to my health,” she says. “So, to sum things up, I think my secrets to living a balanced life are stability, a focus on my personal health and a way to express myself creatively.”

Holler’s favorite quote sits on her desk—and it came from a fortune cookie. “Doing what you love is freedom. Loving what you do is happiness.”

What advice would Holler offer for women thinking of entering the IT field? “Not enough women are venturing into technology, and I think it’s unfortunate because they have a wealth of skills and knowledge to offer,” she says. “If you’re considering the IT field, don’t let yourself become intimidated and don’t feel like you’re in the wrong place. Often in college, I was the only female in my class, or one out of maybe two. Don’t let that deter you—we need you!”

8 Things You Might Not Know About Dana Holler…

1.  Who is your favorite author and why?  I don’t have a favorite author, but I do love the book Ishmael by Daniel Quinn.

2.  Favorite thing about Charlottesville? There’s so much to do all the time!  I’m never bored.

3.  What is your favorite hobby/pastime? In addition to blogging and dance, I like to sew.  I’m still a beginner but always finding ways to improve.

4.  What is one of your hidden talents/skills? I can bake amazing banana bread!

5.  What is your guilty pleasure? Definitely chocolate. Lately, I’ve been pairing Chocolate Norton sauce from Keswick Vineyards on vanilla ice cream. Divine!

6.  What is your favorite movie and why? An old Audrey Hepburn movie called “Two for the Road.” It was ahead of its time for the 1960s. The way they transition between the couple’s memories throughout the movie was so clever and artistic in a way. The fashion is great, too.

7.  Where did you grow up? Right outside of Charlotte in Belmont, N.C.

8.  What is the greatest invention of your lifetime and why? I guess it would be my blog! I’m very pleased with the way it’s turned out and the fact that it’s introduced me to great people and experiences.