Holly Matthews - Role Models and Heroes

Posted: by Jo Monday, 28 May 2018 @ 09:43

This year, in our quest to step up and be our best selves, we wanted to learn from truly remarkable women, to see if they have a mantra they live their life by; and to find out what motivates them.

We are absolutely thrilled to talk to Holly Matthews for our series of talks with truly inspiring women.

Many of you may know Holly as a successful actress, from Byker Grove and Waterloo Road, amongst other things. But now, Holly is better known as a Business & Mindset Coach to female entrepreneurs and creatives, an award winning vlogger, actress, speaker and 'no bullshit' self-development creator. The founder of ‘The Happy Me Project’, Holly writes for the Huffington Post and was personally asked by Ariana Huffington to contribute to her online platform, Thrive.

In July 2017 Holly lost her husband Ross to brain cancer, and her powerful story means she is often asked to appear on UK TV shows, speak on influential radio shows and is a regular in the UK press. Holly is passionate about getting self-development out to the masses and teaching people how to live a happier and more fulfilling life, regardless of the challenges.

So – I was very keen to find out from Holly about what motivates her, and whom she admires.

Holly Matthews - Mantra Jewellery

Do you have a mantra you live your life by?

I have so many, it’s ridiculous! But one that sticks out is ‘Whatever it takes’. At every stage of my husband having cancer, we would say this, and I believe it will get me through everything. Whatever I need to do to create and continue to live my best life, I shall do. Whatever it takes to get there.

What do you think gave you the drive and determination to succeed?

I was a very ambitious child, having focused my youth on becoming an actress. I have always had a fire in my belly. I always felt a little different growing up, a bit odd, and I knew that if I focused on what I wanted in life, it would take me places that would help me feel connected. I was a very driven child and that determination has never left me. Thankfully I came from a family who have allowed me to be.

How important have role models been to you?

Having role models is extremely important, and throughout my life there have been those I have looked to. I’m now in a fortunate position where people who I admire, I often bring into my life and find ways to collaborate with. Some of my role models aren’t huge global successes, but just people who have lived life on their own terms. I’m a huge fan of bravery, and watching people live their true self lives is a massive inspiration to me, in whatever capacity that is.

When you were young, who were your role models or people you truly admired?

As a performer, I admired people like Jennifer Lopez, who continued to reinvent herself and had a crazy work ethic. I also looked to people like Julie Walters, a true chameleon in the acting world, who immersed herself in her craft. I like people with grit, who bounce back.

And as your entrepreneurial career has progressed - who inspires you now?

As I’ve grown and built my own business, I look to people like Marie Forleo, Gabrielle Bernstein, Sheryl Sandberg and perhaps other lesser known people within the self-development field.

These days, I sometimes admire someone from afar - and then suddenly, I’ll get an email saying they know my work and would like to connect! That blows my mind, and I have no doubt that I will work with lots of amazing role models over the next year.

And who, now, would you say is an inspiring figure on the world stage?

Oprah is a huge one for many, as she has opened the door for many people and allowed them to speak their truth.

My life’s work will be about helping people to free themselves and be who they truly are. Since my husband’s death, I am acutely aware of how damn short life is, and I will not allow people to hate their time on this planet.

That may sound all a little serious, but it’s important - I want to die knowing I lived my bravest life and had fun doing it. I want to teach my children to do the same.

Before my husband died, he said “If I die, tell people I regret nothing, I’ve done everything I want to do and I’m happy. I’ve done what I needed to do.” I don’t think we can ask for more than that, and I hope I can say the same; and help others to do this too.

Holly’s Mantra

We have picked the Mantra necklace that best represents what inspires and motivates Holly.

We chose our ‘Be Happy’ disc pendant, as Holly is passionate about people living happy lives and not wasting their time feeling negative. Her ‘Happy Me’ project has helped hundreds of people to be more positive in facing the challenges in their lives.

The mantra for the necklace - ‘Be happy. Be bright. Be you’ – is a call to action to all of us, to be true to ourselves, and look out for the good things in life that make us happy.