Maven to Know: SIERRA HOLMES, FOUNDER OF ECLECTIC KURVES
Sierra Holmes wears many hats, both literally and figuratively. The Indianapolis-based blogger is a wife, mom of two, and the founder of Eclectic Kurves, a plus-size fashion and lifestyle blog.
What originally started as a personal creative outlet has now morphed into a lifestyle platform where Holmes celebrates the differences that make each of us unique. Since she launched it four years ago, she has used her platform as a safe place to showcase women of all sizes, colors, and backgrounds—and proves that style has no size constraints.
We chatted with Sierra to learn more about Eclectic Kurves, where she gets her inspiration, and what it was like partnering with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway three times.
What’s been your favorite company to work with?
One of the coolest collaborations is probably working with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Just from a diversity standpoint, being a Black creator and having the opportunity to be a voice for the Indianapolis 500 is amazing. Being able to drive around the pace car three times over the last few years has not been bad at all.
What are people most surprised to find out about you?
That I sometimes struggle with confidence, too! I think people forget that because I’m always in the public eye that I’m uber confident. It takes continued practice to work beyond my fears and negative self-talk. As most people are, I’m a work in progress!
What are your thoughts on the fashion scene in Indianapolis?
I love Indy, and I love Indie designers that live here, like my girl Andrea of Twelve Fourteen who made a custom gown for me recently for a PATTERN magazine spread. The continued challenge for me with Indy fashion is the lack of plus-size representation in fast fashion boutiques. Too many times have I walked into local shops and been directed to jewelry and accessory counters because of lack of clothing options. It’s 2020 and there is still so much work to be done in terms of the size inclusive shopping experience in Indy. The plus-size dollar is powerful, and it’s time business owners understand that.
What’s the most challenging part of your job? How do you overcome that?
Balancing it all. Family, marriage, friends and business…it’s a ton to juggle and still find time for myself. I rely on calendars and setting clear boundaries for myself to make sure I don’t get too far off task or too deep in any project. I take Friday nights off for “Family Night” and rarely allow anything to change that.
What moment did you realize your blog was successful?
So I have this Hoosier humility—people have to remind me that things are going really well. But I think I realized we were really onto something when I just started getting flooded with emails and direct messages from women, not only in our community but across the state, across the country, and across the world. Just sharing their experiences with me, telling me how important it was to them that I continued to be vulnerable and transparent and authentic on my platforms. There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with that kind of following.
As a mom of two, what do you hope your kids can learn from you and your business?
My kids are very involved with my business because they’re part of my brand. My kids get to witness me truly living out my dreams. They know that they can’t wave a magic wand and make it happen. They see me get up early in the morning and see me go to bed way late at night. They see the frustrations and they also get to reap the rewards. I feel like they’re getting a very realistic picture of what it looks like to roll up your sleeves and truly go for it. It doesn’t happen overnight, and I think being transparent with them and allowing them to be a part of that is going to be so beneficial to them.
Looking ahead, where would you like to see your blog in the future?
We’re scaling the blog right now, bringing on other writers. There are so many amazing, amazing voices that need to be heard. Wonderful writers that are so talented and creative, that I would love to give the opportunity to help them develop their own identity on Eclectic Kurves.
Check out Sierra’s blog here and follow her on Instagram @EclecticKurves.
Samantha Kupiainen is a freelance writer and regular Indy Maven contributor.
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