Holly Short knows firsthand what it’s like to push through exhaustion, put yourself last, and wake up one day realizing something has to change. After years in the fashion industry, her body sent a clear message: slow down, recalibrate, and prioritize well-being. That wake-up call led her to a new path—one that transformed not just her own health but the lives of countless women looking to reclaim their energy, strength, and confidence.
Now, Holly is a certified holistic wellness practitioner, guiding women through the ups and downs of midlife, gut health, and hormonal balance. She believes wellness isn’t about quick fixes or extremes—it’s about small, sustainable shifts that help women feel strong, nourished, and at home in their bodies.
In this conversation, Holly shares what she’s learned from her own journey, the wellness practices that actually make a difference, and why midlife is the perfect time for women to step into their power. If you’ve ever felt burned out, out of sync, or just ready for a change, this one’s for you. Keep reading—you won’t want to miss her insights!
From Burnout to Balance
TBN: Holly, your career in fashion sounds exciting but intense. What was the turning point that made you realize you needed to prioritize your well-being?
HS: The fashion industry was fast-paced and exhilarating, it was an industry I dreamed of being in as a little girl, but it was also draining. I was constantly pushing through long days, sleepless nights, and growing gut health issues. The wake-up call came when I found out I was having a baby at 39. I knew I couldn’t keep living at that pace and expect to be the healthy, present mother I wanted to be. Something had to change.
What really clicked for me during that time was that my passion had always been in health and wellness. As I started focusing on my own healing, I realized that helping other women reclaim their well-being was exactly what I wanted to do. That’s when I decided to transition from fashion to a career where I could guide women through their own transformations.
TBN: Burnout is something so many women face. Looking back, what would you say to the version of yourself who was stuck in that cycle?
HS: I’d tell her to slow down and stop equating busyness with success. You don’t have to prove your worth by pushing through exhaustion. Prioritizing rest and nourishment doesn’t make you weak—it actually allows you to show up more powerfully in every part of your life. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and it’s okay to give yourself the care you deserve.
TBN: How did your own healing journey shape the way you approach helping others on theirs?
HS: It taught me that healing isn’t about doing more or trying harder… It’s about understanding what your body needs at different stages of life. What worked for us in our 20s often doesn’t cut it anymore in our 40s, 50s, and beyond. I also learned that healing isn’t a quick fix or a linear journey. It takes time, patience, and consistency. That’s why I help my clients focus on learning how to eat and nourish their bodies for where they are today. We also focus on movement that fits their current needs and lifestyle strategies that help restore balance. It’s all about creating sustainable habits that support long-term well-being.
The Power of Holistic Wellness
TBN: Gut health and hormonal balance are key areas of your work. Why are these often overlooked, and how can women start addressing them?
HS: A lot of women don’t realize how connected their gut and hormones are to issues like fatigue, mood swings, or stubborn weight gain. Doctors often brush these symptoms off as “normal aging,” but they’re not… They are common and DO NOT need to be YOUR normal.
Women can start by building balanced meals around protein, fats, and fiber and focusing on stress reduction like deep breathing. Even small changes like better hydration, chewing your food 20-30 times or regular walks can improve gut health and hormone regulation.
TBN: What are your go-to foods or daily rituals for maintaining optimal gut health and energy levels?
HS: Oh, this is a good question. I start every morning with power water to hydrate and wake up my system. Then I go for a walk with my dog Joey. Breakfast is always high-protein—my favorites right now are homemade protein pancakes or an egg and beef veggie hash. Resistance training is a regular part of my week, building my strong 90-year-old future self.
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Guiding Women Through Life’s Transitions
TBN: Midlife is often described as a time of transformation. Why is this stage of life such a focus for your work?
HS: Midlife can feel like a total reset—and sometimes, not in a way you were expecting! Hormonal shifts, changes in metabolism, and increased inflammation can all show up at this time. But I see it as a chance for women to step into their power and reclaim their health. I love what I do. Guiding women through this phase and helping them build habits that make them feel strong and confident again.
TBN: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women navigating the physical and emotional changes of midlife?
HS: Be kind to yourself, give yourself grace, and let go of the idea that you need to have everything figured out right away. Your body is simply asking for different support than it needed in your 20s or 30s. Start with small, manageable habits—like eating protein with every meal or adding resistance training to your week. You don’t have to do everything at once. Focus on what feels doable and celebrate the progress you make. I’m all about celebrating the small wins along the way.
TBN: How do practices like yoga, barre, and Pilates support women in embracing these transitions with strength and confidence?
HS: Not only do I love teaching yoga, barre, and Pilates, but I love them for my own body. They build physical and mental resilience, support cortisol regulation, and strengthen the core—which is essential in midlife. These practices improve balance, flexibility, and most importantly, reconnect you with your body. Combining yoga, barre, or Pilates with walking and lifting weights is a total game changer for both strength and well-being for all women.
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Holly’s Personal Wellness Tips
TBN: Do you have any favorite self-care practices or rituals that help you stay grounded and connected to your purpose?
HS: Absolutely! Walking is my reset button, and lifting heavy weights makes me feel strong and confident. I’m also a sucker for a great espresso—bonus points if I’m sipping it with friends. Journaling helps me clear my mind and stay on track with my goals. Sundays are all about meal prepping with my husband and spending time with family.
TBN: If you could share one message with women who feel disconnected from their well-being, what would it be?
HS: You are not broken, and you do not need to be fixed. Your body is asking for a different kind of support than it needed before. Start with small, doable changes—like eating more protein, walking, or getting better sleep. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Those small steps build momentum and help you feel more like yourself again.
Click here to check all the interviews from our “Empowered Women Empower Women” series.
