Meet Stormie Holmes | Professional Dancer & Choreographer, Blogger and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stormie Holmes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stormie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose to pursue an artistic or creative career because it made the most sense. Growing up, I was always drawn to the arts. Whether it was dance, choir, or art, it gave me so much joy and fulfillment that I couldn’t find it elsewhere. I am a creative individual by nature. I look at every aspect of my life as an opportunity to be creative. The fact that I can make a living from doing it is just a bonus. I think as a child I knew that I wanted to be in the arts, even if I wasn’t sure what at the time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a professional dancer, choreographer, blogger, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. My brand helps to merge my various passions together. I am the owner of lifestyle brand, So Stormie, which inlcudes an online women’s boutique, private dance coaching, style services, a personal blog, and YouTube channel.

I am most proud of coming out of my postpartum depression. Shortly after having my daughter, I found myself depressed, anxious and suicidal. There were times that I often contemplated giving up until I began therapy. Through therapy I learned how to use my art to heal. It wasn’t until I began using my art to heal that my love for creating was reignited. I realized that in order to be the best wife and mom that I needed to do what makes me happy. This helped me to redefine my purpose. It was when I began walking in my purpose did I notice a shift in my life – professionally and personally. The moment I began to walk in my purpose I found joy, fulfillment, peace of mind, and confidence. This newfound confidence allows me to show up for myself, my businesses and my family daily. Consistently showing up has provided me numerous opportunities such as performing in the BET Hip Hop Awards, dancing for various artists, opening my online boutique in the midst of the pandemic, and so much more.

Just in this past year and a half I have accomplished so much. I’ve performed with Tobe Nwigwe, performed solo in the Union Arts Festival and Fringe Festival, taught numerous dance workshops with HISD, danced backup for singer/songwriter Niq, and most recently co-directed and co-choreographed a two night show titled A Year in Reverse. A Year in Reverse is a full immersive art experience which included dance, art, spoken word, and music conceptualized and organized by The Collective Four. The Collective Four consists of myself and 3 of my friends/colleagues Brent Smith, Loren Holmes, and Belle Alexander. This project was the most challenging and most rewarding experience to date. I recently taught my first in person dance class. This has been a goal of mine since moving to Houston in 2015. I had initially planned it for March 2020 but cancelled because of Covid. I am beyond proud of myself for achieving this goal. I am excited that my next class is already planned for next month!

I believe that I am a woman that I am today because of all of my previous life experiences. Each experience has taught me and molded me into the artist that I am today. To be a great artist, you have to live your truth and allow that to be represented in the work that you create. If not that then what’s the point? Nothing worth having is easy but if you’re willing to take the chance to evolve with each challenge that life throws at you, you’ll be successful.

My biggest hope is that I inspire someone else with my story. I aspire to inspire other creatives through my art and brand. So Stormie is about more than just fashion and dance. So Stormie encompasses what it means to follow your dreams, live your truth, and to do the things that bring your life fulfillment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since becoming a wife and mom, I am definitely more of a homebody these days. I love entertaining friends at home with a bottle of wine or two. For food, I would check out Turkey Leg Hut, Ousie’s Table, Perry’s Steakhouse, and Dish Society. For drinks and libations, I would suggest Axelrad, HER Lounge, Peggy’s Kitchen, and Wonder Bar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to give glory to God for His grace and mercy. I like to think that I am a product of all the people that have poured into me. Every relationship and experience has helped to shape me into the woman that I am today – adding to my success. But I would like to give a shout-out to my husband and best friend, David. He has played an integral role in supporting me as well as offering advice. He is an artist as well so he understands the challenges that artists often deal with in choosing this career path. Thanks for always being a listening ear and voice of reason.

Website: www.sostormie.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sostormie https://www.instagram.com/shopsostormie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sofabulouslysweet

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiCi7vRvb5rXhHg07Y0W4yQ

Other: Boutique : https://so-stormie.myshopify.com/

Image Credits
Pin Lim David Holmes