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

Hi Denise, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Whether in business or personal life, there are qualities that distinguish people and make you want to work (or play) with them and vice versa. Among them, it’s integrity. It means you can count on a person to follow-through. There’s an inherent trust factor that their word means something.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Since kindergarten I wanted to be an artist. But I never pursued it and focused on other studies that seemed more “practical.” But the need to express creativity found its way out.

When I started my career in the machine embroidery industry, I had a unique opportunity to learn from the ground up. I learned about publishing, photo shoots, machine embroidery, managing a team of writers, graphic artists, etc. I also learned how to develop my own line of products. I worked long hard hours but I saw it as my graduate school training. I am proud I used every opportunity to learn.

Through those experiences I developed a broad range of skills, discovered hidden talents and improved my resilience. I’ve learned to trust my instinct and to surround myself with positive individuals.  These skills I developed easily transferred to my present marketing role.

In addition, the Visual Art League of Lewisville has opened my eyes to the world of artists.  Artists are my people!  I love volunteering my time and marketing skills to help the League and to support other artists.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
At heart I’m about marketing. So, this week-long experience would be branded as a Denisecapade. And most likely my best friend would need a vacation afterwards to recover from all the activity.

Food & Sweets
1. Boozy ice cream at Cocktail Creamery in historic downtown McKinney. For newbies, I recommend Butter Bourbon Pecanator, though you can’t go wrong with any of the flavors! It is best to study their menu online to read the fun descriptions and to choose according to your favorite alcohol.

2. Goodies Texas for some chocolate (I hesitate in sharing because I don’t want a sudden run on my chocolate). But the dark chocolate cranberry is by far the greatest decadence in chocolate available in the city. Ask for Greg, he will take care of you!

3. Jersey Joe’s Deli for the “Big D” sandwich. I admit I’ve never tried any other item on the menu – I’ve been tempted because everything looks delicious but I have a hard time passing up the “Big D”. This is a family-run deli with top-quality ingredients and a whole lot of heart. I go not only for the food but the gracious hospitality.

Art Adventures:
1. Street photography in downtown Dallas. We would pack a camera and hit the streets of Dallas! Some of my favorite spots include the Greyhound Bus Station, The Adolphus, The Statler and aimless, carefree wandering. The best shots are unplanned, often gritty, full of discovery and worthy of contemplation.

2. Art exhibits at the Lewisville Grand Theater. The Visual Art League of Lewisville has art exhibits on display throughout the year. Not only is there wonderful art by local artists but it’s a gorgeous venue. The space is beautifully lit, professional and has a striking presence when you arrive.

3. Design District in Dallas. We would hit a variety of art galleries on Dragon Street (and nearby). These include PDNB (Photos Do Not Bend), Craighead Green Gallery, Samuel Lynne Galleries and Dallas Contemporary. Immediately following, we would go to a hardware store to pick up art supplies. Every trip to an art gallery results in spontaneous inspiration that must be explored immediately.

Shopping:
1. Curiosities in Dallas. The shop lives up to its name with unusual, eye-catching antiques, interesting finds, etc.

2. Dillard’s Clearance in Lewisville. I hesitate in sharing but what kind of a friend am I if I don’t? I recently witnessed a woman entering the store, gazing at the dresses and exclaim words in a foreign language that I do not speak. Except I understood. She was proclaiming unfettered delight at the sight of all the beautiful (and affordable) dresses. An entire day would be spent here. There’d be a lot of giggling and excitement.

That just about fills a week!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
An entire novel could be written but I’ll be brief. I took a Dale Carnegie workshop led by Frank Starkey in Dallas years ago. In this workshop, I developed skills from the book, How to Win Friends and Influence People. Although the book was published 88 years ago, the lessons are timeless, tested and valuable. The workshop led to an increase in confidence, new opportunities and friendships. I have since discovered a love for exploring and sharing my art through the Visual Art League of Lewisville (VAL). After joining the VAL, I’ve been given opportunities to not only meet people, share my art but take on leadership roles.  I am extremely grateful.

Website: bigberthasadventures.com

Instagram: deniseholguin2012

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deniseholguin

Image Credits
The photo of me in an orange poncho (the first image I uploaded during this interview process), file: 168A4151.jpg was taken by Tore Bellis.

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