Elorah Holland

Elorah Holland – Alabama
Nomination by Cheona Holland
Photography by Yellow Hammer Photography
Issue 94 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Elorah Holland is inspiring because she treats everyone with respect with the authenticity that comes from an old soul. She is vibrant and full of energy with the biggest smile. She is not only beautiful on the outside but she has a deep beauty that glows from the inside out. She sets goals for herself and has the confidence and grit to meet those goals. The only thing that may outshine her caring nature is her passion for her family values.

Photography by Yellow Hammer Photography

People describe you as having an “old soul.” What everyday choices or habits show that in action?
I feel like I have many habits that show this in action, but my top three are how patient and kind I am towards the children I babysit and watch in the nursery at church; my love for cooking and baking, I love to cook up a good homemade meal and surprise my family or even whip up some sweet treats for them after a long day; and lastly how I like to sit in my robe in the morning or evening watching the news with my warm cup of coffee.

What’s a recent goal you set —and what gritty, step-by-step actions did you take to reach it?
I recently set a goal for myself to buy a laptop for my school and future college life. The gritty, step-by-step actions I took for this were taking fifty dollars out of my paycheck and setting it aside to create my total amount that I owe towards the laptop. To achieve this, I told myself that I would need to spend less on my wants and focus solely on my needs.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
One aspect that my nomination does not capture is my vibrant outlook on life and my animated personality! I approach each day with enthusiasm, eager to embrace new experiences and connect with others, all while letting my natural cheerfulness shine through.

Share a moment when your animated, cheerful energy turned a tough situation around for someone else.
A few years ago, my family and I were going on vacation to the beach, and my mom missed the exit to get there. We started freaking out. My mom did not realize she had missed the exit. I started looking at my photos and realized that I had taken a picture of the exact exit we had to take. I made a joke saying, "I guess mom isn't the only nonobservant one." The whole car broke out into laughter, realizing it was a silly mistake.

What else would you like to talk about?
I am excited to share my aspiration of pursuing a degree in business and marketing, which I believe will be essential in helping me achieve my dream of opening my own coffee shop. This venture is not just about serving coffee; it is about creating a warm, family friendly and inviting space where the community can gather, enjoy high-quality brews, and experience exceptional service. I envision a coffee shop that combines innovative marketing strategies with a personal touch, allowing me to cultivate a loyal customer base and bring my passion for coffee to life.

Which family value will be the cornerstone of your coffee shop’s culture, and how will guests feel it the moment they walk in?
The cornerstone of my coffee shop’s culture will be a strong work ethic, which fosters dedication among staff and pride in their craft. Customers will sense this commitment as our baristas efficiently craft drinks and food. Additionally, we will emphasize honesty and loyalty, ensuring a trustworthy environment where customers’ needs are prioritized. By promoting transparency and dependability, we aim to build lasting relationships with patrons, making each visit feel valued and appreciated.

Paint your opening day: the vibe, playlist, greeting, and one signature drink that tells your brand’s story.
On our opening day, our coffee shop oozes a warm, inviting vibe filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and cheerful colors. We greet guests with "Welcome to our shop!" and offer kids fun stickers or cookie samples. Our playlist features light acoustic melodies and nostalgic tunes that everyone can enjoy. Our signature drink, "Mama's Latte,” blends espresso, steamed oat milk, lavender, and vanilla, symbolizing the warmth and connection my mom gave me. Each cup comes with a card sharing its story, inviting families to create their own cherished memories in a space that feels like home.

Menu meets marketing—describe a seasonal “food + coffee” pairing and exactly how you’d promote it in-store and online.
A seasonal food we would offer is our “Monster Mash Pancakes.” This would be a blend of our homemade pancakes, covered in cherry syrup, blackberry syrup, and apple syrup, topped with whipped cream and a set of fake vampire teeth for the Halloween season. The perfect drink to pair with this seasonal food is “Dracula's Blood,” a blend of our Sprite with cherry syrup, topped with vanilla cold foam and red sprinkles. To promote online, we would create social media content and collaborate with big brands. To promote in-store, we would display giant posters featuring our new seasonal items.

Community hub plans: what recurring event (study nights, open mic, entrepreneurship mornings, etc.) would you host and why?
I would host weekly "Entrepreneurship Mornings" at my shop to empower aspiring business owners and stimulate local economic growth. Each session would feature guest speakers sharing their experiences and practical advice, followed by networking opportunities for attendees to connect and collaborate. We could also include workshops on essential skills like marketing and finance management, ensuring participants leave with actionable knowledge. This supportive environment would not only build confidence among entrepreneurs but also foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, benefiting the entire community.

Quality and ethics matter—how will you choose your beans and measure sustainability, freshness, and consistency?
When choosing beans, it’s crucial to prioritize quality and ethics. I would source from reputable farms with certifications, ensuring sustainable practices and fair labor. Freshness is key, so I would look for recent roast dates rather than sell-by dates, as beans are best used shortly after roasting. Consistency can be achieved by partnering with suppliers known for quality control and stable growing conditions. By balancing taste with ethical sourcing and sustainability, I can ensure a superior product while supporting responsible farming practices.

Business brain: which marketing metric would you obsess over in year one (e.g., repeat visits, conversion from socials), and what’s your play if it dips?
In year one, I would focus on conversion rates from social media, as they are crucial for establishing a solid business foundation. If conversions dip, I’d analyze the customer journey to identify drop-off points, refine our audience targeting, and enhance content to better engage users. Running A/B tests on ad elements and implementing vigorous follow-up strategies for engaged non-converters would also be essential. Additionally, seeking feedback from visitors can provide valuable insights to shape our approach. These strategies would help not only address the dip in conversions but also strengthen connections with our audience.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I could talk about food forever. I’m always eager to explore new cuisines and discover the delightful flavors they have to offer. There’s something thrilling about tasting exotic dishes, each one telling a unique story through its ingredients and spices. Whether it's savoring the warmth of a rich curry or indulging in the delicate balance of a well-crafted sushi roll, each experience is a delicious adventure waiting to unfold.

Food adventurer time: what dish from another cuisine taught you a life lesson—and how will that lesson shape you as a leader and future owner?
A dish that taught me a life lesson was crab legs; they once intimidated me with their spiky shells and odd shape. However, after trying them during a family beach trip, I was amazed by their sweet, tender meat and rich garlic butter. This experience taught me to embrace new flavors and adventures beyond my comfort zone.

How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience?
Ever since I was a little girl, I would spend hours gazing at my photographer's page, mesmerized by the amazing images he shared. The models he showcased, with their captivating expressions sparked a dream within me to become one of them someday. What I cherish most about this art form is the incredible freedom it offers to express our unique personalities, allowing each person to tell their own story through a single frame. The creativity involved in capturing an individual’s essence is truly magical, and I long to be part of that world.

Are you a part of a model team with your photographer, and if so, tell us about it.
I am a part of the senior modeling crew with Yellowhammer Photography, and it has been a fantastic experience. I was selected during my junior year of high school, which is unique because mostly only seniors are chosen. My experience has been quite amazing because I have had the opportunity to meet different individuals from other schools, which I would not have known otherwise, without the modeling crew. It has been neat getting to know the unique personalities of each model.

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
One of my favorite memories with the person who nominated me is the delightful shopping sprees we would embark on together. The air would be filled with our laughter as we explored vibrant boutiques, filled with colorful clothes and sparkling accessories. We’d try on an array of outfits, twirling and striking silly poses in front of mirrors, our giggles echoing through the stores. After our stylish adventures, we would head to scenic locations for fun photoshoots, capturing the joy of the day and creating memories that still bring a smile to my face.

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I hope to inspire younger girls, demonstrating to them that with determination and courage, they can achieve anything their hearts desire. I want to show them the limitless possibilities that exist when you believe in yourself and chase your dreams with passion and resilience.

If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
I plan to save my money and issue it towards furthering my education in marketing and business. This investment will enable me to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in my career and bring my entrepreneurial dreams to life.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today?
My family has significantly influenced my life. My parents encourage me to pursue my passions in an environment that makes my dreams feel achievable. My siblings act as both friends and motivators, pushing me to improve while reminding me that mistakes are part of growth. Even my extended family provides support and valuable insights during challenging times. Each family member relays essential values like resilience, kindness, and hard work. I'm grateful for their profound impact on my journey and for shaping who I am today.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
You would find me cozied up in my bed with my robe and blankets, watching Gilmore Girls.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Being selected for the yearbook is very hard because six to twelve are selected out of fifty to eighty applicants. To do this I wrote my answers thoroughly and explained why I would be a great fit for the team.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
No matter what anyone says, set a goal and achieve it, no matter how hard it seems to achieve.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I see myself being a business owner of my small town coffee shop.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
My favorite of all time is shopping, I could shop until I drop.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
My artistic talents such as writing poems and taking pictures.

3 Things on your bucket list
Travel the world, meet Nick Saban, zipline through the Amazon Rainforest

Who do you find inspiring?
All the independent women in my family.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I am a very goal oriented person who likes to achieve what is unachievable.

Look for Elorah in issue 94 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

click here for more information on issue 94

click here to nominate an inspiring teen