Today we’d like to introduce you to Holli Fourniquet.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in East Texas. Graduate with a BA from Stephen F. Austin State University with a major in Communication and a Minor in Hospitality Tourism. At the time I didn’t really know what Destination Marketing was, but I chose my classes based off my interests (and which areas of study had the least amount of math classes.) During college, I volunteered at the Nacogdoches CVB and interned at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, which is where I really learned about the non-profits that help cities grow as well as city government.
After college, I participated in the Disney Internship Program in Orlando, Florida where I learned a lot about tourism and the impacts of tourism on a city. I realized when I moved back to Texas, this was the career I wanted to pursue. I started out as the Communication Manager at Conroe CVB, then moved up to Director of Communication at the Bryan-College Station CVB, but I always missed East Texas. When an opportunity opened up in Tyler, Texas to do destination marketing, I had to take it. The sunsets are prettier in East Texas; the people are friendly, and most importantly it felt like coming home. I knew this was a place I could truly put some roots down.
Through the years, I also completed my Texas Destination Marketing certification with the Texas Association of CVBs, and was part of the first graduating class for Texas Travel Alliance’s Tourism College, completing my Certified Tourism Executive certificate.
I was named Texas Travel Alliance’s 2015 Rising Star and 2021 4 Under 40, both of which are presented to young professionals who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the Texas Travel Industry. I am on the Texas Travel Alliance Board of Directors and also serve as the Board Chair for the Texas Forest Trail Region. I was also recently named the Senior Vice President for Visit Tyler.
In addition to my day job, like a true elder millennial, I have a side hustle. I am the Brand Manager for Fifteen58 Productions LLC. Through this side business, I help small businesses create strategic marketing plans, do social media trainings and audits, freelance writing, and more. I also occasionally co-host on GT Garage Talk’s (a brand of Fifteen58 Productions LLC) podcast and YouTube Channel.
In my free time, I homeschool my toddler, enjoy spending time at the zoo, and traveling. My goal is to travel 6 of the 7 continents (I only have Australia left) and visit all 50 states. That’s me in a nutshell. My husband and I are building the life of our dreams one goal at a time.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I would say compared to others; it’s been a pretty smooth road. There were some valleys, of course, but each one taught me something new. I’d say the first time I really experienced bullying happened in my mid-20’s at my place of work, which is just astounding to me that adults acted that way. Each hurdle has taught me life is too short not to do what you love. I learned that I never want to feel stuck in a situation; there’s always a different door to take.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a destination marketer. Basically, I get to tell people all of the fun things there are to do in a town and in Texas. I get to help people fall in love with the area and want to visit again and again. I think people who visit East Texas are surprised, and I love being the one to show off the area. My specialty is marketing and public relations. So, in my position, I do the digital/print advertising, social media, website, etc. Since we are a non-profit, I wear several other hats including working the front desk at the visitor center, where I get to interact with visitors face-to-face. I think what sets me apart from others is I truly have a desire to tell the stories that no one knows. I want to help the little guy. That’s one reason I started working on my side hustle. I offer affordable marketing services to small business owners. Marketing shouldn’t be something only the big guys can afford. I think I’m most proud of how scrappy I can get. Working for an organization that is funded through taxes, our budget is very limited. I can stretch a budget and negotiate like nobody’s business.
I also Co-Host and produce, on a regular basis, two podcasts: ETXpodcast and Rambling Roses. Rambling Roses is a Visit Tyler production that we created to share long-form content. It’s a way that we share the stories and culture of Tyler with visitors, residents, and potential visitors. On ETXpodcast, we focus on women in business in the East Texas area. We highlight small businesses, share free marketing advice, and promote events and attractions in the area.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I have a twin sister, not identical. I don’t like chocolate chip cookies. I get terrible motion sickness, which is sometimes surprising to people because of how much I like to travel. I also co-host and produce not one, but two podcasts: ETXpodcast and Rambling Roses.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.visittyler.com
- Instagram: HolliFourniquet
- Facebook: HolliFourniquet
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/gtgaragetalk
- Other: www.fifteen58.com; www.gtgaragetalk.com
