Behind the Brand: How Hollis Strategic Communications Is Telling Greenville’s Most Impactful Stories
With roots in political and global communications, founder Holly McKissick brings a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to public relations and brand strategy for mission-driven organizations.
When you sit down with Holly McKissick, founder of Hollis Strategic Communications, one thing becomes clear. This work is personal. It's rooted in purpose, driven by community, and shaped by a lifelong passion for storytelling.
"I've always wanted to be an entrepreneur."
"I've always wanted to be an entrepreneur," Holly says. "Starting Hollis came from a desire to harness my passion for effective communication and storytelling. It's such a fun, challenging, and multifaceted field, and I wanted to use it to support businesses and organizations that are not just making an impact but doing good for the community."
In Greenville, South Carolina, where innovation meets connection, Holly’s mission fits naturally. Hollis Strategic Communications is more than a business. It’s a trusted partner for brands that care about clear messaging, strategic planning, and meaningful connection.
Before launching her firm, Holly built an impressive career in political fundraising and corporate communications. She got her start in Washington, D.C., where she learned that every word counts. From donor letters to press briefings, attention to detail was everything. Later, while working for a global corporation in Paris, she refined her communication style even further by collaborating with teams from around the world and navigating cultural and language differences.
Now back in the Carolinas, she brings those experiences to her clients through a simple and powerful idea. Help good people do even better work by telling their stories with heart. One standout project involved Middle Tyger Community Center. When the center broke ground on a $19 million early childhood education center, Hollis focused on the voices of children and families who had been transformed by the center’s care. That storytelling approach turned a construction milestone into a moving community event, drawing over 200 attendees and wide media coverage.
Greenville itself plays a huge role in how Hollis operates. "This city is built on relationships. People here value trust, and so do we. That’s why our work is rooted in listening and building long-term partnerships," Holly says.
Of course, transitioning from large organizations to running a small firm has its own learning curve. Holly admits that managing operations while serving clients has been one of the biggest challenges. But it's also been one of the most rewarding. "We've learned how to use tools and technology to streamline the behind-the-scenes tasks so we can focus on strategy and delivering great work."
Hollis offers a wide variety of services, including public relations, messaging strategy, campaign launches, and corporate history writing. Holly says consistency is key. "Every service might look different, but our process stays the same. We always lead with strategy, audience insight, and strong messaging."
In an increasingly digital world, Hollis takes an integrated approach. Traditional PR still holds weight, but digital tools are essential for reach. "We don’t choose between old and new. We build smart strategies that work across platforms and meet people where they are."
One example of that flexibility was during the kickoff of the Greenville Symphony’s 2024/2025 season. Hurricane Helene hit just as events were planned across the city. Rather than cancel completely, the Symphony team, with help from Hollis, pivoted to a free outdoor concert featuring Ode to Joy, livestreamed from the Peace Center. It became a moment of unity and hope for the community.
Relationships remain central to Holly’s philosophy. "We tell our clients to think ahead. It’s not just about the next launch or announcement. It’s about building a strong foundation that carries you through the next year and beyond."
That long-term mindset is part of why Hollis is growing. Holly recently welcomed her sister Caroline McKissick to the team. Caroline brings valuable experience in journalism, entertainment, and government. Her background strengthens Hollis’ ability to deliver thoughtful and impactful client service. "Caroline’s expertise enhances our work in ways I’m really excited about," Holly says. "She adds depth to everything we do."
As for the future, Holly has a clear vision. Growth, yes, but not just in size.
“We want to grow in skill, in perspective, and in the impact we make for our clients. We’re not chasing numbers. We’re focused on doing meaningful work that reflects our values.”
If you're ready to discover how storytelling, strategy, and smart communication can elevate your mission, take the next step.
Visit hollis-sc.com to learn more about their brand, strategies, and services.