Holly Stratton is the passionate founder and director behind A Taste of the Hills Festival - a dynamic two-day festival celebrating the very best of the Adelaide Hills. Launched in 2022, this unique event brings together the region's food, drink, music and artisan talent in one vibrant location, making it easier for locals and visitors alike to explore the heart of the Hills.
Inspired by her love for the Adelaide Hills - where she was born and raised - Holly was motivated by conversations with local businesses still reeling from the impact of the Cudlee Creek bushfires and COVID-19. From these conversations, A Taste of The Hills Festival was born. What started as a grassroots concept quickly grew into a cornerstone event for the region, now entering its third year.
Holly’s professional background is in education and psychotherapy, before moving into the event space with no formal background in business or marketing - something that posed real challenges. Like many small business owners, she found herself juggling multiple roles, from event coordination to finance, while trying to figure out how to market the festival effectively. That’s where the Women in Business Foundations Program, delivered by Adelaide Business Hub came in.
“I chose to partake in the Women in Business Program because I thought it was a fantastic opportunity to try out for mentorship in some areas, which I really needed some guidance for improving my business.”
Joining the program seeking mentorship and strategic support, Holly focused specifically on marketing and brand visibility - critical areas for driving ticket sales and growing the festival’s footprint. Through expert mentoring, she revamped her branding, dramatically grew her social media following from 600 followers to 6000 followers on Instagram and refined her approach to digital advertising. The program also connected her with professionals who helped streamline and elevate her event promotion - saving her both time and money.
Most importantly, the program paired Holly with a mentor who became not only a guide but a continued source of support. Beyond the numbers, Holly remains deeply committed to her original mission - supporting locals. She believes small businesses are the backbone of South Australia, essential for building strong, connected communities. Through A Taste of the Hills, she continues to champion regional talent and encourage locals to shop and connect close to home. The programs, focused on small business growth and success, are crucial to the continued success of small business across our state.
Her advice for other aspiring business owners? "Jump in with both feet. The support and insights you get from programs like this are game-changing—not just for your business, but for your confidence as a founder."
With vision, heart, and a strong community spirit, Holly Stratton is not only building an event - she’s helping shape the future of the Adelaide Hills, one celebration at a time.
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