Hello! I’m Danielle Holmes, co-owner of Black Nova Designs, founder of Holmes for Paws and a mum navigating the juggling act of work, life and everything in between. I’m passionate about sharing every angle of my life: the highs and lows, wins and failures. If you know me in person or follow me on social media, you’ll know I’m committed to showing that life isn’t always as picture-perfect as it may appear online. My path through life has been far from straightforward, but every twist and turn I’ve overcome has helped shape me into the person I am today.
Lots of people know me from my work at Black Nova Designs but I didn’t start out in tech – far from it. As a qualified accountant and horse-mad girl, technology and using computers sometimes felt like a foreign language to me. Yes, I was that person constantly on the phone to IT for help! Eventually, the person providing that IT support was my husband Kyle and when I met him, everything changed. I saw his passion for helping people with IT and the potential in his fledgling business Black Nova Designs. And, I knew that together, we could build something amazing.
Of course, it wasn’t easy. There were countless days of asking what felt like “silly” questions, figuring out how to make sense of the tech world. But I love a challenge, and I’ve always had a passion for learning. I threw myself into understanding IT, marketing and how to make our business stand out. That journey gave me the empathy to help others navigate the confusing world of technology. There’s no such thing as a silly question where our customers are concerned, I want them to feel they can ask anything they like.
I’ve also started another Holmes for Paws, a pet-sitting company that’s close to my heart. The dogs I care for come with me on walks and to the office, and spend evenings curled up in the living room while their owners enjoy a holiday. I also love spending time with my family, taking care of my cats, walking up dales, hills and mountains. Life is messy, imperfect and sometimes overwhelming, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Whether it’s in business or life, I’m all about showing up as my true self, learning as I go and never backing down from a challenge. That’s what this website is all about, so thank you for being part of my journey!