We had the good fortune of connecting with Holly Solem and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Holly, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?

It never occurred to me to live anything other than an artists life. Creating is my purpose and my reason for being on earth. If I’d ever had any idea of plan b, I would have just done that. A creative career can be quite challenging, but it’s insanely rewarding when it’s working.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started working as a model when I was four years old. As a teenager, I began playing in bands. At twenty, I moved to LA where I modeled, DJ’d, made music and acted. My whole life, I’d always been writing, recording things that had happened, and my thoughts around them. But it wasn’t until recently that I began sharing my work. I started a Substack in 2022, which has grown and led to commissions writing for magazines. I am also working on a memoir. I often think I spent so long in the music industry just to be able to write about it. I write deeply personal essays and stories about my life in Hollywood. I talk about addiction, recovery, spiritual and personal growth, and sometimes even ghosts. Some of the stories are quite dark, and some, very funny. It’s definitely vulnerable.

The biggest challenge I face is in writing the absolute truth. Even though I write about myself, there are often other people involved in my stories, and I have no desire to call any one out. I’m simply sharing my experience and perspective. I feel concerned about pissing people off, even if their identities are well disguised.

I guess creating isn’t about pleasing everyone. Nothing feels better than when someone reaches out to tell me they’ve connected with something I’ve written. I think the more honest I am, the more people connect. That’s my brand! Brutal honesty and self reflection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Joan Didion exhibition at The Hammer Museum is a must. Also, the Getty. Mexican food at El Coyote on Beverly. Robata JINYA on 3rd street for Sushi, or Asanebo in the valley. I love having lunch in the garden of The Chateau Marmont. We would have to go to one of the little beaches in Malibu. Maybe El Pescador as El Matador is usually too busy, unless it’s winter. Broad Street Oysters, in Malibu, for Oysters, of course. We would hike in Griffith Park, all the way up to the observatory.
Little Dom’s is close by and a favorite for Italian. Or Speranza. I also love All Time and Blair’s, for Los Feliz dining. Figaro is great for drinks, great people watching if you sit on the sidewalk. And Skylight books is next door. Oh, and Squaresville is a great vintage clothing store.
For shopping, I love the Real Real on Melrose, and Wasteland. I also love going to the Grove and the farmers market. Sportie LA for sneakers. House of Intuition for crystals. Coffee at Alfred. When in Los Feliz, coffee at Maru.
Also, hiking in Elysian park is crucial. It’s a different vibe from Griffith Park. It’s somehow moodier. Massages at the Now. The Rose bowl flea market.
My friend throws a monthly queer dance party called Gorgeous Gorgeous, at a warehouse downtown. So fun.
Local live music at the Echo or the Wiltern for bigger acts.
Musso and Franks for steaks!
Alamo drafthouse downtown for movies.
Med Men on Roberston is the most beautiful weed store ever. Definitely a fun place to take an out of towner!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
No one has inspired me more than Joan Didion.

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamneoncowgirl

Other: https://neoncowgirl.substack.com

Image Credits
Rachel Gray, Chance Falkner, Neil Perry

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