IBWZ – Erin Holland

Meet Erin Holland

TV presenter, classically trained singer, former Miss World Australia, model and brand ambassador.

Erin wears many hats and somehow makes it all look effortless. We joined her and fluffy child, Skylar in her Queensland home for a rare moment of calm. Erin was reflective on her journey so far, the hustle, the heart and the highlights she never takes for granted.

We don't know where to start… Your list of accomplishments are some of the most impressive we’ve seen!  You’ve accomplished so much, from obtaining an BA in Classical Voice, being crowned Miss World Australia to presenting The IPL in India or the PSL in Pakistan! What has been the pinch-me moment of your career so far?
Growing up in Cairns with big dreams of being on stage and travelling the world, I honestly still have those pinch me moments pretty much daily. I guess the real turning point was winning Miss World that opened a lot of doors. But there have been so many sliding-door moments along the way that got me here. I’m a big believer in working really hard, dreaming big, throwing yourself in and saying yes even to the most random things. In this industry, you really never know what’s coming next!

Looking back, what would you tell your younger self?  Any hard lessons learnt?
I’d give her a massive high-five for sticking with her passions and not letting the unkind comments get in the way. Being the clarinet-playing band geek in orchestra, the try-hard who always did her homework... and still believing she could actually make it. There was never a plan B (which caused my parents a lot of stress, haha), but I’m so glad I didn’t let that stop me from going all in on the things I loved even if they weren’t exactly “cool” at the time. I’d probably tell her to be a little kinder to herself, though. That drive to never get complacent has served me well, but it also means I rarely pause to celebrate how far I’ve come. I definitely have that eternal freelancer mindset of “Okay… but what’s next?” and I don’t think that will ever fully go away. I’ve lived the paycheck-to-paycheck life, I know the stress of rising costs and I think that pressure just stays with you. I love the spontaneity of this lifestyle but the pressure? Yeah… that’s always lingering just under the surface.

Who is your ultimate inspiration and role model? Why?
Honestly, I have so many. Any woman managing to juggle work, love, life, and kids that’s endlessly inspiring to me. I put off diving into family life for years out of fear it would impact my career, and now I find myself navigating the challenges of IVF and fertility. It’s been tough.
But then I look around at the powerhouses in my orbit like Natalie Ferrari (The Parlour Room), Amy Jean (Amy Jean Brows), Anna Lahey (Vida Glow), Rebecca Vallance, Nicole Rosenberg (Liberty Interiors) and of course, Zenn’s own Hannah Goldberg and I feel hope.
Whether it’s these women or the countless others I meet through work across so many different industries, their stories remind me that it is possible to build something beautiful and balance it all.

What keeps you driven, motivated and focused? How?
I honestly don’t remember a time when I wasn’t driven. I’m not ashamed to say I’m incredibly ambitious. I started dance at three, was practicing clarinet an hour a day by eight and moved from Cairns to Sydney at 17 because I knew if I wanted to make my dream a reality, I had to do the hard work myself.
After finishing my singing degree at the Sydney Conservatorium, I was working in promotions and events seven days a week just to make ends meet and fitting in auditions whenever I could. It was full-on but I’d do whatever it took to stay in the game and keep moving forward. Coming from a small regional town, I think I always knew the grind would be mine alone and there was never a plan B. It was always going to be stage or screen (my mum will 100% back me on that!). I genuinely love the chaos and I thrive when I’m flat out and get stressed when things go quiet. Shoutout to my long suffering manager of 10 years, Morgan Barta… She's a total saint for keeping up with me! ❤️

You’ve always been a fan of Zenn (TY!), Why?
What’s not to love?! Everything about Zenn just screams timeless, quality, luxury and chic all the things I wish I was, but let’s be honest... I’m way too chaotic for that!
I’ve always believed in investing in beautiful pieces that won’t date and can actually stand up to real life and that’s exactly what Zenn delivers. Plus, it’s led by a powerhouse Aussie woman. That alone is reason enough for me to back it, every time.

Why is Australian made important to you?
My travels have shown me what a huge world there is out there, and I am so in awe of how Aussies punch SO far above their weight for a small population in such an isolated area in so many facets. Design, quality manufacturing and fashion in particular. The more we support our locals and keep our awesome Aussie businesses employing Aussies right throughout, the better it is for all. It’s not easy as a business to commit to this, but I have the utmost respect and will always try to support those that do.

Your room has such a serene sense of calm.  Do you have any night-time rituals or have a process to help you achieve a sense of zenn?
Calm is not my default setting. I split my time between Sydney and Brisbane, travel internationally for work around 10 times a year, and rack up over 130 flights annually so quality sleep is non-negotiable.
Winding down starts the moment I walk into the bedroom. I’ve kept the space soft and cohesive with light greys, creams and calming tones. Melatonin helps quiet my mind, especially after a big night hosting on TV. Being in Brisbane with Ben and Skylar grounds me, I’ve officially become the middle spoon! There’s real comfort in sharing a bed with the people you love. And this Sealy Crown Jewel mattress? Life-changing. We spend a third of our lives in bed, so investing in the perfect setting is a must.

Travel - we love following your adventures… what's your best frequent travel tips?
For my international presenting gigs, I have a suitcase that never gets unpacked. Because I’m often on TV in places where my usual beauty and skincare staples aren’t easy to come by, I’ve packed a permanent travel kit complete with hair, makeup, skincare, and undergarments, all washed and ready. The only thing I swap out is wardrobe! It started during COVID, when we had to stay inside broadcast “bubbles,” and it just stuck. It’s the only way I don’t forget anything especially in places like India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan or Africa, where access to my go-to products isn’t guaranteed. When I fly, it’s all about hydration, in-flight skincare, getting up to move every hour and never boarding without snacks and a fully loaded Netflix list.

What are you coveting right now?
Being at home with my fluffy child, Skylar, and Ben. With him away so often for cricket and me constantly travelling for work, I’ve really missed them both this year. Skylar’s grown up so much while I’ve been gone and I’ve got some serious work to do to win back my spot as the favourite! 😅    

Shop the Look
Bed: Oversize King - Soho bedhead
Fabric: Caulfield, Snow
Arch Bench: Size 1600L
Fabric: Caulfield, Snow

Image Credits
Linen: Cultiver Linen Bed Cover, Sage
Side Tables: Custom made
Styling: Zenn Design
Photography: Brock B.