Holly Anna Scarsella is a powerhouse of creativity and ambition. As a mother of three and the founder of the now-sold Pampelone Resortwear, Holly has built a reputation as an entrepreneur who knows how to scale and succeed. Now, she’s sharing her expertise as a sought-after business speaker while launching her latest venture, Glasshaus Interiors. Holly’s ability to balance motherhood, business, and creativity is truly inspiring, and we’re thrilled to feature her this International Women’s Day to discuss her journey, what drives her, and how she expresses her individuality and creativity in all aspects of her life.
1. You’ve had incredible success as an entrepreneur. What inspired you to take the leap into founding Pampelone Resortwear and now Glasshaus Interiors?
My first ever career was in PR – working for some fantastic global brands. I was always fascinated with the idea of being able to build a brand and business with clever problem solving and marketing. Pampelone came from the complete gap in the market for a mid-market resortwear brand at a time in which we only had the high street or high end designers. Glasshaus has arisen from finding a complete gap in the market for accessible high-end design and access to the UK’s top interior designers. I can’t wait to disrupt the interiors market in a way never previously been executed.
2. What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a female entrepreneur and mother?
Now I have three daughters it’s ever more important. It’s a day to recognize the hurdles that women have had to overcome to get to where we are today, and also celebrate some of the great success stories.
3. You’re passionate about scaling businesses. What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to women looking to grow their own ventures?
Think big and be strategic. Try and remove the emotion and really focus on the revenue streams that are successful / have the biggest opportunity. If something isn’t working – end it. That decisiveness and strategy is key for scale. The best way to do this is to start to love data. It’s boring but necessary. Follow the data and use this to steer the business.
4. As someone with an eye for both fashion and interiors, how do you see jewellery and design influencing one another?
I think they’re completely and intrinsically linked. I absolutely love jewellery with references from a specific design era. For example a lot of the Heavenly pieces I own have a nod to Art Deco era which I think is so cool.
5. What’s the most meaningful piece of jewellery you own, and why is it special to you?
It’s a diamond eternity band I wear every single day. It was actually a gift from my husband when we had our first daughter. It was the first piece of truly special jewellery I’d ever owned apart from my engagement ring and I just love It so much.
6. How do you incorporate jewellery into your busy lifestyle as a mum of three while running a business?
I genuinely don’t feel completely dressed without my jewellery. I have my day to day pieces which often includes a necklace stack. I’ve been layering my Heavenly London Etta necklace for years! For a big meeting or evening event I’m a big fan of a statement earring.
7. With sustainability being a hot topic in fashion and interiors, how do you approach making thoughtful choices in your designs and purchases?
In all areas of my life I really try to avoid throwaway fashion / design pieces. I like to invest in fewer, better pieces.
8. Heavenly London celebrates individuality. How do you use jewellery to express your personal style?
I’ve never ever followed trends and always choose pieces I truly love and that are quite classic in style. I very rarely veer from this.
9. If you could design a piece of jewellery to represent your entrepreneurial journey, what would it look like?
It would most certainly include a diamond to represent how resilient they are – cliché but true!
10. Balancing motherhood and business is no small feat. What advice would you give to women trying to navigate both?
Firstly be really honest with yourself from the start as to how much time you realistically have to work on your venture each day. This helps to draw really firm boundaries and mange your time as best as possible. No meetings for the sake of meetings and just be really direct with any staff with exactly what you need to be achieved.
10. What’s your vision for Glasshaus Interiors, and how does it reflect your evolution as a designer and entrepreneur?
With Glasshaus, we really are aiming to redefine the interior design market. It’s a platform that connects leading Interior designers with a wider audience who can download pre designed room schemes for their homes – Room schemes by designes they would never previously be able to get access to. There is a lot of technology involved and we utilize AI which is a really big step for me – a self admitted technophobe. We really are embracing technology to scale and grow.
11. Finally, what does empowerment mean to you, and how do you hope to inspire other women through your work?
The most empowering thing for me is to be truly confident. Confident in my own ability, and also the confidence to truly believe in my business focuses. As women specifically we have so much self doubt, but when you overcome this it’s the most empowering thing.
