My story
Hello, I'm Sylvie Barr.
I set up my own business after holding senior roles in various organisations, including purpose led Cafédirect, Unilever and RNIB. I have over 25 years experience in Branding and Marketing, and throughout my career, I've always wanted to make a positive difference to people's lives with my work.
My personal beliefs and values, as well as major events outside work like becoming a mum, shaped Holisto® and the vision for my business - authentic branding and marketing for small business owners.
Holisto was actually born out of a crisis - a personal one. In 2015 I had a mega burnout.
When I look back at this hellish time, I realise that all this happened because I wasn't listening to that little voice we all have within. I was in complete misalignment with my personal values, so it was an accident waiting to happen...
Coming out of the rabbit hole, I focused on my daughter, to ensure that her special needs were met at her new school. I also volunteered for a mental health charity to regain a sense of purpose.
Then I made a leap and created Holisto® in 2019.
When Covid-19 struck our world and we were put in lockdown, things changed for all of us.
Between working from home and homeschooling, learning new rules and adapting, I sat down and thought about my business. I knew I was on the right track with Holisto®, but I had a sense that something was missing.
Then, after letting it rest for a while, it became all clear. Loving spending time in nature with my family to stay physically and mentally healthy, as well as my love of plants and flowers, were the clue and my true inspiration!
In short, my passion is to help business owners grow their business the way Mother Nature taught us - wholesomely and sustainably.
I am here to help people who want to start their own business, as well as busy owners who need to reinvent their business post pandemic. Often my clients set up their business in midlife, after having done the inner work and having found their calling.
I give them the confidence to show up and increase the visibility of their business by co-creating their authentic brand.
In my career working for multi-million pound businesses and building award-winning brands, I spotted that people managing brands often missed something - something that is crucial to the authenticity and sustainability of any brand: its connection to the founder of the business.
By grounding their brand in their authentic SELF, their brand stands out easily and becomes the number 1 choice for their ideals clients.
I really believe that this natural approach is key to prosper sustainably and enjoy what you do, and I'd love to show you how to do that!
Can't wait to get started?
Book a time with me
The roots of Holisto®
VISION: Businesses / brands go to market in an authentic way - a way that feels natural and effortless to their owners, earning the trust of their customers and securing a sustainable future.
MISSION: To help business owners grow strong roots for their brand, with products/services that stand out on the market in a truthful and genuinely unique way, thus attracting their ideal clients with ease.
BELIEFS: Staying true to yourself is key to prosper and enjoy what you do
There is a lot to learn from Nature when growing a business
Your brand is like a person, it can't please everyone - and that's OK!
Like in nature, everything in a business is connected - back office and front of house, external and internal communications, online and off line, customers and other stakeholders (suppliers, shareholders, staff etc).
You and your staff are the best ambassadors of your business.
VALUES: Love - I genuinely care for my clients' brands/businesses and their prosperity. I totally invest myself in the co-creation of their brand. And even if I have no live projects with you, if I see something of interest or an opportunity for your business, I'll be in touch!
Freedom - the pandemic, lockdown and Brexit made me realise how much freedom means to me. Not only our freedom of movement or our freedom of expression, but also the freedom to be ourselves and stay true to who we really are.
This kind of freedom is so empowering and liberating, in your personal and professional life!
Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence - like every flower has its own beauty, everyone has a unique set of talents that can make their brand/business shine. I love discovering those, and infuse them in their brand.
Honesty - everything is so much easier when we are honest with ourselves and others. A brand that is grounded in attributes which are truthful to its owner will genuinely stand out and attract their ideal customers with ease.
Love of learning - learning is a lifelong activity! Every time I meet a new client, I have the privilege to learn new things. Also, change is the only constant, so it's important to keep up with new trends, products and technologies, so that my services stay relevant to my existing and potential clients.
Creativity - Creating a brand together with a business owner is my passion! I love the whole process, the exploring, analysing, and coming up with a brand that is unique to them and which helps them to make their mark naturally.
PERSONALITY: Curious
Loving and caring
Straightforward
Practical
Enthusiastic
Quirky - a bit!