CEO Hollie helping students who can't stretch to university tuition fees

A WOMAN who achieved her dream of running her own business after dropping out of college almost 10 years ago is now helping other young people in Nottingham who can't afford pricey university tuition fees.

- By SOPHIE BUSCIMESE

Hollie McNamee, 26, who grew up near Arnold, decided to drop out of college in 2016 and bought a one-way ticket to Dubai. She never looked back.

Educating herself using a number of online courses, today Hollie runs her own marketing agency and has set up an academy dedicated to helping others who can't afford to go to university break into the creative fields.

"My path was not always easy, but I can now say I have followed my passion and built something I am truly proud of," she said. "My whole motto is that a career in the creative industry should not be defined by a degree."

Hollie continued. "This is not to diminish anyone who has gone to university, but there are a lot of people out there who simply cannot afford a three-year university course.

"These people should have access to something that can bring them on a similar path".

She attributes some of her success to parents Drew and Sam, who she said had always encouraged her to follow her dreams.