I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. My given name is Hollis Anne Clark, however I have always gone by Holly. I am named after her late grandfather, Dr. Hollis Gamble. He was a dentist in Mansfield, Louisiana. He taught me at a young age that dentistry is a wonderful career, and if you devote yourself to it, you can help a lot of people.
I received my Bachelors of Science from Centenary College of Louisiana, where she studied biology and played college tennis. It was somewhat of a “home away from home” because my grandparents lived in Shreveport at the time as well. I then moved to New Orleans to pursue my dream of being a dentist. I attended LSU School of Dentistry to obtain my Doctorate of Dental Surgery.
I still try to play as much tennis as I can. I really enjoy evening tennis matches through USTA tennis leagues. I’d say my other hobby is that I love to travel internationally. I’ve visited over 30 countries. There is something so exciting about being immersed into another culture. My fiance and I have a revolving bucket list, and we try to rotate who gets to pick the next destination.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m the oldest of 3 girls. My sisters and I are very close and talk everyday. I have one sister pursuing a career in medical sales in Houston and the other is currently at LSU Dental School in New Orleans. My parents both live in Baton Rouge. Tennis and traveling are things we all enjoy together as well. I recently got engaged to my high school crush, Gannon Brandt, and we will be getting married in Italy next June.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve been practicing in the Baton Rouge area for over 4 years. This past year I made a big step in my career and bought my own dental practice. It has been a dream come true. I have gained mentors in the dentists I bought the practice from as well as acquiring the best staff and patients I could have ever asked for. I know God had his hand in this transition from the beginning and I feel immensely blessed.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My fiance and I love to go on date nights. Our favorite date night spot is Chow Yum Phat– we love the food, the drinks, the atmosphere, everything!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’m from Baton Rouge and for high school I went to Baton Rouge High. After dental school I moved back to BR and have been working as a dentist for over 4 years.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
One of my bucket list destinations is the Amalfi Coast in Italy. My fiancé and I plan to elope there next June.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I’m a sucker for a movie based on a true story.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Everything works out the way it is supposed to.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to hike Machu Picchu.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Guardians of the Galaxy Playlist
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Ryan Reynolds — I imagine it would be a hilarious conversation.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I enjoy that Baton Rouge has a lot to offer like a big city would but with a family oriented, small town feel
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
My fiance and I would love to have a few kids and have our life permanently in Baton Rouge. Gannon is pursuing a career in medicine in Shreveport at the moment but will hopefully be moving home to BR next year.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Although it has no relevance after graduation, I graduated top of my dental school class
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been? Why did it make such an impression on you?
I went on a girls trip to Croatia and I truly think it’s the most beautiful place overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
my family are christmas fanatics… we love a tacky christmas sweater and a night out scoping out the best christmas lights
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
the new Top Gun movie
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
my mom– she has given everything to her 3 girls and supported us in every decision
Q: If you stop at the corner gas station, what is the one food item that is begging you to purchase?
cherry coke
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
family, family and family