Holly Armstrong
Holly Armstrong is the founder and creative force behind Starlight & Sage Co., a luxury brand specializing in hand-poured soy-free candles, fine art prints, and heirloom-inspired jewelry crafted from sustainable and eco-conscious materials.
With a focus on evoking joy, girlhood nostalgia, and a sense of community, Holly combines her artistic vision with a commitment to environmental stewardship, donating a portion of each sale to ocean plastic removal and tree-planting initiatives. Her work emphasizes craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and community impact, positioning Starlight & Sage Co. as a uniquely meaningful, purpose-driven brand.
Before founding Starlight & Sage Co., Holly spent over a decade in the energy and sustainability industry, building expertise in international strategy, commodities trading, and commercial development at bp. She excelled in leading diverse project teams, fostering collaboration across business units, and driving initiatives that aligned with global sustainability and inclusivity.
Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on when she launched a web-based bakery business in college, which she managed end-to-end while pursuing her finance degrees. Holly holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas A&M University, where she prioritized extracurricular leadership, across energy trading programs and DE&l initiatives.
Her career combines a rare blend of analytical rigor, strategic insight, and creative collaboration, making her a dynamic leader in both corporate and artistic ventures. She continues to expand Starlight & Sage Co., actively pursuing wholesale opportunities and engaging with the broader community through philanthropic and cultural endeavors.
• Texas A&M University
• Prairie View A&M University
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to trusting my gut, pursuing what brings me joy, and leaning into community and visibility opportunities that help me connect with others. These elements have guided my creative and professional journey, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” - Taylor Swift
”Never be so polite, you forget your power. Never wield such power, you forget to be polite.” - Marjorie Finlay
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Listen to your gut, even if it goes against the life you've been conditioned to want. Letting go of the past, while honoring lessons learned along the way, is worth the risk of remaining in a box that has grown too small.
If you feel called to change course, take a deep breath, and leap. Entrepreneurship is not for everyone, but if you're willing to work for it, the rewards can be deeply fulfilling. Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to pivot when your current path stops bringing you joy.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, one of the biggest challenges I see is overcoming the financial burdens imposed on small businesses by the current administration. In addition to navigating the increased costs in an uncertain economy, I'm managing the day-to-day of running a small business, wearing many different hats, and prioritizing my mental health. At the same time, I'm pursuing exciting opportunities to scale into wholesale, foster a growing community, leverage media exposure, and explore professional networks to expand the business.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are sustainability, authenticity, and prioritizing meaningful connections for my customers. I aim to remain vulnerable and open in everything I do, while making personal well-being a priority.
Locations
Starlight & Sage Co
Magnolia, TX 77354