The People Behind the Oak
We’re a tight-knit crew of marketers, designers, and storytellers who believe small businesses deserve big ideas. We keep it collaborative, creative, and real, so you feel like you’ve got an in-house team on your side.
Our Team
HBIC
Georgia Williams
Georgia was born and raised in Columbia, SC, and is a graduate of the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs). After spending five years in corporate marketing within the insurance world, she realized small businesses get the short end of the stick when it comes to affordable, comprehensive marketing support. In 2023, she launched Holly Oak — her solution to help small businesses grow without blowing the budget. Holly Oak was built to deliver strategic, creative, and efficient marketing services designed specifically for the unique needs of small businesses.
With a deep understanding of both brand growth and budget-conscious decision-making, Georgia leads Holly Oak with the belief that every business deserves the tools and guidance to stand out and succeed. Around here, she’s the captain, cheerleader, and crisis manager — basically, the HBIC.
Chief Aesthetic Officer
Elizabeth Merritt
Elizabeth brings creativity and a sharp eye for detail to every project she touches. A Columbia native and University of South Carolina graduate, she joined Holly Oak Marketing after graduation, building on several years of freelance and design work.
She’s worked with everyone from mom-and-pop shops to nonprofits and startups, picking up all the tricks (and Adobe shortcuts) along the way. At Holly Oak, Elizabeth takes brands from average logos to can’t-look-away visuals. She’s more than a brand makeover artist, she also creates billboards, flyers, menus, and other graphics worthy of a double take. Her sharp eye and creative brain keep us all looking good — because let’s face it, the world already has plenty of Comic Sans.
Jill of All Trades
Hailey Taylor
Hailey helps businesses stand out in today’s fast-paced digital world. Originally from Summerville, SC, she graduated from the University of South Carolina and has called Columbia home ever since. With a background in agency life, she’s worked with clients across a wide range of industries which means she knows how to make brands shine no matter the field.
With experience in social media management, creative development, and copywriting, Hailey’s worn many hats. She’s the brain behind scroll-stopping reels and captivating copy. At Holly Oak, she makes sure projects stay on track, delegating tasks and making sure nothing slips through the cracks.