The International Model and Talent Association employs
hundreds of fashion and talent agents, personal managers,
casting directors, network representatives and music
producers who have a long-standing rapport of excellence in
judging and scouting new talent for new models, actors,
singers and dancers to work in the fashion and entertainment
industries. Along with Katie Holmes, other actors who have
competed at IMTA include Ashton Kutcher, Eva Longoria and
Jessica Biel.
Holloway is a singer-songwriter, having recently released
his album No More Delay, an intimate playlist of
reflective and worshipful music that he shares as worship
leader at Solid Rock Missionary Church in Blissfield,
Michigan. Last week he shared his musical gift in honor of
the survivors of multiple earthquakes in Puerto Rico, at the
Light of Hope prayer vigil and fundraiser held at Braden
United Methodist Church.
In addition to being a recording artist, he published his
first book entitled God Wants You to Smile Today: 25
Epiphanies of God’s Goodness — Secrets to Living With
Radical Peace, Joy and Hope, which explores the healing
and inspiration found in the simple expression of a smile.
Holloway’s voice and smile garnered him the honor of
winning third runner-up for best songwriting award, best
commercial and a runner’s up for Best Male Actor of the Year
2020 at IMTA. He said, “I am happy to announce that out of
quite a group of amazing people, I was humbled to rep Toledo
in these categories! I am still so amazed.”
His career in education has given him the opportunity to
teach abroad in South Korea, being awarded as International
Teacher of Excellence; and in various cities throughout
China and locally at The University of Toledo and Lourdes
University. He received a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish
and a bachelor of education degree from UT. He taught
Spanish at area schools and later graduated from the
University of Toledo with a master’s degree in English as a
second language.
Holloway’s passion for mentorship, leadership development,
and goal-setting set him on a path to pursue a PhD in
Curriculum and Instruction whereby he has passed the defense
of his dissertation last week, making him eligible for
graduation this May. Upon graduation and becoming Dr. Jeremy
C. Holloway, he was asked what his future plans are: “There
are many options, but one of them is become a professor in a
university. While doing this I want to continue to write
books, release albums, and do acting when the time presents
itself. I also have my own media marketing company, Sm3x,
so I plan to keep doing this as well. I feel blessed to be
a blessing in any way that I can.”
Fear isn’t a part of his mindset, as he may be found
affirming himself and others with positivity to fuel his
goals and dreams. He is soft spoken, yet energized with
enthusiasm for life, love and the pursuit of real joy.
Holloway is young and wears Free Form Locs, he plays the
acoustic guitar and may be seen in a suit and tie or jeans
and a sweater. When asked about the significance of his
hair, he replied, “My
hair is a statement. My hair means freedom. It’s a reminder
that I am free and beautiful just the way I am and that
there are others out there that suffer and don’t have
anything and my hair is a reminder that I’m not here to
serve perfect people, but people that look different from
me. But in a nutshell, it represents the most valuable
thing to me, and what I want for every person: FREEDOM.”
No matter what he wears, he is always clothed with a smile.
In the midst of a time where society has gone into policing
anything possible, including black hair, Holloway described
his hairstlye’s impact on his professional career. “The
key words here are “MY professional career”, not someone
else’s. Sometimes I believe we are waiting for someone else
to tell us how we are supposed to look and act. That I
believe, is the wrong mindset to have. You have to be happy
with how you look. Honestly, I never thought about that much
because I am not interested in a job that would affect my
professional career in any way than the way I want.
“I’m sure if I applied for the wrong job, I’d receive a
negative effect, but the effect that I receive the most is
that people ask me if I am an artist or musician, and to
that question I feel honored. My hair in a sense, filters
out the people who are secure within themselves from the
people who aren’t. Those who are secure about themselves
and do not feel the need to impress people they don’t know
are the kind of people I want to be around. I find that
people who don’t want to superficially impress others are
attracted to my style, so I’m thankful for that. If you
don’t feel that way, unfriend me, unfollow me, whatever you
need to do. I understand the importance of blending in and
there are times for that, but that I believe, is to a
certain extent. Be who you are, and be around people who
love that about you.”
If you mention his honors, that include the 20 under 40
recipient in 2017, his numerous recognitions in the local
community and from educational institutions or his recent
accomplishments, it’s no wonder why Jeremy Holloway would
smile. But his greatest achievements include balancing his
professional and creative careers with his beautiful family.
He explained, “There are two words: God’s Grace. One thing
I try to do is keep my priorities straight: God first,
second my wife, third my children, and then my work. I’m
learning that if you keep that order straight, God will take
care of the rest. One of the other things I would say is do
what you love to do. When you do what you love, you will
find yourself energized when you use the gifts that God’s
given to you. Then know when you need to rest. My family
helps keep me balanced, and that helps me a lot.”
Holloway resides in Toledo with his wife Kayla, and their
children. |