Born in Germany and raised in Colorado, Iona Holder came to Milledgeville in 1993 to attend Georgia College and later founded one of downtown’s busiest businesses.
“I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, my Masters of Public Administration, and also my Masters in Creative Writing all at Georgia College,” Holder said.
After college, Holder decided she was going to make Milledgeville a permanent home. She met and married her husband Jimmy Holder and had five “incredible” children: Morgan, Emma, Whit, Elizabeth, and Katie.
Holder is the owner of the local coffee house, Blackbird. She said she is proud of how much her business has grown and is making memories every day. Blackbird opened its doors in 2004.
“We will proudly celebrate our 20th year in business on Dec. 8,” Holder said. “We consistently work to create a space where we serve fresh in-house-roasted coffee, alongside delicious treats. “
Blackbird is not only a coffee shop but also a space for artist to express themselves and create art.
“Our mission statement also includes providing space for artists of all sorts to create art. We love writers, painters, and musicians and believe it is critical to make space for everyone to create, connect and commune.” When Holder was asked for her proudest moment as a business owner, she answered, “I am most proud of helping others recognize their gifts. I do this through my business and especially when I am directing plays in Birdhouse Theater.”
Holder has been directing plays and working with artists for nearly 30 years of her life.
The Holder family now gets to do what they love by hosting and directing plays in their own coffee shop and making a larger impact on the downtown Milledgeville community.
“Considering the long history of Milledgeville, the changes I have witnessed over the past three decades are too numerous to name,” Holder said. “I have enjoyed watching our downtown thrive and the growth within both the educational opportunities, as well as the economic.”
Holder and her coffee shop have become a local Milledgeville gem. The fresh coffee isn’t the only star of the show. Holder’s shop provides lunch catering, dipped ice-creams, as well as local beers and wines.
“Most days I drink whatever dark roast we have with a little cream and sugar, but I also love trying the specialty drinks our creative baristas concoct,” Holder said when asked about her favorite drink.