We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dawn Billeci a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dawn, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My work ethic started from my upbringing within an extremely hardworking, working-class family. I was taught from a very young age that everything has it’s price, and nothing in life is free. This strong sense of self-reliance and the understanding that hard work is the foundation for everything we achieve became ingrained in me. My resilience, too, has its origins in these early experiences. The challenges we faced as a family taught me the invaluable lesson that setbacks are a natural part of life, but they don’t define us. My parents, grandparents, and extended family imparted the wisdom that life can throw curveballs, but it’s our ability to rise again that truly matters.
Confidence and self-esteem, for me, are byproducts of these lessons. Knowing that life can be tough and uncertain, yet maintaining faith that there’s a higher purpose guiding us, empowers me to keep moving forward, step by step. My journey has shown me that if I can overcome obstacles and thrive, anyone can. Success, driven by dedication and hard work, serves as a powerful motivator. I find confidence in the fact that I’ve poured effort into everything I’ve accomplished, and this foundation fuels my self-esteem. I’m committed to continuous growth, learning, and service to others, and this dedication reaffirms my belief that as long as I persist, things will be alright.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
SoulShine Yoga & Wellness is not just a business—it’s a reflection of my deeply rooted values and my family’s shared commitment to creating a nurturing, healing space where people can learn to be more present, self-regulate, and connect to their own inner light. We welcome you to engage in the journey towards thriving rather than merely surviving, encouraging you to shine from the inside out.
We are a family-owned and operated holistic wellness business. We offer Group Classes, Private Instruction, Educational Workshops, Professional Development, Teacher Training, Special Events, Retreats, Weddings & Ceremonies, as well as handmade artisan goods, fresh organic produce, and flowers. I bring a mix of teachings to the table, including yoga, sound therapy, mindfulness, reiki, ayurveda, and end-of-life doula guidance.
In our offerings, community is central. From trauma-informed teaching certifications to specialized offerings like clinical yoga therapy, and creating custom wellness plans for individuals and groups, we cater to diverse needs, championing well-being for all. I’m especially passionate about working with caregivers, teachers, mental health clinicians, cancer survivors, veterans, youth, prenatal women, and anyone dealing with challenges like PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, grief, or addiction. My focus is on empowering individuals to take an active role in their health journey, recognizing the importance of collaborating with medical professionals when necessary. Together, we cultivate a holistic and balanced approach to wellness, while using drugless, all natural, evidence-based practices to come back to the essence of who we are, building our path towards a more purposeful and fulfilling life.
For me, it’s a personal journey too. My journey began with my own struggles, and I realized that there were holistic practices and tools that could have made a significant difference if I had known about them earlier. This realization fueled my passion to share these transformative practices with others.
Our SoulShine community thrives on both the intimate and expansive. Our weekly public group classes are intentionally limited, to leave space for more specialized offerings. Our passion for connection fuels vibrant pop-up events, where yoga, sound therapy, meditation, and other holistic modalities converge. This year has seen our horizons expand further, with my new role as State Director of Development for the Veterans Yoga Project, a national endeavor focused on bringing post traumatic growth and resilience tools to veterans, service members, first responders, and their families. I’m still a member of their teacher’s alliance as well as actively teaching for VYP. But my added role in the organization allows me to work towards creating more of these classes throughout the state. Although VYP is a nationwide non-profit, South Carolina currently only offers 4 of these classes, 2 of which I teach at American Legion Post 26 in Aiken County. There is a need for growth of the program in our state and I am honored to be a part of filling that need and making these classes accessible to as many service members as possible. If you are interested in hosting or sponsoring a VYP class in South Carolina, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Another really exciting project expansion that is close to my heart is my collaboration with a local Charter School. Last year we created a staff support class and it was a big hit amongst teachers. In my role as Health & Wellness Director of Development for the pilot program at the school, we’re now shaping a program for students that sets the foundation for a lifetime of well-being. I feel especially honored to be working on this project, as my values are aligned with the schools mission and vision to educate the whole child. The charter school is leading the way for education in South Carolina. Together, we are creating something that can be a framework for other schools across the state.
This work is about making wellness practical, accessible, and transformative for everyone. To stay in the loop on our events and offers, join my email list or follow us on social media. If you’re ready to take a more active role in your personal well-being, or want to create a custom program for your staff or organization, let’s connect – email me at dawn@soulshineyogaandwellness.com.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge on my journey include my own application of a holistic approach to well-being, as I learn, grow and teach, my resilience and faith, and the learnings and strength honed through my life experiences, including being a teen mom, having little control over the suffering of loved ones, and navigating frustrating public systems that can sometimes strip more from individuals than provide the empowering support needed.
My advice for those starting their journey is to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, maintain a strong work ethic rooted in dedication, and believe in themselves even in challenging times. Surrounding oneself with a supportive community and maintaining a deep sense of purpose can also serve as powerful motivators on the path to success.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The journey to where I am today has been a collective effort, and I’m endlessly grateful for the incredible individuals who have helped shape this path. My husband, Chet has been an unwavering pillar of support. His presence by my side has been pivotal in every step of this journey. My children always inspire and encourage me. My son Christian’s strength and resilience has been a constant reminder to me to continue to overcome my own personal challenges. My daughters, with their boundless energy and willingness to lend a hand, have become integral parts of SoulShine.
My mother and my sister’s constant belief in me has been a driving force. Their unwavering encouragement and words of wisdom remind me that I’m capable of achieving even the seemingly impossible. My extended family and lifelong friends who showed up to classes from the beginning and helped me overcome self doubt played a huge part in propelling me forward. And of course, my students – all of the experience working with unique individuals in a multitude of different settings has been so rewarding, and allowed me to fine tune my skills. These connections have been a wellspring of inspiration.
Collaboration among fellow small business owners in Aiken has created a network of mutual support that lifts us all. Being part of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce has opened doors to invaluable connections and the chamber’s ambassadors are a wonderful added resource. The local Business Roundtable group of small business Owners and Mentors has provided a nurturing environment for growth. Additionally, the commanders of my local American Legion Post and their Women’s Auxiliary have extended their unwavering support, allowing us to establish vital veteran classes.
But the number one thing above all else honestly has been my trust in God. Only by God’s grace have I been able to live a blessed life and overcome whatever obstacles are in front of me. Constantly putting my faith in God and reminding myself that it is not about me, and that we are all a part of something greater, is at the forefront of everything I do. My dedication to my personal practice allows me to constantly reconnect to that source of divine light and wisdom and use it as a guide to mindfully reflect on what my little part can be: How can I do my part in the world and share even just a little bit of good? That’s really all I’m trying to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: SoulshineYogaAndWellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulshineyogaandwellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulShineYogaAndWellness
- Other: Dawn@SoulshineYogaAndWellness.com
