Meet Holly Hillman | Sailor & Yogi

We had the good fortune of connecting with Holly Hillman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Holly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My career is one that has had many pivots and readjustments along the way. After spending 6 years in the Navy, I went back to school to get an associates degree in Veterinary Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science minoring in Wildlife Management- animals and the environment were always my main focus. I went on to become a Wildlife Biologist working for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources specializing in a community outreach program that engaged volunteers with building oyster reefs and restoring salt marshes along the SC coast. I also worked as a naturalist on kayak and sailing tours throughout the lowcountry. As my career progressed I learned that to care about the environment you often have to start with people and showing/connecting them to the natural world in order to inspire them to join the cause! I ended up completing my MBA and working as a sustainability consultant for a little less than a year in 2022 which further solidified my passion to make a difference in the world however I could. When I lost that job in 2023, I decided to return to the water and made sailing my full time job. This is where I became inspired to start my own business. Taking people out sailing on charters I noticed time and time again the shift in energy that every group seemed to exhibit once the sails went up and the motor shut-off, even the ones with 24 packs of Truly or Bud Lights! I felt a collective “sigh” often and noticed that everyone seemed to just naturally relax a little more before they went back to drinking and playing music. I decided that I wanted to tap into that energy shift and create an experience that focused solely on the peaceful aspect of sailing with the intention to connect to nature and to quiet the mind. I realized then that no one in Charleston was offering a meditative or wellness focused sailing experience. It baffled me since I know so well the importance that being on, in or near the water plays in people’s overall wellbeing and mental health. After spending the year sailing and seeing the need in our community, I attended training to become a Registered Yoga Teacher and decided to marry two of my passions together. In 2024 Soothe Sailing was founded and is the first company of its kind- offering guided breathwork, meditation, and silent reflection all while sailing in the beautiful Charleston Harbor. No phones, no small talk, just listening to the wind in the sails and the water lapping against the hull. My business was born from a desire to deepen people’s connections to the environment, the water, and  themselves.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Soothe Sailing is the first of its kind wellness focused sailing charter in Charleston, SC. We offer our 2-3 hour sailing retreats that include guided breathwork and meditation, silent reflection and group discussion all while under sail. Participants calm their nervous system, connect to nature and walk away feeling peaceful and refreshed after a disconnect from the rat race back on land. This company is the result of my direct experience of spending countless hours and days on the water and feeling the direct benefits to my mental health and overall well-being. I am incredibly excited and grateful to be able to share some of the things I am most passionate about- sailing, nature, and wellness/mental healthcare. I believe that especially post COVID people have felt the pull towards taking care of themselves and also with connecting to nature more than ever. I am so happy to be able to provide a place for those that need a little reset to come out on the water to tune out to the hustle and bustle and to tune in to themselves. 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Charleston has SO many great spots!! My itinerary would include the following components:

Nature: Sailing! (duh), Kayak Tour out of Shem creek, a trip to Folly Beach and a walk out to see the Morris Lighthouse, an afternoon in Hampton Park to picnic and take in the beautiful blooming azaleas, a day trip down to Edisto to see Botany Bay Heritage Preserve and the beautiful boneyard beach!

History: A tour of one of the plantations- Boone Hall in particular has a wonderful program teaching about the Gullah Culture, a walking tour downtown (make it a ghost one for some spooky fun!), a trip to Charles Towne Landing where the settlers first founded our community

Museums: The newly opened International African American Museum is a must see, also the Gibbes Art Museum and The Charleston Museum.

Food: Whew there is a lot to say here! My favorites are Hank’s, FIG, Indaco, The Grocery, Barsa, Leon’s, Lowland Tavern and Delaney Oyster House but the list could go on forever. I love a sunset cocktail at The Citrus Club at the Dewberry Hotel or a night cap in the beautiful Camelia’s at Hotel Bennett.

Culture: The Gaillard has so many great performers that I always try to find something my friends can enjoy! Charleston Music Hall also has great programs!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are SO MANY people and groups I want to SHOUTOUT!! 1. Blue Life Charters (Owned by Wit Morris), Charleston Sailboat Charters (Owned by Jay Keeney), and Charleston Sailing Adventures (Owned by Brian Hoepker) have all been amazingly supportive of my growth as a sailor and now as a licensed captain and have offered their vessels in partnership with Soothe Sailing.
2. Sunny Richards, Naomi Pagan Fox, Tiffany Schaal, and Kate Moon have all become teachers and mentors to me as I embark on a career including breathwork, yoga and wellness modalities to encourage individuals to walk on a healing path for themselves.
3. WMNUp is an organization founded by Emily Cassel that has been absolutely one of the best resources with my new foray into Entrepreneurism. This is a group of strong women leaders that have all started their own companies and support each other in growth and development.

Website: www.soothesailing.com

Instagram: @soothesailing

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyhillman/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SootheSailing

Image Credits
Franzi Lewis (only a few are by her) Self (all others)