Healing on the Harbor: How a Navy Vet Built Charleston's First Wellness Sailing Retreat Artwork

Lowcountry Revolutionaries

Lowcountry Revolutionaries is the Charleston, SC entrepreneur podcast spotlighting the raw, real journeys of bold founders and innovators shaping the future of the Lowcountry. Hosted by Bill Billotte (aka the Podfather of Chucktown Startups), founder of Veritas Exoscience LLC and Chair of ASTM F48.05, each episode dives into the triumphs, failures, and hard-won lessons from Charleston’s top startup leaders, tech pioneers, nonprofit builders, and creative visionaries.

Official LowcountryRevMerch is live! Soft tees, trucker caps, and mugs built for dock walks, King Street hustles, and the grind of building in Charleston. Every purchase supports the movement and keeps these authentic founder stories free for qualified local entrepreneurs.
Shop now: https://lowcountryrevmerch.etsy.com

Lowcountry Wisdom—the book distilling 60+ founder interviews—is available: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2KS5S71

Interested in a custom branded episode for your brand, clients, or to amplify a Lowcountry story? Professional 20–30 minute spots start at $750 for non-local or sponsored placements. Qualified Charleston-area founders and businesses can still appear on the main show at no cost. Reach out at wbillotte@veritasexoscience.com to discuss options.

Whether you’re scaling a venture in the Lowcountry, navigating growth, considering a move to Charleston, or just love stories rooted in grit and ingenuity—subscribe for weekly conversations that challenge assumptions and spark real momentum.

All Episodes

Lowcountry Revolutionaries

Healing on the Harbor: How a Navy Vet Built Charleston's First Wellness Sailing Retreat

March 16, 2026 • William G. Billotte, PhD

0:00 | 40:50

Send us Fan Mail

Join host Bill Billotte for a wave-calming conversation with Holly Hillman, founder of Soothe Sailing—the Lowcountry's pioneering wellness sailing retreat launched in 2024. From her six years in the Navy and work with Warrior Surf Foundation to SCUBA dives, oyster reef restoration, and becoming a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, Holly's life has always circled back to the healing power of water.

Now she's blending guided breathwork, meditation, and the natural rhythm of Charleston Harbor's winds and waves into immersive sailing experiences that reconnect participants to nature, community, and self. Hear the real story behind starting this unique venture in the heart of the Holy City: the triumphs of creating something truly one-of-a-kind, the challenges of building a woman- and veteran-owned business on the water, and the vision driving Soothe Sailing to make mindfulness accessible under sail.

If you're inspired by founders turning deep personal passion into tangible Lowcountry innovation, this episode is your reset button. Book your own sail at soothesailing.com and tune in for lessons on resilience, blue-mind healing, and why sometimes the best office is a boat in Charleston Harbor.

Intro pre-roll

Outro post-roll

Wear the Movement
Official LowcountryRevMerch is now live on Etsy: soft tees and mugs built for dock walks, King Street hustles, and the everyday grind of building in Charleston.
Every purchase supports the Lowcountry Revolutionaries movement and helps keep these authentic founder stories free for qualified local entrepreneurs.

Wear the movement. Back the stories that matter.
👉 Shop now: https://lowcountryrevmerch.etsy.com

Also available:
Lowcountry Wisdom — the official book compiled from the best lessons on the show.
Paperback & Kindle → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2KS5S71