Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Dunn-Loveless. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michelle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
With two beloved dogs and a spirited teenager anchoring us to our home, the prospect of embarking on this adventure seemed out of reach. Yet, despite the constraints of our daily lives, we found solace in stolen moments—two-week vacations, weekend paddles, and camping trips—where we would close our eyes and envision a life unbothered by the trappings of a conventional life.
Our dreams extended far beyond merely traversing the highways and byways of the world; they encompassed a vision of community, connection, and a profound reverence for the great outdoors. We envisioned ourselves not just as wanderers, but as curators of outdoor experiences—creating businesses that would inspire others to embrace nature and live life to its fullest.
Over the years, we’ve dreamed of living on the water, of hosting retreats where individuals could immerse themselves in the splendor of nature, nourishing body, mind, and soul. Whether it was a humble van parked by the river or a sprawling retreat space nestled among the trees, our vision remained steadfast: to foster community and promote a healthy lifestyle through outdoor exploration.
In 2018, with little more than two paddle boards and passion for the outdoors, Sunshine took the first bold step toward realizing their dreams and Sunshine’s Adventures was born—a side hustle that offered guided paddle board excursions. What began as a humble endeavor soon blossomed into a thriving business over the years.
As the years unfolded, we expanded our offerings, adding mountain biking, community yoga, paddle board yoga, hiking, and adventure retreats to our repertoire. Each new venture brought us closer to our ultimate goal of fostering a vibrant outdoor community, united by a shared love for adventure, wellbeing, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
By 2021 and the purchase of a new campervan, the vision of Outshine Adventures was born. Partnering with NoMad Be Happy, we expanded our offerings as facilitators of exploration by growing a campervan fleet. The van became more than just a mode of transportation; it is a portal to new experiences, a vessel through which we could share the beauty of our surroundings with others.
And so, in 2024, fueled by a spirit of adventure and a thirst for the unknown, we made the decision to take the ultimate risk—to sell everything we own, including our beloved home, and set off to live life on the open road. It was a decision fraught with uncertainty, tinged with both excitement and apprehension. But as we stand on the precipice of this new adventure, we are filled with a profound sense of gratitude—for the risks we have taken, the dreams we’ve pursued, and the boundless possibilities that lay ahead.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Michelle Loveless and I am the CEO of Outshine Yoga and Co-Founder of Outshine Adventures with my business and life partner, Sunshine Loveless. I am rooted in the fusion of adventure and wellness, offering spaces that foster inclusivity, wholeness, and connection with the great outdoors.
My own journey is a testament to the transformative power of yoga. Over two decades, I’ve navigated the tumultuous waters of toxic relationships and addiction, finding solace and wisdom on my mat. As a 500-hour registered yoga teacher, my dedication to practice is evident, with countless hours spent honing the craft of yoga and making the time for play in the great outdoors.
I’ve discovered that Kundalini Yoga is my beacon of light in overcoming alcohol addiction. Through Kundalini’s profound teachings on awareness and energy, I’ve confronted deep-seated traumas and see my life much more clearly. With three years of sobriety under my belt, I am on a journey of self-discovery, unraveling the roots of destructive patterns.
Today, as the CEO of Outshine Yoga, I share my transformative healing journey with others. Through workshops, classes, and rebirthing ceremonies, I guide individuals on paths of personal and spiritual growth, advocating for radical childhood healing and self-study.
My story is one of resilience and reinvention. From a high school dropout to a master’s degree in educational leadership, I credit yoga as the foundation for this joyous and adventurous life. As a perpetual student of life, I continue to embrace learning, inviting others to join this journey of wonder and self-discovery. I recognize the power of nature and mindfulness in promoting holistic well-being, and am on a mission to share these gifts with my local community and beyond.
This mission of our brand is our commitment to the community and giving back. Through our $10 community yoga classes, participants not only invest in their own well-being but also contribute to local organizations dedicated to education, advocacy, and conservation efforts. By donating 50% of proceeds to these initiatives, every stretch and pose becomes an act of positive change.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The transition to full-time entrepreneurship brought with it a whirlwind of emotions—an exhilarating sense of liberation coupled with the daunting reality of sole responsibility for our livelihoods. Some days found us burning the midnight oil, while others afforded us the luxury of basking in the freedom of flexible schedules and outdoor adventures.
As with any entrepreneurial endeavor, the path to success is plotted with twists and turns. In our case, the journey of building our businesses—Outshine Yoga and Outshine Adventures—has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Now, as we stand on the cusp of a new chapter, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment of decision-making.
With the winds of change blowing, we are choosing to pivot once again—this time, both in our business and personal lives. As we prepare to hit the road as nomads in late May of 2024, we are faced with the task of reimagining our businesses for the next six months in the virtual realm.
For Outshine Yoga, the pivot entails a shift towards online offerings, with a focus on virtual classes, workshops, and curated yoga videos. This transition opens up exciting new possibilities for reaching a broader audience and providing support to our followers wherever they may be.
Meanwhile, Outshine Adventures will also undergo a transformation, with a greater emphasis on blogging, travel itinerary, and live events from the road. As we embark on our nomadic journey, we look forward to sharing the beauty of our surroundings and the wisdom of our practices with our online community.
As we navigate the unknown road ahead, we greet this pivot with unwavering optimism and excitement. We understand that every twist and turn in our journey brings us one step closer to realizing our dream of living life on our own terms. With a spirit of resilience, we eagerly embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, steadfast in our commitment to adapt, grow, and seize the endless possibilities that await us as entrepreneurs—perhaps even as travel influencers. The future is ours to shape, and we approach it with boundless enthusiasm and anticipation.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Furthermore, the strong partnership and bond with my sister company, Outshine Adventures, has played a pivotal role in shaping my reputation. With the unwavering support of my business and life partner, we have navigated the challenges and celebrated the successes together, allowing us to grow and evolve as a team.
Our business model, although diverse in offerings, is united by a common thread of inclusivity and holistic well-being. Whether it’s catering to the adventurous spirit or nurturing the mind, body, and spirit connection, we strive to provide something for everyone, ensuring that our community feels seen, heard, and valued.
At the heart of our success lies a commitment to community and partnership. We’ve built our reputation from the ground up by immersing ourselves in the fabric of our community, forging meaningful relationships with fellow businesses and entrepreneurs, and embracing opportunities for collaboration and growth. Through this collaborative spirit and dedication to serving our community, we’ve been able to cultivate a reputation built on trust, integrity, and genuine connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: outshineyoga.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outshineyoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outshineyoga
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfJQ8NHSgG0izjP8v6LliA
Image Credits
Sarah Buckner Matt Hamilton, Times Free Press