Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Holladay.
Hi Dawn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
This will sound like a cliche, but my children are my biggest influence on who I am today. My children probably don’t realize this, and I don’t know if I would ever tell them. As a child, I was timid and as a teen. I always struggled to stay organized, so note keeping notes in a journal kept me on task. Not only did I struggle to stay organized, but I struggled in school as well. So being shy didn’t help because I never asked for help. I was the girl who put a smile on her face and pushed forward. Later, I participated in various activities during high school, but speaking in public or to anyone outside of “my circle” made me very uncomfortable up into my twenties. I grew up with a mother who liked to put gatherings on such as yard parties, BBQs, Halloween, and birthday parties ect. Most of her events catered to my parents and her friends.
Looking back, you realize many factors played a part in your life, not knowing it then. But realizing now your path created who you are today with some amazing choices, and some not so amazing choices. I believe in learning from your mistakes, which also has contributed to who I am today. My motto “smile and push through”. I had an amazing set of grandparents. I was the 1st grandchild and the 1st granddaughter; They raised 2 sons. So, I was “spoiled by them” with love and their time. My nana and pa lived about 800 miles from us (we moved when I was 4), and after they retired early, they made it a point to buy a home next door to us and stay the summers until physically they could not make the drive anymore, I believe I was 17. My nana lived until she was 93; she was a fantastic woman! I visited her often; she left a significant impact on my life.
Raising children forces you to engage with others, doctors, teachers, and other parents. I was a single mom, keeping my children on a schedule with homework, bath, sports, and bedtime. I am that mom who volunteers, throws parties, coached soccer, hosted slumber parties of 10 girls, took their kids camping, and bought prom dresses. I’m their biggest cheerleader, but I am also that mom who will let you trip, fall and make mistakes but will be waiting to give you a hand and help you. My family is my everything, it has taught me that your kids will embarrass you, you need to be flexible, on task, and pick your battles. I was always shy, but after my children, it changed. I found my voice, and when to say no, when to say yes, and stand up for what’s right! I found a backbone if you will. I am teaching my children right from wrong and how to be a good person.
So, you ask how did you get where you are today. I enjoy working with people, creating a positive environment, cheering them on, hard work, having their backs, and creating something you can be proud of. I am extremely proud of the businesses I have created, which are extremely successful. Now I’m in another business where I am the executive director. I create, host, and manage events, but I don’t just…. I’m that person at your most special moment who makes sure you don’t stress or worry, and I’m one of the ones who cares the most about your event. Your success is my success, just like my children, their success is my success, just in a different form.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
The road has been fabulous except when it was not. It was a struggle, divorced with 3 small children and an ex who didn’t want to grow up—working multiple jobs, attending school, and raising 3 children. Thinking you had it all together to realize you don’t! Divorced starting over, new job, new house, but it makes you who you are. You can crumble or put your big girl panties on and push through, another cliche.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the executive director operating an event venue. The Beal Event Center is in Hayesville, NC. I am passionate about customer service, creating, hosting, and planning events. I specialize in being organized, multitasking, and hard work. I have owned and still own a company with my Fiancé, Billy Swofford. But I wanted this position as executive director too. Billy and I own a tree and crane business, Lawns to Limbs Tree and Crane service in Hayesville NC. We are very busy but, I just wanted this position. The 2 of us are an amazing team, so now I’m juggling it all—hard work and staying busy. I enjoy my life with our 3 Irish doodles pups, my fiancé, children, and grandbabies.
Are any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Nope. My favorite hobby -is training our Irish doodles. I do like to craft. We travel, skydive, and take our doodles with us everywhere. You can typically find us out in town with the Irish doodles and their heads out the window. This is what I love to do in my off time.
Contact Info:
- Website: bealcenter.org
- Facebook lawnstolimbs tree and crane service / Instagram
- Facebook The Beal Center/ Instagram
Image Credits
Sierra Hayes Photography
