We recently had the chance to connect with Shawn Giles and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shawn, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My joy has shifted as I’ve learned to change my perception of what it looks like. More and more, I’m finding it in the little things. It might be spending the first hour of my day in silence and meditation, tending to the garden I’ve started, or steeping a cup of homemade tea with a sprinkle of edible flowers before stepping outside to watch the sunrise—that moment always makes me smile. Joy also lives in unlearning and relearning, because I’m committed to being a student of life. It’s in sunsets and stargazing, in the peace of solitude, and in the kind of company that feels like a hug. This, to me, is what joy looks like.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Shawn Giles, and at my core, I’m a creator. For me, that shows up in many ways—being a private chef, curating events, and exploring my love for nature. Right now, I’m also working on my Project Management certification because I know it will help me take my brand, The Sdot Experience, to the next level.
The Sdot Experience feels like something I’ve been building my whole life. It’s so deeply connected to who I am, and that’s what makes it special. It’s about creating spaces where women can come together, feel safe, and connect—whether that’s through community, sisterhood, or simply the joy of sharing a meal.
I’ve always been someone who builds the kind of community I want to be a part of. When I first became an entrepreneur, there was so much to learn, but instead of waiting, I jumped right in. I started a podcast and even built a podcast group around it. Later, I deepened my passion for food by studying the Science of Haute Cuisine, through Harvard edx.org, which led me to start a local chefs group.
My journey is constantly evolving, and I try to evolve with it. I’m naturally more of a behind-the-scenes kind of person, but over time I’ve learned the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone—that’s where growth really happens. At the heart of everything I do, no matter what hat I’m wearing, is my love for people and my desire to serve and uplift my community.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
In short, disconnection breaks bonds, however compassion restores them. I believe bonds break when people feel unseen or unheard. But they’re restored when we create spaces where people feel safe, valued, and included. That’s why I pour so much of myself into The Sdot Experience—because I’ve seen how sharing a meal or being in community can bring women back to themselves and to each other.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the deepest wounds of my life comes from what I didn’t receive emotionally as a child—support, guidance, and the kind of nurturing that shapes who we become. For years, that absence quietly shaped me. I found myself seeking emotional security and maturity from the outside world, while simultaneously becoming someone who could provide it for others. I’ve always been an alchemist in that way—turning what was missing into something I could give.
Healing is still a journey, and Therapy has been key in helping me process and grow, and the lessons I’ve learned now guide how I lead The Sdot Experience—creating safe spaces where women can feel seen, supported, and connected. Every space I create for women is a reflection of that healing—a place to feel seen, supported, and connected, where joy and community can fill the voids we all carry.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The project I’m most committed to—no matter how long it takes—is the life long project of building a strong relationship with myself. It’s the foundation for everything I do. It’s a lifelong journey, and I give it my all because it’s the most important relationship I’ll ever have. I owe it to myself to grow, to unlock my fullest potential, and to simply strive to be a good human being. That dedication to self-growth also informs The Sdot Experience. By investing in myself, I’m better able to create spaces for others—spaces where women can feel seen, supported, and empowered to do the same for themselves.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m no longer in the physical realm, I hope the spirit of who I am continues to resonate with people. I want them to remember how deeply I loved, how intentional I was in everything I did, and how I made them feel seen and valued. My hope is that I leave people better than I found them—that my kindness, care, and presence create an impression so lasting it fills the space of my absence. That desire to uplift and nurture others is at the heart of everything I do, including The Sdot Experience, where creating meaningful connections and leaving people feeling supported is the ultimate goal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thesdotexperience.wixsite.com/sgiles
- Instagram: @thesdotexperiencellc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawn.s.giles
- Other: My upcoming event
eventbrite.com/e/30th-anniversary-celebration-of-waiting-to-exhale-dinner-tickets-1554325863499
Image Credits
Wilburt Gilcrease
