Coaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling to create safe spaces for transformation. Lori Dye, founder of Village of Islands Yoga & Wellness, embodies this ethos. Her journey from social work and hospitality to coaching and holistic wellness is a testament to the power of aligning passion with purpose.
Lori’s Path to Coaching
Lori’s story is one of evolution. After working as a social worker in Canada and spending years in the hospitality industry, she became a certified yoga teacher (E-RYT 400). Her passion for holistic practices led her to the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), where she has completed several Certificates of Excellence since 2013, including:
- Health & Wellness Coaching (NBC-HWC certified)
- Urban Farming & Conscious Living
SWIHA’s mission deeply resonated with Lori’s values, providing her with the tools and community to create a meaningful coaching practice.
What is Coaching?
In Lori’s words, coaching is a relationship—a “safe container” where clients feel heard, seen, and supported. It’s a space to define one’s desired state of being and illuminate the path forward.
This safe, judgment-free zone is where transformation begins. Lori’s work blends coaching with other modalities such as guided imagery, meditation, mindfulness, and yoga to help clients align their thoughts, words, and actions for holistic well-being.
Supporting Clients Through a Holistic Lens
At Village of Islands Yoga & Wellness, Lori serves a diverse range of clients, focusing particularly on women aged 40 and above who seek to transform behaviors and enhance their wellness. She also hosts yoga and wellness retreats, where clients experience coaching combined with practices like meditation, breathwork, and guided imagery.
Her favorite tool is guided imagery. “If we can imagine ourselves in our desired state of being, we can manifest it,” Lori explains. This creative visualization helps clients connect with their potential and see a clear path toward their goals.
The Rewards of Coaching
For Lori, coaching is an honor. Witnessing clients’ growth and celebrating their wins is the heart of her practice. It’s about empowering individuals to step into their best selves, one intentional step at a time.
Advice for Aspiring Coaches
If you’re considering a career in coaching, Lori offers these words of wisdom:
1. Take the leap. There’s no time like the present. Your desire to help others is a gift.
2. Focus your energy. Believe in your strengths and let them shine—perceived limitations are just that: perceptions.
Coaching for the New Year
As 2025 begins, Lori encourages her clients to reflect on their strengths and set clear intentions. She often helps clients create SMART goals—specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound—to provide structure and clarity.
Morning and evening rituals can also be powerful tools for success. Whether it’s gratitude, journaling, affirmations, or movement, Lori reminds clients that small, consistent steps lead to lasting change.
Connect with Lori
If you’re ready to explore coaching or holistic wellness, connect with Lori at:
- Website: Village of Islands Yoga & Wellness Retreats
- Website: Village of Islands Yoga
Follow her on Facebook and Instagram for daily inspiration and updates.
Coaching transforms lives, and Lori Dye’s journey exemplifies this truth. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or considering coaching as a career, let her story inspire you to take that first step toward your own transformation.
