The People Who Built Me: Dawn

In the first part of this series, I shared a little about my dad and the role he played in shaping who I am today.

As I've said before, the people who shape us aren't always family. Sometimes they're the people who walk into our lives at exactly the right time and choose to stay.

This series is about those people.

The people who helped build me.

And one of those people is Dawn.

I met Dawn in 2023 while looking for a part-time job. She is the owner of Care-A-Ride, a business built around helping people maintain their independence through transportation, advocacy, errands, and support. Her passion has always been helping people live as independently as possible while making sure they feel cared for and supported along the way.

I interviewed with her, and from the beginning, we just clicked.

At first, it was simply a part-time job. I needed something to do in my spare time. During those early conversations, I told her that one day I wanted to start my own business, but I wasn't sure if I could actually do it.

As time went on, Dawn became much more than an employer.

When I started seriously considering what it would take to open my own business, she became someone I could turn to for advice, guidance, and encouragement. She helped me understand the basics of business ownership and was always willing to answer questions when I wasn't sure what to do next.

More importantly, she believed in me.

In May of 2025, when I was standing at the edge of taking that leap, Dawn was one of the people pushing me to go for it. She encouraged me to stop waiting for the perfect moment and trust myself enough to start.

But over time, she became much more than another business owner I knew.

She became family.

Dawn has taken me in like a daughter. She's one of the first people I call when I need advice, whether it's about business or life. We've spent countless hours walking, drinking coffee or tea, grabbing dinner, and talking through whatever challenge is in front of me.

One of my favorite memories with Dawn is from my wedding. My husband and I chose to elope and keep it a secret, but I still wanted someone to walk me down the aisle. Without hesitation, Dawn was there. In a moment that meant so much to me, she stood beside me and walked me down the aisle.

It's one of those memories I'll always carry with me, not because of the wedding itself, but because it reminded me just how much she had become family.

One of the things I admire most about Dawn is her heart for helping others. She genuinely wants to see people succeed. In a world where many people view others as competition, Dawn has always believed there's enough room for all of us to succeed together.

She sends business my way when she can, and I do the same for her.

We celebrate each other's wins.

We support each other through challenges.

And we remind each other why we started doing this work in the first place.

As a business owner, there are moments that can feel lonely. There are decisions that only another business owner truly understands. Dawn has been one of those people who understands the weight of responsibility, the stress, the victories, and the sacrifices that come with serving others.

She has encouraged me when I doubted myself.

She has challenged me to grow.

And she has reminded me more than once that I am capable of more than I think.

Sometimes the people who change your life aren't the ones you've known the longest.

Sometimes they're the ones who show up, believe in you, and continue showing up year after year.

For me, that's Dawn.

And I am incredibly grateful that our paths crossed.

— Kayla

Kayla Cares LLC
Where personalized care meets the comfort of your home
📞 605-510-7952

Providing trusted, compassionate care in the Black Hills.