At SunHeist, we believe in the power of adventure, sustainability, and the human spirit. Our founder, Shane Heist, embodies these values through his inspiring journey of recovery and personal growth. As we observe National Sober Day, we want to share Shane’s story—a testament to resilience, hope, and the importance of support systems.
Humble Beginnings
Shane’s story begins with a typical childhood, but the shadow of addiction loomed large in his family history. “I had a pretty normal childhood and certainly can’t blame my parents for my addiction issues,” he said. With a grandfather who struggled with alcoholism, Shane found himself drawn into a world of substance use during his high school years. What started as a social activity and experimentation quickly escalated, leading to a long and challenging battle with addiction.
The defining moment in Shane’s life came in December 2014 when he was arrested for a DUI. “For the first time in my life, I felt defeated sitting in the back of that police car and knew I was in serious trouble and needed help,” he recalled. This moment of clarity led him to a 30-day inpatient rehabilitation center in California—marking the beginning of his recovery journey and the rest of his life.
Shane faced numerous challenges as he worked to rebuild his life. “Learning how to live and enjoy life without mind-altering substances was very tough for me in early recovery,” he admitted. Many of his previous hobbies were intertwined with alcohol, making it difficult to find joy in sobriety. However, with determination, the right support, and faith, he began to forge a new path.
It’s worth noting that support systems played a crucial role in Shane’s recovery. “My family was very supportive and encouraging in early recovery,” he shared. He attended Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings daily, which provided him with a community of understanding individuals. Although he no longer attends these meetings, he holds deep admiration for the program and its members, recognizing the importance of connection in the recovery process.
A significant aspect of Shane’s recovery has been his faith. “Over the past 9 ½ years of sobriety, I have never given myself credit for my recovery,” he said. “God has always been the one who has kept me sober as long as I simply stay willing.” This spiritual foundation has been instrumental in his journey, allowing him to tackle life’s challenges with a renewed sense of purpose–divine purpose.
Shane’s journey of recovery not only transformed his personal life but also inspired his professional aspirations. “I now had the self-confidence that I once lacked to take on such an endeavor as starting a brand,” he shared. Thus, SunHeist sunglasses was born—a brand that reflects Shane’s commitment to adventure, sustainability, and resilience.
Through SunHeist, Shane aims to convey a powerful message: “Don’t take anything in life for granted as none of us are promised a tomorrow. Embrace and enjoy the life that you have been given and do your best to help others do the same.” His perspective on life has shifted dramatically; gratitude now fills his days, and his family and faith have become his top priorities.
For those currently struggling with addiction, Shane offers heartfelt advice: “Reach out for help and just know that there is indeed HOPE. If I can get sober, anyone else can definitely get sober too.” He emphasized that while not every day is perfect, the rewards of sobriety far outweigh the struggles of addiction.
Shane also seeks to challenge the stigma surrounding addiction. “I was not a bad person while in active addiction. I had an illness that needed treatment just like any other disease that you would go to a doctor for,” he said. By sharing his story, he hopes to foster understanding and compassion for those facing similar battles.
As Shane reflects on his journey, he expresses pride in his renewed relationships with his two sons and his happy marriage. “I never thought I would ever get married again, much less be content and happy,” he shared. His hopes for the future are clear: to be a beacon of hope and encouragement for others still struggling with addiction.
At SunHeist, we celebrate Shane’s journey and the values that guide our brand. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of transformation. As we continue to create durable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly sunglasses, we remain committed to inspiring others to embrace life with hope and resilience. Join us in celebrating recovery and all the adventures that lie ahead!
