With the multifaceted needs of entrepreneurial women in mind, The Chic Retreat offered speeches, workshops, informal connections and dynamic brand experiences to over 200 women who attended the event at Sparkling Hill from March 10-12.
The speeches took on the topics of self-compassion, non-defensive communication, making an impact, the seven pillars of business success and the need to centre a business on passion to overcome challenges.
“My dream of creating a retreat for women that brought together beauty, which is my background, as well as business and wellness was born during my time living in Los Angeles,” explains Amy Nicole Cohen, the founder of The Chic Experience.
“After relocating to Lake Country in 2019 and visiting Sparkling Hill, I knew that my dream had found a home right here in the heart of the Okanagan.”
Those who shared their insights at the event were UBC Okanagan professor Dr. Lesley Lutes, executive coach Sally Phillips, ATB Wealth senior vice president Sherri Wright-Schweitz, Billion Dollar Beauty founder CEO Natalie Plain, and Hillberg and Berk founder CEO Rachel Mielke.
ATB Wealth, who is entering the BC market with the opening of their Kelowna location in Summer 2023, offered support and guidance in financial wellbeing and financial literacy to attendees.
“It has been a joy to bring together my professional network of experts, sponsors and partners from Canada, the US and the UK to build what I knew would be an experience not seen in the Okanagan, and even Canada, before,” Cohen adds.
The Chic Retreat also had sessions to tackle anxiety, perfectionism and boundary setting for those facing the reality of working motherhood.
A panel of mothers discussed the expectations of motherhood and shared their lived experiences of trying to meet family needs and grow their business while not losing themselves.
In addition, author and coach Journey Henkart was joined by Roslyn Fung, a former psychologist turned visibility coach, in a series of workshops on vision and goal setting.
Attendees also received over $1,000 worth of gifts including makeup, skincare, jewelry and clothing, and the Chic Retreat featured a performance by Village Dance Academy and a pop-up shop featuring women-owned businesses.
Several Okanagan wineries supported The Chic Retreat, with CedarCreek Estate Winery, Martin’s Lane Winery, O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars and Sandhill Winery offering premier vintages and wine tasting experiences.
Offering alcohol and non-alcoholic options, Nude Beverages, Farming Karma and Vic and Joe Tea Co were beverage sponsors.
Dress for Success received part of the proceeds of The Chic Retreat, and a fundraiser at the evening gala saw local women-owned businesses create tablescapes telling the story of their business through artfully arranged decor to raise additional funds.
The gala was punctuated with performances by Chioma Darah-Ani, Dj Mimi, Tasha Kett, Neveah Dyson and Jessica Le.
Cohen promises to organize future events focused on women-owned businesses and aspiring female entrepreneurs in the Okanagan.
For more information about The Chic Retreat, click here.
