A Retreat Retrospective Part Two: Reflecting on Growth and Transformation

We previously wrote about RESTORE, the Abambyh Business retreat that took place in May of 2022 in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. We reminisced about the connections made, the breakthroughs, the transformations. Attendees told us in their own words how the retreat made them feel, the effect it had on their lives.

We spoke with some of the women of RESTORE again recently, with the intention of gathering their impressions now that it’s been over a year since the event.

Dawnette “Netta” Jones of Hot Girl Lashes spoke to us again about her experience at RESTORE. Still enthusiastic about the experience, she told us “My journey to Mexico for the RESTORE retreat was nothing short of transformative… RESTORE provided an unforgettable experience that continues to shape my life.”

Netta loved the connections made at the retreat: “…I was able to develop deep and meaningful connections with these incredible individuals. The retreat fostered an environment of openness and support, allowing us to bond and learn from one another. These connections have since blossomed into valuable personal and business relationships that I still cherish today.”

This was the most precious part of the retreat for Netta. She said, “[The] RESTORE retreat created a unique sisterhood among its participants. The women's gratitude circle, in particular, played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of unity and support. Sharing our stories, challenges, and triumphs within this circle created an unbreakable bond. The retreat provided a safe space where we could be vulnerable, offer guidance, and celebrate each other's successes. This newfound family of women has become an invaluable source of inspiration and encouragement in my life.”

But the bonds created at RESTORE were not the only benefit that Netta was able to take away from the retreat. “The RESTORE retreat was not just about building connections; it was also a catalyst for personal growth…I was able to explore and develop a deeper understanding of myself. The retreat encouraged self-reflection, mindfulness, and gratitude practices, which have had a profound impact on my overall well-being. I left Mexico with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with tools to navigate life's challenges and embrace personal growth.”

Netta feels that this was an experience that anyone can benefit from, especially if they attend with the right mindset. She told us, “If someone is considering attending a retreat, the number one thing I would say to them is: ‘Embrace the opportunity for personal growth and connection with an open mind and heart. Retreats offer a unique space for self-reflection, learning, and building meaningful relationships. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone, engage fully in the activities and workshops, and be open to the transformative experiences that await you. You never know how attending a retreat can positively impact your life until you take that leap of faith.’”

IMMERSION was a very different retreat from RESTORE. While RESTORE brought together fifteen women to take a look at business fundamentals and emotional intelligence in a series of intensive group sessions, IMMERSION was, by design, a much more intimate and even more intensive event.

With only five women, retreat facilitators worked with each attendee one-on-one several times. In addition to the business coaching and emotional intelligence sessions, which were concentrated deep dives, guests also had business writing sessions. RESTORE had featured photography sessions and provided pictures for each of our retreat clients to use in their own social media, websites, and advertising; IMMERSION went a step further with multiple photography sessions for each attendee and videographer sessions as well.

We asked some of our IMMERSION participants what the retreat provided them, how they benefitted from the experience. Because several of the latest retreat’s participants had also been present for RESTORE, we asked them how the retreats differed. Conversely, we also requested some details on how the two experiences were similar.

Elba Colon, of Awaken the Gratitude, noted that the first-class luxury of IMMERSION had her truly feeling her own value in a way that was much needed. “Alison handling the plane tickets, how she stayed on top of everything and sent me reminders that helped me to be prepared, managing the travel for me, the limo service from the airport, the way everyone was outside to greet me — I knew I deserved that. I needed to see it.” Elba told us that IMMERSION was perfect for those who needed a reminder of what they’re worth, their significance as a person and as a business owner. “There are people out there who work hard and always, always reinvest all their profits in their business. They never get to experience their value in this way.”

Another point that Elba raised regarding IMMERSION concerned the Law of Attraction, a philosophy to which she firmly adheres. “The mindset is what sets the intention. The heart is what draws it to you. When these are aligned, you get manifestation. That’s what happened for me with IMMERSION. The experience reaffirmed the feelings I had within me about myself.”

We spoke with Elba about the differences and similarities in the two Abambyh retreats she’s attended. She recalled that the intimacy of IMMERSION created a vastly different atmosphere when compared to RESTORE; she further noted that placing the retreats side-by-side to assess them is “comparing apples to oranges — they were totally different experiences.” But she did point out that private, quiet space was available at IMMERSION in a way that was conducive to the work that was being done.

And she spoke of the fact that RESTORE was very good for some crucial business fundamentals that those in the earlier stages of business needed to learn, or needed reminding of; while IMMERSION was excellent for those creating their business, and those who were scaling. “I wish I’d had more time with Alison!” she said. “She could do a master class in sales.”

Elba’s personal journeys differed greatly between the two retreats. While RESTORE contained profound spiritual experiences (the Fire Ceremony, the flower mandala, etc.) and triggered an emotional and spiritual, healing breakthrough for her, the more intensive IMMERSION resulted in business breakthroughs instead. “Clarity,” she said, “I can now navigate according to my values because of the clarity.” Some of Elba’s accomplishments at IMMERSION included the development of Mission and Vision Statements. “If I feel off-center, I step into my mission and vision.”

It was the desire for clarity that brought Elba to IMMERSION. “I knew what I wanted. What does it look like? It’s a lot of parts but no real process. I have all these parts of my business — help me put it together.”

“Every part of the retreat played a role. The sun rising in the view from my room, how Alison and Amy complement each other, the VIP experience.”

We wondered, after discussing these contrasts, did RESTORE and IMMERSION have anything in common? Elba told us that the delicious vegan meals, the photography sessions (though IMMERSION added videography), the beautiful villas and the breathtaking ocean — these were definite commonalities.

So what would Elba say to someone considering an Abambyh retreat? “I would ask them to be clear on what they’re looking for, what they need. What do you want to accomplish? What are your goals?” She suggests a discovery call with Alison to discuss this subject. And in addition to ensuring that they have clear goals in mind, Elba further urges attendees, “Be open to connect, to be vulnerable. To maximize the experience you need to be open, honest, vulnerable, coachable.”

Another attendee who was profoundly affected by IMMERSION is Christel Gutierrez. Christel’s company, Global Planning Enterprise, hosts wellness retreats for women. Since her experience at IMMERSION, this new company has launched a website and cemented plans for its first retreat, among other accomplishments.

She noted that one thing IMMERSION and RESTORE had in common was women supporting each other. But like Elba, with IMMERSION Christel saw her business plans leap ahead: “RESTORE for me was more like a discovery of my strengths and what the future will hold if I keep pursuing my dreams. IMMERSION helped get my ideas and my entrepreneurship in order with the pictures, videos, and all the resources that were provided.”

Christel unknowingly echoed Elba again when she noted that IMMERSION helped her get “clarity on what I want” though she noted that she’s “still working on it.”

Christel attributes part of the progress made at IMMERSION to the fact that she arrived ready to work and ready to learn, “with a positive attitude and an open mind”. She urges anyone who plans to attend an Abambyh retreat to open their mind and heart in order to achieve their goals.

Indeed, this is an enormous factor in the success of any growth endeavor. The environment and resources are crucial, but the willingness to push oneself, to accept what is being offered, and to actively listen to what is being offered is no less critical. The attendees who achieved the most with both retreats were those who came to the experience ready to take it all in, receptive to what was imparted there.

Christel has an additional piece of advice when it comes to preparing yourself for an Abambyh Retreat: “It's important to have a clear understanding of your talents so that you can effectively utilize your connections and resources.”

Two very different retreats. Two experiences that changed the women who were there, helped them to define and grasp what they truly wanted. Two opportunities to connect with others and with one’s self. Abambyh Business has facilitated these adventures in self-discovery and growth with the aim of helping motivated, exceptional women to reach the success they deserve.

And it didn’t end with IMMERSION. Another retreat will take place this October: Abambyh has opened booking for CONNECT: a Retreat for Networking Women.

CONNECT is all about reaching out to establish connections with other women, to support and bolster fellow entrepreneurs. Abambyh Business lowered the price point considerably for this event, bringing it within the reach of more women who need a way to enrich their network by meeting other high-achieving business owners for friendships, referral partnerships, and professional alliances.

There are still spaces available for CONNECT! Reserve your spot today and experience a retreat that will change the way you do business, broaden your circle of fellow businesswomen, and provide you with wonderful memories of Mexico’s beautiful coasts. Don’t miss your chance to be part of an Abambyh Business retreat!

We’ll see you in October. 😉