Let me start with something I don’t often admit publicly:
I’ve had a hard time trusting others—especially in small, vulnerable spaces.
Growing up, I always had my people. A tight-knit group in high school. A solid crew in college. Even in my early adult life—before kids—I had close friends I could travel with, celebrate with, cry with. But over the years, that shifted.
Marriage, motherhood, entrepreneurship… these things are beautiful, but they’re also all-consuming. Somewhere along the way, I stopped having that circle of women I could count on for everything. Not because of any falling out—but because life happened. Kids’ schedules took priority. My business became a third child. I started leading more and leaning on others less.
I didn’t realize how much I missed it until the silence got loud.
So when I joined a mastermind community of female entrepreneurs—Braintrust Vault 21—I was intrigued… but cautious. The group was made up of women from completely different industries, most of whom I’d only recently met. And when the idea of a retreat came up? I felt an immediate mix of curiosity and panic.
Traveling to another country with five women I barely knew? For five days? Away from my husband, my kids, and my company?
It felt like a lot.
But I said yes.
And now, sitting on the other side of that experience, I can say this without hesitation:
It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
We gathered in San Miguel de Allende, a small, breathtaking city nestled in the mountains of central Mexico. No beaches. No big resorts. Just a town steeped in color, culture, and community. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, look around, and really see what’s in front of you.
We stayed in a private home, cooked for by a local chef on our first night. From the very beginning, the experience was curated, intentional, and warm. The kind of environment where trust could grow organically.
And grow it did.
We weren’t there just to relax. We were there to do the work—on our businesses and ourselves. We held deep-dive strategy sessions that uncovered our strengths, exposed our challenges, and clarified our next moves. We shared our goals and struggles openly. We coached each other, asked hard questions, and gave space for real answers. There was structure, but there was also softness. Freedom. Breathing room.
Between sessions, we immersed ourselves in the magic of San Miguel.
- A walking tour helped us understand the heartbeat of the city—its faith, its food, its festivals.
- We visited La Gruta hot springs, where we soaked in healing waters tucked inside a cave.
- We dined on rooftops with church bells ringing in the background.
- We wandered markets, sipped mezcal, and paused to take it all in.
What struck me most was this: There was no competition in that house.
Just collaboration, support, and genuine curiosity. We celebrated each other’s wins and sat with each other through the hard stuff.
This trip gave me something I didn’t know I needed:
A reminder that I’m allowed to lean in.
That vulnerability is a strength, not a liability.
That even as a leader, I don’t have to do it all alone.
It also reminded me why I started virsitour in the first place.
We didn’t just participate in the retreat—we planned it. Every part of it. My team handled the full logistics from airport transportation to chef services, itinerary design, cultural experiences, and the structure of the business sessions themselves. We were there not just to experience it—but to craft the container for it.
Because at virsitour, we believe retreats like this aren’t optional. They’re essential. Whether you’re a team, a mastermind group, or a collection of creatives—the best ideas, breakthroughs, and bonds happen when you step away from the day-to-day and into something intentional.
So yes, I was hesitant to take this leap.
But what I found was deeper than strategy or relaxation.
I found my people again.
And maybe, just maybe, I found another version of myself too.
