Pursuing Harmony, Not Just Balance: A Sisterhood Retreat
Disclosure: To ensure timely and informative content, this blog post has been enhanced or generated in part through the use of AI writing technology.
Photo: Champagne & Credentials.
Last month, I had the pleasure of escaping to a mini-retreat in the beautiful National Harbor, Maryland, joining a group of six incredible women. It was more than just a getaway; it was an intentional gathering, a sacred space for Black women – driven entrepreneurs, inspiring leaders, and true movers and shakers – to connect, share, and uplift each other. Aptly named ‘Champagne & Credentials,’ this intimate retreat truly lived up to its name, fostering deep connections among ambitious women. If your interest is piqued, come along as I share the highlights of our unforgettable weekend.
Day One: Unwinding and Anticipating
Our journey began at the elegant Wyndham Club Resort, where we settled into the spacious Presidential Suite, thoughtfully secured by our host and my dear best friend, Iya Thomas. Day one was a relaxed start; we decided to forgo our planned ‘Mimosas & Moomoos’ gathering as we awaited everyone's arrival. Instead, the evening was a gentle invitation to unpack, unwind, and simply anticipate the exciting days ahead.
Day Two: Connection, Vulnerability, and Celebration
Day two brought the true essence of ‘Champagne & Credentials’ to life. As everyone settled in, introductions flowed naturally, and we began to truly connect. We then made our way to the pool, proudly sporting our vibrant color-block swimsuits, capturing fun group and solo photos before diving into the water. The hours that followed were filled with incredible conversations, ranging from personal triumphs to professional insights. It was a powerful time of deep listening, mutual motivation, and unwavering support.
Photo: Champagne & Credentials.
That evening, Iya, our incredible hostess, treated us to a delightful dinner. She created a beautiful taco bar, complete with all the fixings and a margarita station where we could perfectly salt our own glasses. As we enjoyed our delicious meal, we went around the table, sharing what we were grateful for and expressing our heartfelt appreciation to Iya for curating such a meaningful gathering. There were moments of laughter that brought tears to our eyes, and stories that moved us deeply, creating a beautiful exchange of emotions. Each woman courageously shared vulnerable experiences – from business setbacks and challenging romantic relationships to friendship trauma and more. The atmosphere was so incredibly welcoming and safe that we all felt empowered to be truly open and authentic with one another. We ended the night with creating TikToks to support a fellow friend by promoting the Courage Couture Gala and then off to bed with full bellies and even fuller hearts.
Join the Courage Couture Gala to support SAAVE Me’s vital work in raising sexual assault awareness.
Photo: Champagne & Credentials.
Day Three: Dance, Laughter, and Lasting Memories
Our final full day began with an energizing line dance lesson, “Pop That Fan,” expertly led by our friend, Jasmine. We worked through the steps, laughing and moving until we were happily exhausted. The afternoon offered a chance to relax or run errands, gearing up for an evening of delicious food and dancing
Dressed to impress, we ventured out to Cadillac Ranch. Although the mechanical bull was out of commission, the food certainly wasn’t, and we savored our meals, enjoying fantastic service from our friendly waiter. As we departed, a memorable encounter unfolded: Iya playfully flirted with a police officer, much to our amusement and his good-natured acceptance of our cheerful banter. After a quick stop back at our suite, Leah and I led the way to one of our local favorites – Flirt Lounge in Alexandria, Virginia. This vibrant, Ethiopian-owned night spot is renowned for its incredible energy on a Friday or Saturday night. Once inside, we made our presence known, so much so that the security guard humorously noted he could hear us from outside! We must have been having too much fun because that night, we truly danced our hearts out and connected with wonderful people.
Harmony: The Sweet Spot
The next morning, we packed our bags and exchanged heartfelt farewells, each of us carrying the profound realization that ‘Champagne & Credentials’ is truly something special, a concept that deserves to be shared widely.
This incredible experience brought a powerful theme into sharp focus for me – a theme that has resonated deeply in my own life. For so long, I believed my ambition often pushed me to extend myself too far, always striving for an elusive ‘balance.’ Yet, this retreat revealed a deeper truth: what I truly seek isn’t balance, but harmony.
Harmony – aligning my community, my career, and my personal well-being – that is the ultimate sweet spot. It’s about finding rhythm and flow across all areas of life, acknowledging that some days one area might need more attention, while others will naturally flow. For parents especially, who often juggle countless responsibilities, seeking harmony means embracing fluidity and connection rather than a rigid, unattainable equilibrium. This retreat wasn’t just a getaway; it was a profound lesson in living a life that feels authentic, connected, and truly harmonious. And that, my friends, is a credential worth celebrating.