When women get together, something magical happens
I’ve always been inspired by women. My mom was my inspiration as she was an early reader of MS magazine in the 70s, we would march for women’s rights and campaign for women. But more than that she believed in women’s insight, intuition, and supporting one another.
It seemed like a perfect time during the downturn of 2008 to start getting together. We had time. We had a lot to discuss. The economy. How we were all faring and so much more. I started having events at my home and then other women would host at their homes. We would gather. Share. Eat great food and drink lovely wines. The events would continue on and off for the next eight years.
Fast forward to 2016. It was another time and we started gathering again more often, understanding more than ever the collective power of women. Monica Smith, Barbie Seifert and I became co-creators of GrapeVine Women and CRUSH targeted at young women 35 and under – a speakers series that provided edgy, informative and fun conversations about topics that matter. Topics ranging from the power of happiness to sex in the 2000s with swiping left or right, cooking classes to Alzheimer’s, and discovering passions to successful girl bosses. What’s unique about GrapeVine and CRUSH? The groups draw women together from 21 to 101.
About the same time, Monica and I started Revel Retreats. We purchased a lovely retreat center in Roslyn, Washington, just 80 miles outside of Seattle, to offer soulful and rejuvenating retreats. We know that after a weekend of hiking, snowshoeing, yoga, writing, retreating and eating wholesome, organic food, that one leaves filling revitalized and back to wholeness. We love providing a respite from everyday life and the ability to commune with other amazing women.
Now, we also provide trips nationally and internationally – places like Zion + Bryce, Sun Valley, Costa Rica and other places around the globe. (Please note: these will resume as soon as possible.)
So here’s to the collective power of women connecting. Together, Unstoppable!
Warmly,
Joanie
