Today we’d like to introduce you to She Thrives In The Wild
Hi She Thrives, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
She Thrives in the Wild began as a casual conversation among six women from UNBOUND, a women’s entrepreneur collective in Grand Rapids. What started as an idea for a simple camping trip quickly evolved into a vision for an empowering retreat, and She Thrives in the Wild was born. Our first event was created to offer women a space for deeper connections with themselves, nature, and each other. Together, Emily Johnson (She Becomes Coaching), Elle Albers (Stonegrove Saunas), Joanna Knase (Charmed Custom Candles), Angela Edel Zeman (Willow Woods Wellness LLC), Katy Buhr (Up North Sewing and Embroidery), and Rachel Newman (Wildlife Orchard and Two Rivers RV & Campground), collaborated to bring this vision to life.
At this first retreat, Emily led a women’s circle coaching session, guiding participants through reflective exercises while fostering deeper connections within the group. Elle provided a nourishing sauna experience that attendees could enjoy throughout the weekend. Joanna created a signature autumn equinox candle for each attendee, as well as facilitated an equinox ceremony. Angela led a morning yoga session and introduced the group to Thai massage, using her expertise to help attendees connect with their bodies and minds. Katy designed custom retreat sweatshirts giving each woman a meaningful keepsake. Rachel supplied fresh produce for many of the retreat meals and hosted the retreat at Two Rivers RV & Campground, offering a scenic and welcoming setting.
Looking ahead, the She Thrives in the Wild team is excited to bring more magic to life with upcoming one-day experiences and multi-day retreats over the next few months. Our aim is to focus on seasonality with our events because the seasons have so much to teach us about our constantly evolving selves and we want to share that reflection space with more women.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Collaborating with five other entrepreneurs has its challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Each of us brings unique skills and strengths, which allows us to create a one-of-a-kind experience for our event attendees. That said, decision-making with six voices can be tricky, especially when we’re up against time-sensitive matters. We’re currently reflecting on what we learned from our first event and refining our structure and roles to ensure smoother operations while still maintaining a sense of shared leadership.
Another challenge is the rural nature of our team and events. While we benefit from a close-knit community and strong word-of-mouth marketing, the smaller population in rural areas limits our reach compared to an urban setting. Expanding our outreach is a focus for the future, ensuring we connect with more women who are seeking this kind of unique experience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
She Thrives in the Wild is dedicated to creating outdoor experiences for women, blending adventure, relaxation, and personal development. Our events provide an opportunity for women to step away from their busy lives, immerse themselves in nature, and build meaningful connections with themselves and each other.
We believe that women, who often spend their time caring for others, deserve a space to focus on their own well-being. At our first retreat, we noticed that many attendees were quick to offer help with tasks like cleaning up after meals. We gently reminded them that the retreat was for them to let go of those responsibilities and that the retreat leaders were there to take care of everything. These weekends are designed to be a time of true self-care.
Our events are intentionally created by women, for women and are thoughtfully designed to balance adventure with introspection. We’ve seen the magic that happens when women come together in nature, and we’re proud to be filling this need in our community. We can’t wait to see how She Thrives in the Wild continues to grow and impact even more women.
What matters most to you?
The heart of She Thrives in the Wild is encouraging women to find balance and renewal by fostering community through nature-centered activities. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to lose touch with our own needs while juggling the responsibilities of daily life. Our events are designed to create a space for women to slow down, reflect, and prioritize their well-being while connecting with nature.
What made our first retreat so special was the environment we created together—an intimate, safe space where women felt free to express their true selves. Whether through laughter around the fire, quiet moments in nature, or the comfort of a sauna, women were able to let their guard down. Surrounded by the sounds of the natural world, they could share their thoughts, hopes, and struggles without judgment, knowing they were supported by a compassionate community. Witnessing these moments of vulnerability and transformation, as women truly connected with themselves and each other, was the most rewarding part of this journey. It drives us to keep growing She Thrives in the Wild, ensuring more women have the chance to experience this powerful connection.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shethrivesinthewild?igsh=MTc5a2tzdzc5a2k3NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shethrivesinthewild/
