You are worth your own time and money.

Humans are really funny, and my experience as a human and as a woman are so intertwined that I cannot separate them out. I do ask myself this question often. From my own “view windows” as a woman, I see that there have never been more resources available to help women navigate options and choices—resources our previous generations risked their lives to achieve.

So if there is so much help available, why aren’t we doing it? We make more money than our grandmothers could have dreamed of. Our kids have more options than we ever thought possible. And somehow, in 24 hours, we navigate the logistics of a small airport—on just a random Tuesday.

Now, none of the programs I offer are medical-grade therapy. They are, however, therapeutic. I create events for women backed by science and the latest trends in how to achieve desired outcomes. I’ve attended incredible workshops and programming, and while the content was amazing, just getting there sometimes felt like scaling the Great Wall of China—while the rest of the world barely noticed the barriers I had to overcome just to take my seat.

When working with women, I suggest events, books, or even blog posts (wink, wink) that I believe they’ll love. But the same perceived constraints always surface: I have no time. I have no money. Who will watch the kids? Who will visit grandma? Who will walk the dog? Always something—anything—other than the thing.

I’ll never forget a moment in a Manhattan café nearly ten years ago. A fellow coursemate, an artist, shared a revelation he had while completing an assignment. He said, “I just decided that I’m worth my own time and effort.” He was only talking about untangling the knots of wires beneath his desk, but it struck me deeply. Because I believe many women have quietly decided they are not worth their own time and money—ironically while giving both freely to everyone else, even strangers.

I’m not claiming to overhaul culture. My dreams are humbler, yet grander. I dream of adult women loving their lives—and meaning it. Of belly laughs. Of friendships strung together like party lights, rare gems that may only be one or two in a lifetime, but found through shared experiences. The more encounters we have with like-minded women, the more likely we are to meet our own “party lights.” Just as in a sea of endless entertainers Selena and Taylor found each other, I believe future best friends are waiting to meet at our retreats.

Yes, our retreats address practical things like work–life balance. But we also have a ton of fun—because we’ve forgotten that fun is the whole point. To my core, I believe we are here to walk each other home. Our retreats are immersive deep breaths, a chance to link arms and skip down the road together, rather than glow blue in isolation behind screens.

In an age that insists we’re “more connected than ever,” I dream of weekends where women leave their phones in their rooms and gaggle like geese through luxury resorts. It’s analog-kid fun, wrapped in the immersive luxury we all deserve.

We know the statistics: women carry invisible work, whether for kids, pets, or extended families. Workplaces beg women to return because of the emotional power we bring to an environment—a power often mislabeled as weakness. And research shows the greatest impact on a child’s wellbeing is the mental health of the mother. So why isn’t the American Medical Academy sending women to retreats by the droves?

I believe women are simply grown-up girls. Girls are social creatures—thriving on one or two close friends to laugh, play, and be silly with. Many of today’s women had childhoods shortened by technology; every move recorded, sometimes going viral, and later woven into careers. I’m not anti-21st century, and our events aren’t tech-free. But I do believe in the magic of singing into a hairbrush, hiking until you almost pee laughing, telling stories over a campfire, and indulging in something fancy—whether it’s an ice cream sundae, a mimosa, or a pretty spa visit.

I don’t believe income level influences how impactful these moments are. I’ve seen the smallest gestures brighten the day of people who could afford almost anything. Society knows women are grown-up girls—and knows how powerful we actually are.

Montessori education seeks to raise happy kids who feel purposeful, capable, and joyful. That same philosophy is embedded in the environments I curate for grown-up girls at our retreats. The luxury matters, because it’s all-inclusive. Nothing is “DIY.” Women shouldn’t see work as theirs to do simply because it needs doing. At our resorts, there is no work. Women simply get to be guests—a rare and transformative experience in itself.

Our next women’s retreat is November 14–16, 2025. We cap the retreat at a small number for intimacy, yet it’s spacious enough that you can skip lunch, walk by the water, or book another massage without it feeling awkward.

I invite you to join us. Come have fun. Restore yourself in this 24/7 world. Return to your “big girl” life with new friends, a better understanding of your needs, beautiful memories of time and money well spent, and—importantly—another adventure already booked on your calendar.

We change the world for little girls by investing in the big girls who go first. My prayer and intention is to use everything we know about science, sprinkle in faith and goodwill, and create a community where martyrdom is not achievement, where boundaries and self-love are celebrated, and where fun is central.

As my friend in that Manhattan diner said: You are worthy of your own time and your own money.

At our retreats, we make it easy to say yes. We truly meet women where they are. During your initial onboarding call, we’ll walk through your real-life logistics and offer solutions for everything that could feel like a barrier—whether that’s pet care, child care, housecleaning, laundry service, car detailing, or home organization. If you want to further leverage your time away, we’ll help you return not only refreshed but also to a home that feels lighter and easier to live in.

We bring over a decade of luxury service experience, so we know how to design these details for your real life. The result is that stepping out of your daily routine feels like stepping back into yourself.

We also make the travel itself seamless. We offer luxury round-trip ground transportation from Manhattan, and car service can be arranged from elsewhere if needed. Every meal is included. You can snack, shop, or explore as you wish, but once you purchase your ticket, there’s no scramble for hotels, event seats, or logistics. We schedule a call to tailor your trip to your current season of life. We handle the rest.

We also offer special add-ons: the Founder’s Dinner, which supports our foundation of choice, and our VIP Mastermind, an exclusive gathering on the third morning of the event. These pockets of private, high-level connection have changed my own life, and I knew I wanted to embed them in our events. Because sometimes, the person you’re waiting to meet—the one who lights the fire of your next idea—is sitting shoulder to shoulder right beside you.

It is our greatest privilege to offer this to you. Thank you—and see you soon.

Stephanie

Founder, Self Care Travel Club & The Harbor Method