We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karen Moise a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Karen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
Collectively, we strive and work our entire lives to build a mountain. Striving for individual goals and societal recognition, but eventually realizing something needs to be added. We yearn for deeper connections, service to others, and a more fulfilling life. By learning that, I want to build a second mountain. It is about embracing commitments to family, community, and values that transcend self-interest. The importance of moral and spiritual development, relationships, and a sense of belonging in finding true fulfillment.In the affordable luxury resort industry, HavenWyld exemplifies a growing trend where travel is deeply connected to personal well-being, mindfulness, and sustainability. Let’s explore the major trends shaping this space:
We will offer an immersive Wellness Experiences. Guests increasingly seek resorts that provide holistic wellness, such as spa treatments with natural ingredients, meditation, and activities that connect them to nature.
Imagine a guest arriving at HavenWyld stressed from their corporate life. They begin their day grounding themselves on an energy-emitting earth platform, join a yoga session at dawn, and experience an evening guided meditation overlooking tranquil landscapes. By the end of their stay, they leave rejuvenated, citing the connection with nature and self as transformative.
We will be Sustainability as a Luxury. Luxury today is often defined by how eco-conscious a brand is. Resorts that reduce waste, use renewable energy, and partner with local communities are increasingly appealing.
Greenwashing (misleading claims about sustainability) may damage trust.
Resorts like HavenWyld can set an example by being transparent about practices like sourcing organic food locally and using renewable energy. They will also offer “Personalized Experiences.”
Guests will have tailored itineraries based on their preferences. A honeymoon couple could enjoy a curated package at HavenWyld, featuring private candlelit dinners, couple’s spa treatments, and a personalized nature trail tour, making their stay memorTech-Enabled Stays with a Human Touch. Technology helps elevate luxury. Think seamless booking apps, virtual concierge services, and energy-efficient smart rooms.
Over-reliance on tech may erode the personal, human experience many guests value.
Despite the tech convenience, every interaction with staff feels warm and personal. Authentic Local Experiences
Travelers want to connect with local culture and traditions rather than stay in a resort bubble. HavenWyld guests might participate in a local artisan workshop or attend a cultural dance evening, enriching their stay with authentic regional flavors.
Maintaining the balance between tech efficiency and genuine hospitality.
Avoiding commoditization of the wellness and sustainability narratives.
By leaning into these trends, HavenWyld can continue to grow as a sanctuary for the soul, blending luxury with meaning and mindfulness.
Karen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As the creator and founder of HavenWyld, my latest passion project was inspired by a life dedicated to creating meaningful spaces for connection, love, and growth. HavenWyld is a affordable luxury retreat and wellness sanctuary designed to embrace the spirit of mindfulness, self-discovery, and renewal. Nestled in the heart of nature, HavenWyld is more than a destination—it’s a journey into serenity, awareness, and peace.
How It All Began
After years of pouring my heart into Ma Maison, a luxury wedding venue that has brought joy to over 1,000 couples, I was drawn to a new calling. While I’ve cherished creating spaces for love stories to begin, I wanted to expand that vision to create a place where people could reconnect with themselves and their purpose.
The idea for HavenWyld came from my own experiences with life’s challenges and triumphs. Growing up in rural North Carolina, I learned the importance of resilience and healing, often dreaming of places where I could escape and simply be. Later, as an OB nurse, I witnessed the profound power of holding space for others, whether during life’s most tender moments or moments of transformation.
That deep understanding of the human spirit inspired HavenWyld—a sanctuary for renewal, mindfulness, and the beauty of simply being present.
What We Will Offer
HavenWyld is a retreat space designed to nurture the mind, body, and soul. Each element of the property reflects themes of spirituality, mindfulness, and peace. From Tibetan-inspired design to serene villas named for chakras and meditation principles, HavenWyld is intentionally crafted to inspire reflection and connection.
Some highlights of HavenWyld include:
The Villas: Each uniquely named and designed to create a sense of tranquility and retreat, these spaces combine elegance and simplicity.
Mindfulness Retreats: Multi-day gatherings focused on meditation, awareness, and holistic well-being.
Wellness Activities: Guided yoga, meditation, and creative workshops to encourage self-discovery.
Community Connection: A place for women to gather, share, and find strength in sisterhood.
How We Help Our Guests
In today’s fast-paced world, people seek moments of stillness and clarity. HavenWyld provides a space where guests can escape the noise, reconnect with themselves, and find peace. Whether it’s through guided retreats or simply soaking in the beauty of nature, our goal is to offer tools and experiences that help people feel whole again.
What Makes HavenWyld Special
HavenWyld is not just a place; it’s a movement—a celebration of mindfulness, self-care, and soulful connection. What sets HavenWyld apart is the blend of luxury and spirituality. The space was designed to feel both grounding and freeing, where guests can embrace the wildness of nature while finding sanctuary within themselves.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of how Ma Maison and HavenWyld bridge the gap between luxury and meaning. It’s not just about creating a beautiful space; it’s about offering a place where people can transform their lives, find healing, and reconnect with what matters most. The ultimate reward will be seeing guests leave with a renewed sense of purpose.
What I Want You to Know
HavenWyld is more than a retreat; it’s a haven for the soul. My hope is that everyone who visits feels a sense of peace and empowerment, whether they’re meditating under the open sky, sharing stories with new friends, or simply enjoying the stillness.
This is a place for you to pause, reflect, and embrace the beauty of your journey. I can’t wait to welcome you to HavenWyld—your sanctuary for renewal and self-discovery. Let’s create something meaningful together.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
The journey to funding HavenWyld is as thoughtful and intentional as the vision behind it. As we create a retreat and wellness sanctuary, we recognize that turning this dream into reality requires strategic planning, collaboration, and the right resources.
Our foundation is built on the success of Ma Maison, our thriving luxury wedding venue in the Texas Hill Country. Over the years, we have created a space that has hosted over 1,000 weddings while developing a strong reputation, invaluable experience, and a network of trusted partners. These accomplishments give us the confidence and credibility to enter this next exciting adventure with HavenWyld.
We are leveraging our productive history and the incredible relationships we’ve cultivated with our banking partners, who continue to support and believe in our vision. Their guidance and trust are helping us lay the groundwork for HavenWyld’s early stages.
At the same time, we are actively searching for the perfect investment partner to join us in this journey. We are looking for someone who shares our passion for creating transformative spaces and recognizes the incredible potential of HavenWyld as a business and a movement. With the right partner, we can combine resources, creativity, and dedication to turn HavenWyld into a sanctuary that inspires and empowers every guest who visits.
As we take these initial steps, our focus remains on building a legacy that enriches lives. If you are a potential partner who is excited by this vision, we would love to connect and explore the possibilities of working together. Together, we can create something extraordinary—a space where mindfulness, renewal, and connection take center stage.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Growing up in rural North Carolina, I was surrounded by an environment that lacked stability and security. Abuse was a constant, and from an early age, I had no choice but to grow up quickly. In many ways, this upbringing shaped me, forcing me to learn resilience and how to care for others, particularly my two younger siblings. They depended on me, and I developed a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. The need to nurture and protect became second nature, and I knew then that I wanted my life’s work to involve helping others avoid the pain I experienced. Even as a child, I felt drawn to the idea of caring for others in a more profound way. I remember vividly how certain experiences opened my eyes to the world of childbirth and maternal care. Witnessing the birth of a new life is deeply spiritual, an event that carries an inexplicable beauty and grace. Something within me knew I wanted to be an OB nurse—to be there during those pivotal moments, holding and rocking laboring moms, offering comfort during one of the most intense experiences of their lives. It came naturally to me, like something I was always meant to do.
Yet my desire to care for others didn’t stop at the birthing room. Alongside my growing passion for nursing, I found myself increasingly involved in another significant life event—weddings. It started as a side gig, coordinating weddings for my nursing friends, long before wedding planning became an industry of its own. Back then, I thrived on the excitement of it all. The more details there were to manage, the better I felt. Everything from the décor to the timeline to the emotions that poured into the day fascinated me. I was organizing weddings before Martha Stewart’s name became synonymous with bridal perfection.
As I lived this double life—balancing nursing and wedding coordination—I began to see how intertwined the two passions were. Both centered around love, family, and community, and both allowed me to bring calm to others during significant, often stressful, life events. Helping to usher in new life and to celebrate the creation of a new family through marriage gave me a deep sense of fulfillment. There was something magical in it all.
While I was engrossed in helping others during these major life transitions, my husband and I started reflecting on our future. We shared a deep love for all things weddings, and the idea of building something that could create lasting memories for couples began to take shape. We dreamed of having our own space, our own venue where we could host weddings and create a welcoming environment for families, much like we had experienced when coordinating weddings for our friends. We envisioned a place that was serene and beautiful, with all the elements that we found inspiring: trees, water, and rolling hills.
The search for the perfect property was long—two years, to be exact—but in the end, it felt as though the land chose us. There it was, waiting for us, with everything we had imagined: expansive trees, a peaceful body of water, and the gentle hills that evoked a sense of timeless beauty. It was perfect. We purchased the land and began designing the venue that would eventually become Ma Maison.
Designing and building Ma Maison was a labor of love, and it took two more years before we hosted our first wedding. The process was intense, full of planning, envisioning, and creating. Every detail had to be perfect, and we made sure it embodied everything we valued—beauty, family, and love. Our French heritage inspired the name “Ma Maison,” meaning “My House.” The name resonated with us deeply because we wanted the venue to be more than just a space for weddings; we wanted it to feel like a home, a place where couples, their families, and guests would feel welcomed and cherished. Ma Maison was designed to embody both elegance and warmth, just like the events we would host there.
Now, years later, I look back on the journey with immense pride. We have hosted so many weddings at Ma Maison, each one unique and special in its own way. Every time a couple walks down the aisle, I’m reminded of the beauty of new beginnings, much like the ones I had witnessed as a midwife. Our venue has become a place where memories are made, and love is celebrated, which fills my heart with joy.
Through all of it—the challenges of growing up, the nurturing of my siblings, the years spent as a midwife, and now, owning and operating a wedding venue—I’ve learned that life is about finding purpose in the way we care for others. Whether it’s guiding a mother through childbirth or ensuring a couple’s wedding day is as magical as they dreamed, my life’s work has been about providing comfort, care, and love during life’s most important moments.
Ma Maison is more than a business to me; it’s the realization of a lifelong dream to help others. From growing up in a place where I had to learn resilience, to creating a venue that offers peace and joy to countless couples, my journey has come full circle. Ma Maison has become a testament to what it means to build something beautiful from difficult beginnings, and it is a home where love thrives—just as I always hoped it would.
And now for the next chapter in my life, and hopefully not the last. HavenWyld was born!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheMaMaison.com
- Instagram: @TheMaMaison
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATXMaMaison
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-moise/
Image Credits
PhotoHouse Films https://photohousefilms.com/