We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Angela Lightsey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Angela, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Creating and building Tybee Wellness Retreats was the biggest risk I have taken professionally. I was not certain that it would work, that I could build an incredible team or that I was capable of learning all of the ins & outs of owning a small business. The idea for immersive yoga retreats came to me during COVID lockdown #1. I was simultaneously going through a divorce and I knew that I wanted to build something for myself and my daughter. A business where I could help others, fill my own cup & be present every afternoon at school pick up.

All of the practices that we facilitate during the retreats I already use myself. So, I began a new marriage – my extensive background in the hospitality industry and my love for wellness, creativity and inner work. Now, we not only offer women’s retreats but couples retreats & international retreats. We are going to Guatemala soon!

After that, Nomad Tybee & Savannah was born so we can bring our magic to people who were not able to book a full weekend retreat but who need massages, reiki, yoga & all of the other experiences we offer.

My risk has become my calling & my passion. I am able to hold a safe space for others searching for more fulfillment along with a team of exceptional professionals. And, I get to practice all of the “woo woo” I love alongside my clients and guests. We have built a family.

Angela, 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?

Nomad Tybee & Savannah provide private services such as massage, reiki, tarot & skin care to those visiting the area or for residents. Nomad also facilitates group programs including art workshops, yoga, mindful dance, sound baths & coaching workshops. Our clients range from bachelorette groups, corporations & non-profits. We can also create private weekend retreats.

Tybee Wellness Retreats offers immersive long-weekends for groups on Tybee Island. During the retreats, guests enjoy a private chef, yoga classes, energy workshop, art workshop, coaching workshop and many more surprises. They can also book private services during “down time”. We can host 8 – 12 guests either single travelers or private groups.

As a team, we have created exceptional and personal experience opportunity for our guests and clients.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Hosting guests requires us to pivot constantly. This is one of my superpowers and keeps what we do an adventure. No two retreat groups are the same. No two clients are the same. Our chefs do an incredible job of pivoting to accommodate guests allergies and dietary restrictions. Our practitioners pivot during services because what works for one guest may not work for another. They are true magicians!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

We launched our first retreat during the 2nd wave of COVID. I was frightened that we would fail and no one would sign up. Boy, was I wrong! People NEEDED a retreat. From my perspective, we were all learning so much more about ourselves and our needs during this time. I spoke with many women who just wanted to feel “normal” again. They needed to figure out what was really important to them personally. The TWR team gratefully accepted a spot in their journeys. We put COVID protocols into place. Sometimes guests would test out of a retreat. I learned a lot from this time about resilience and perseverance.       

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tybeewellnessretreats.com
• Instagram: @nomad.tybee.savannah & @tybeewellnessretreats
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082352947473 & https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069352015374

Image Credits
Angela Lightsey Christin Clever Jessalyn Westphall