Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Felicia Mendes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Felicia, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Yes, a defining moment in my professional career profoundly changed its trajectory. It was a period marked by significant personal and professional upheaval, but ultimately, it became a transformative chapter in my life.

I left my career as a school psychologist after 9 years of working in the field to take on the role of Training Manager for the Mental Health Consultation Program at the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. This exciting but demanding position required me to immerse myself in the complexities of state government systems and early childhood mental health while also developing comprehensive training systems for a new program.

Simultaneously, I was going through a divorce- a life-altering event that brought with it emotional turbulence and a multitude of new responsibilities. Balancing the pressures of a new job with the personal challenges of ending a marriage was overwhelming. My brain was in overdrive, grappling with the intense learning curve of my new role while dealing with the flight-or-fight response that accompanies such a personal crisis.

In hindsight, divine timing catapulted me into my truest self. I was stretched and challenged in ways I had never experienced before, to the point where I often thought, “I am way in over my head,” Looking back, I see that it was life’s way of telling me to step into my power. Actually, it felt less like a step and more like a shove off a cliff, with life yelling, “Good luck! You’ll figure it out!” on my way down.

This period forced me to navigate not only the intricacies of a new career but also the realities of post-divorce life, including single motherhood, co-parenting, and a long journey of personal healing. Each challenge I faced was like a set of burpees after the hardest workout imaginable. No matter how exhausted I was, I kept getting back up.

Through this experience, I learned several invaluable lessons. Firstly, I re-discovered an inner resilience and strength I knew I always had. Each setback was an opportunity to reaffirm my power and commitment to my personal growth and professional excellence. Secondly, I learned the importance of self-compassion and patience. Healing and adaptation take time, and being kind to oneself during such transitions is essential.

This dual experience of professional development and personal upheaval taught me that growth often comes from the most challenging of circumstances. It shaped me into a more empathetic leader and a more resilient individual. I emerged from that period not only with a deeper understanding of my field but also a greater appreciation for my own capabilities and a renewed sense of purpose.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am the founder of Radiant Resurgence Retreat, a sanctuary designed to support and empower women navigating significant life transitions. Located in Colorado, Radiant Resurgence provides a safe and supportive environment with harm reduction services guiding around Colorado Law Proposition 122, which is the compliant sharing of medicinal mushrooms among adults. The mushroom journey is optional and not required to participate. With a range of holistic services, including sound bath ceremonies, yoga, chef-prepared cuisine, and coaching, we aim to guide our guests towards physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Before attending the in-person retreat, cohorts of up to 10 will participate in a 4-week online pre-work course called “Becoming the One.” The course is designed to heal patterns of unhealthy relationships, strengthen the relationship with self, and cultivate healthier, lasting relationships. Radiant Resurgence Retreat is designed to cultivate connection, encourage self-growth, and build community among women with shared experiences.

My path into this industry has been both professional and deeply personal. Professionally, I have an Education Specialist degree in Child, Family, and School Psychology. Along with my background in mental health, my role with the state allowed me to hone my skills in program development, training, evaluation, and change management, equipping me with the expertise to create impactful and supportive retreats.

Personally, my journey was profoundly influenced by my own experience with divorce. During this challenging period, I relied on various healing tools including meditation, journaling, psilocybin therapy, and extensive self-development work. These practices were instrumental in my healing journey and inspired me to create a space where other women could access similar support.

What sets Radiant Resurgence Retreat apart is our intentional focus on community and ongoing support. Every aspect of our retreat, from the guides we hire to the agenda we set and the pre- and post-integration support we offer, is crafted with the utmost intention and purpose. Our goal is to encourage self-love, inspire personal growth, and foster a sense of empowerment among women, all while building a strong, supportive community. Our guides bring unique talents to the retreat experience. For example, one of our psychedelic guides, Bodhi Calagna, is an international DJ weaving in creative sounds that truly elevate the experience. Additionally, our yoga instructor, Ashton August, has written 4 motivational books and offers an empowering positive self-talk workshop based on her book “A Year of Self-Motivation for Women.”I am incredibly proud of the team of healers we’ve assembled. Each team member brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and dedication to our mission. They are truly leaders in the wellness industry. Together, we created a space where women can rediscover their strength, find their purpose, and build lasting connections. I encourage you to read their bios on our website!

The problem we are aiming to solve is the sense of feeling lost or isolated after divorce or during other major life transitions. We recognize the profound impact of these changes and the need for a supportive network of healing tools to navigate. There is something truly magical that happens when women come together to share their stories and empower one another, and Radiant Resurgence Retreat is designed to facilitate this transformative experience.

What I am most proud of is the ability to offer the Radiant Resilience BIPOC Scholarship. As a proud Latina, who continues to navigate systems of oppression, I deeply value the rich diversity and unique stories within the BIPOC community. I would not be where I am today without the strong, female leaders within the community who supported me along my educational and professional path. This scholarship is specifically designed to provide access to the retreat experience for a woman of color who may otherwise face financial barriers. I hope that through this scholarship we can offer a transformative opportunity for personal healing, growth, and connection.

Our retreats are currently offered quarterly, however, we also have day ceremonies located in Boulder, CO. The day ceremonies might be for those who can’t commit to a full weekend retreat due to availability or are looking to deepen/continue their inner work journey. It is also a great option for those looking for a more financially accessible option. Accessibility is important to us, which is why we also offer payment plans for both the day ceremonies and the full retreat experience.

I am deeply grateful to have found purpose in the pain I experienced and to be able to spread love and healing through our mission of empowering women to embrace a new chapter with confidence and joy. When you leave Radiant Resurgence Retreat you don’t just leave with a renewed sense of self, you leave with a tribe of empowered women.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My strategies for effectively managing a team and maintaining high morale is to focus on transparency, trust, and clear communication of the “why” behind every decision. One of my team members has been a very dear friend of mine for many years while the others I have had the opportunity to build a relationship with and now call close friends. It’s important for me to never allow business to get in the way of the integrity of our relationships outside of the business. We have a mutual understanding and respect that we will come to one another when something is not in line with our values and to always have honest conversations, even if it may seem uncomfortable. There is always growth through the discomfort! Transparency builds a culture of honesty and respect. I always keep my team informed about goals, challenges, and decisions to align everyone with the vision and purpose.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been through storytelling. People are naturally drawn to narratives they can relate to, and sharing personal stories helps build genuine connections. For me, sharing my story on social media has been a key strategy, but even more impactful has been building connections within my community.

Everywhere I go, I make it a point to listen to people, learning about where they’re from, their experiences, and their unique journeys. This allows me to connect on a deeper level and understand how Radiant Resurgence Retreat can support their path. By sharing my journey and the vision behind the retreat, I create a relatable and inspiring narrative that resonates with potential attendees.

Listening to and engaging with people on a personal level not only builds trust but also demonstrates genuine care and commitment to their well-being. This approach helps cultivate a growing community where people feel connected to Radiant Resurgence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://radiantresurgenceretreat.com
• Instagram: @radiant_resurgence_retreat
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556326374855&sk=about