Finding Purpose Through Uncertainty: My Journey to Hosting the First GRLTalk wellness Retreat
Weeks leading up to the retreat were painful, I sat staring at my laptop, my heart sinking as I refreshed the sign-ups yet again. I had poured so much into this—refining the website, tweaking every detail of the marketing, running multiple ads at once, watching engagement numbers climb but waiting endlessly for them to convert into actual commitments. Each day, I analyzed link clicks versus sign-ups, adjusting my approach, investing more money into ads and covering the ever-growing costs of the retreat out of pocket.
Two. Only two sign-ups. Doubt crept in. I even told the resort's sales team I was considering pushing it off, giving myself more time to build momentum. But deep down, I resisted the thought. I knew January was the right time. I felt it in my bones—this retreat was meant to be an ultimate reset. Yet, I was exhausted. Marketing, finances, logistics—it all fell on me, and I wondered if I had taken on too much. I kept refining the website, crafting the perfect message, and reworking my marketing material, hoping for a breakthrough. But each time I refreshed my sign-up list and saw little to no movement, I felt defeated. The financial weight of the retreat was also looming over me—I had already paid large sums of money to cover its costs, and each day that passed without more sign-ups made the burden heavier.
I sought advice from fellow retreat hosts, who reassured me that this struggle was normal, especially for a first-time retreat leader. They believed in me, encouraged me and always helped me see my capabilities in pulling this off. My family and friends encouraged me, reminding me why I had chosen this path. My team understood my struggles and reminded me I didn’t have to do it all alone. A good friend and coach told me something that would shift everything: “You’re not doing this for you. You have something beautiful to give, and those who are meant to receive it will find you.”
That was it. I had been so focused on results that I lost sight of my purpose. Based on my natural tendencies to commit to things outside of my comfort zone, I had forgotten to go inward and find the deep Why behind it. More importantly, I didn't feel capable of leading the workshops I had already committed to hosting. The biggest reason why is that I hadn't made the time to go inward, remove all of my limiting beliefs, find myself again, and allow myself to grow and expand. I read books, listened to podcasts, flipped through magazines, meditated, attended workshops, and started writing. And there it was—clarity over my purpose, over my message, over who this message was for, and how much I needed to learn the things I did during this time. I had started GRLTalk to create a space where women could grow, heal, and connect—but in this moment, I realized I needed that same grace and belief in myself. The truth is that all the internal work I did in the 13 weeks leading up to the retreat was essential, I kept moving forward as if the ideal group already existed, trusting in the unseen.
What I didn’t know then was that those two women would ultimately help bring together the perfect group, making the first GRLTalk Retreat everything it was meant to be. After our first group dinner in paradise, I texted my husband: “The group is phenomenal. I’m feeling confident about how it will all turn out.” He replied, “I always told you it would be great.” And he was right.
This experience has been an awakening for me. I have always loved being a cheerleader for others, encouraging them to be courageous and believe in themselves. But when it came to myself, I was lost in tasks, responsibilities, and expectations. I hadn’t taken the time to quiet my mind, empower myself, and go inward. I had forgotten one of my favorite phrases: “Create a life you love.” I thought I already had, but I hadn’t realized how much I was clinging to an old version of myself.
During the retreat, I shared a metaphor that deeply resonated: Imagine standing still and stretching out your arm, reaching for the horizon. The horizon symbolizes your ideal future self. Now take a step forward—are you closer? What about five steps? The truth is, you are always equally distant from the horizon, no matter how much you move toward it. Why? Because the horizon isn’t meant to be reached—it’s meant to move with you. Growth is constant, and your ideal self is always evolving. But when the horizon stays still—when we stop growing—that’s when we feel lost.
This is why staying inspired and surrounded by people who lift you up is vital. I want to help you find your way, live a life filled with joy, and build a community of like-minded women who will support and share in your journey. That’s what GRLTalk is all about.
I’ll be hosting monthly events where we’ll explore the core principles of The Art of Joyful Living. If you’re seeking connection, growth, and a space where you can be empowered, I invite you to join us. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Reach out (grltalk@ninettehairstudio), attend an event, and step into a community that will support and inspire you—just as I was supported when I needed it most.
With love and gratitude,
Giannina