A weekend retreat of soul-searching and sisterhood for small business owners
Autumn 2020 • Oregon Coast
You are meant to do amazing things with your life, sister. To create, to inspire, to teach, to entertain, to serve, to build, to question, to encourage... You're here to change the world in a way that only you can.
And that can all be a bit overwhelming sometimes. You’re on the verge of your next big breakthrough, but the doubts and fears are starting to creep in. “What if I totally fail at this? Or what if I’m wildly successful and no one thinks I’m down to earth anymore? Who do I think I am to chase a dream this big? Do I even have what it takes?”
You love the freedom of working for yourself, but it’s gotten super lonely working by yourself. You crave real friendships with women who know what it’s like to walk in your shoes.
You’ve been so consumed the day-to-day madness of running your business, running your family, and running yourself into the ground… when is there ever time for personal and professional growth?
If only you had more confidence, or more charisma, or more connections, or more money, or more time, or more... something, then you could finally reach that illusive "next level"
Girl, it's your time!
⭐ It's time to show up. To show up fully for yourself and fully as yourself--in all areas of your business and life.
⭐ It's time to honor who you are and to bring out the woman you're meant to be.
⭐ It's time to step into your power and claim your space in this big, noisy world.
⭐ It's time to own that your dream is worth chasing and that you are deserving of wild success
⭐ It's time to surround yourself with smart, supportive women who are waiting with open arms to encourage you, cheer you on, and hold space for you
It's time to courageously live your truth
Truth & Dare is a transformational weekend in the Pacific Northwest for women entrepreneurs just like you.
We'll dive deep into figuring out your truest strengths, super powers, and how you can lift others up in a way that lights you up.
We'll work through the fears and roadblocks that get in the way of letting your greatest self shine. We'll combine deep, personal breakthroughs with practical strategies to help you reach your full potential.
Oh, and we'll also eat our bodyweight in licorice, play slumber party games, and form real, in-person friendships with the most incredible women on the planet.
2020 retreat: Exact dates and location are still being determined. Expect late September or early October on the Oregon coast.
(less than 2 hours from Portland. Keep reading for alllll the good stuff that's included!)
THE AGENDA
What if you dared to be your truest self?
April 4th - 7th, 2019
Thursday - Welcome!
4-6:30pm: Check in and grab a drink! Make your way to the beach house any time after 4:00. Check in, find your room, and make yourself at home! Then join us in the living room for cocktails and conversation. Check in time is flexible to allow for a variety of travel schedules
We will help coordinate carpooling and/or transportation from the Portland Airport, as well as activities to enjoy if you arrive in Portland early.
7pm: Dinner - All of your meals, snacks, and beverages are provided as part of your retreat experience, including dinner on the first night! Get to know your Biz BFFs over a fresh, delicious meal.
Campfire & S'mores - Once you've had a chance to settle in and fill your bellies, we'll start filling your soul around the campfire! I'll share my story and why I created this retreat for you, and you'll have your first chance to practice bravery and share a little about your story. Then you'll head to bed for a good night's rest.
Friday - Find Your Truth
Enjoy some peaceful time in nature, meditate, journal, practice yoga, or sip a quiet cup of coffee. (Or sleep in and join us for breakfast in your jammies!) The early morning time is yours.
8am: Delicious breakfast together in the dining room or patio
Friday's Workshop Sessions:
Ok, we know it's important to be ourselves... but who the hell are we, anyway? Learn how to identify and embrace your innate strengths, while still leaving room for personal growth. We'll dive in to your individual strengths and personality traits that make you amazing and explore how to leverage these in your business.
Get fired up! This session is full of lightbulb moments, creative activities, and practical ideas for implementation.
Then we hit the hard stuff. Why do we hold our true selves back from the world? What are we afraid of? What do we wish our businesses were like? Why is it so hard to actually make that vision happen in our real lives? What limiting beliefs do we have about freedom, ease, authenticity, vulnerability, and success? What messages are we being bombarded with, and how do we fight back? What would it be like to be totally comfortable with ourselves, just as we are--and what would it be like to let others in to experience our greatness?
Explore these questions and more in our afternoon workshop session. We'll dive in and dig deep into what it means to be ourselves through a variety of whole group activities, individual journaling, and small group breakout sessions.
During our workshop sessions, we'll take plenty of breaks for snacks and a scrumptious lunch!
Afternoon Free Time - Too many retreats and conferences are filled to the brim with content, leaving no time to process what you've learned. Take the afternoon off to soak in the day's work and refresh. Go on a peaceful walk along the beach, enjoy a dip in the hot tub, journal about your breakthroughs, chat with your new friends, play a game in the rec hall, do crafts in the kitchen, or take a nap! Soak in a day of truth finding with activities you truly enjoy.
Hearty dinner together in the dining room or patio
Slumber Party Games - You didn't think I'd name a retreat "Truth & Dare" without playing a game of Truth or Dare did you? But if that's bringing back middle school slumber party flash backs, don't worry. We won't dare you to crank call your secret crush! We'll continue our exploration of what it means to be daring and true with this super cool version of a classic game, while strengthening our friendships and joy!
Saturday - Daring Action
Another glorious morning to enjoy before group breakfast in the sun-lit dining room!
Saturday's Workshop Sessions:
Now that you know who you are in your heart, how do you let that glorious woman SHINE in your business and life?
We'll work through exactly how to express your truth in the parts of your business the world sees. (Your products & services, branding, pricing, copywriting, marketing, and more!) Through a combo of hot seat laser coaching and small group work sessions, you'll tackle the area that has felt like your biggest road block to success.
There's no way I'm letting you go back to business as usual when you get home. You'll leave this retreat with a solid action plan (and I dare you to take the first step while we're still at the lodge!)
Afternoon Choice Time - Enjoy another afternoon to soak in your surroundings, have a glass of wine with friends, or continue working on your daring action plan.
Hearty dinner together in the dining room or patio
Closing ceremony & fireside chats - Celebrate your growth, release the past and welcome the future during our closing ceremony (Plus more s'mores and drinks... obviously.)
Sunday - Watch out, world!
One last brunch together! Hugs, yearbook signing, and goodbyes! Enjoy the lodge and surroundings until our 10am checkout. Then carpool home or to the airport! The retreat may be over, but the work that lights you--and the world--up has just begun!
THE LOCATION
Central Oregon Coast
The Truth & Dare Retreat is not your typical business conference. That's why, instead of booking a stuffy hotel conference room, we're renting a cute and cozy beach house for the weekend! Breathe in the fresh, salty, coastal air, enjoy the gorgeous beach views, and revel in your downtime with your feet in the sand.
During our morning and afternoon free time, enjoy the surrounding beach, journal on the deck, play board games with your new friends, or enjoy a dip in the hot tub! (Yes! A hot tub!) We'll scarf down s'mores by the fire pit, have deep conversations over glasses of wine, and play slumber party games!
FOOD & DRINK
you will never go hungry (or thirsty!)
Your retreat experience includes all meals, snacks, and beverages from the moment you arrive until the second you walk out the door. (You can even take a bagel with you for the road!) Every meal will be full, hearty, and delicious, with options for all sorts of taste buds.
During our workshop sessions and free time, you'll be able to grab snacks and drinks whenever you like. I want you to be able to focus on your growth, not on your growling stomach!
And if you think I'm going to skimp on the wine, you don't know me very well! All beverages are included during the length of your stay. (Yep, even the alcohol!)
Special dietary needs? Allergies? Vegan? Gluten free? Picky eater? No worries! You'll have a chance to let us know all your food requirements and we're happy to accommodate!
ACCOMMODATIONS
BEST SLUMBER PARTY EVER
A huge part of my mission is to form real, long-lasting connections with other business owners. We are not meant to navigate this world alone! That's why a beach house is the perfect venue for our retreat. I wanted to find a place that would foster the late night chats and close friendships that make retreats so special.
If this was only about the content, I'd make it an e-course.
Now, the workshop sessions are going to blow your freaking mind. But it's not just about that! I believe wholeheartedly in the power of friendship and real, human, in-person connections. Introvert or extrovert, something magical happens when you get a bunch of women in a room and have real, honest conversations about life and business. There is no internet substitute for human contact!
This retreat is your chance to connect with women who get what it's like to be in your shoes. Women who can offer their unique perspective. Women to bounce ideas off of. Women who can hold you accountable to your goals and hold your hair back when you vomit. Women who get just as excited for your successes as they do for their own. Women who will listen to you vent about what's not working and rub your back while you cry.
It's time to step out from behind the computer screen and get to know each other in real life.
Making grown up friends can be super hard and awkward. I'm going to make it really fun and easy. (Plus--you know me--the slumber party games are going to be epic, there's gonna be candy, and I'm also bringing you presents. I am all about the party.)
Your retreat ticket includes 3 nights' accommodations in one of the beach house's comfortable bedrooms.
Before the retreat, I will be sending out a survey to get to know you and your business better and to pair you with your roommates! (FUN!) You may absolutely request to room with your friends who are attending the retreat!
I believe strongly in the intangible magic that comes from rooming with other retreat participants, but if you need single-room accommodations for some reason, please contact me. There may be single rooms available.
REGISTRATION
Let's do this!
Your Registration Includes
- Truth & Dare retreat experience, including soul-stirring workshops, thought-provoking activities, and joy-filled games (4pm April 4th through 10am April 7th)
- Open-ended free time in the spacious lodge or surrounding forest area
- Accommodations Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night in a comfy beach house on the Oregon coast
- All meals, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks from Thursday afternoon to Sunday morning.
- All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Fun & delightful surprises and swag
- A welcoming and supportive community of women entrepreneurs to encourage you and support you on your business journey long after the retreat
- BONUS: Truth Talk Live - series of interviews and Q&A sessions with daring thought leaders
Your investment for this magical weekend is only $1997!
omg bonuses!
I know April feels like forever away. So I've lined up something AMAZING for us to start our transformation right away! When you reserve your spot now, you also get...
Truth Talk Live Series
In the months leading up to the retreat, you'll get the exclusive opportunity to hang with some of the world's most incredible entrepreneurs. Each woman in this series is someone who is out there rocking her truth daily.
We'll connect once a month via live video chat to hear how these women embraced their own true nature and their advice for embracing who you are. Then we'll open up the floor for YOU to ask your burning questions! Each session will be recorded if you can't attend live.
Join today for your chance to chat with Molly Mahar, Megan Hale, Racheal Cook, Darla LeDoux, and Jessica Eley!
YOUR HOSTESS
with the mostest
Hi! I'm Emily, and I saved you a seat next to me!
I'm Emily Roach, and I'm a teacher, a community builder, and a professional best friend. Which is a freaking awesome job!!! And one I never thought could exist. I never could have created this business if I didn't do the work it took to figure out who I am, what I'm all about, and what I'm good at. (Which took me years and several career changes to discover!)
"Be yourself" is really easy advice to give and "authenticity" is a really nice buzzword to throw around. But it's way harder to actually implement this Danny Tanner wisdom.
See, I don't think any of us are actively trying to be someone we're not. At least that hasn't been my experience. I never set out to try to trick anyone or to fit in with the popular girls or anything like that. It's more subtle than that.
It's the quiet voices inside that say, "What if I put my whole self out there and nobody likes what they see?" And, "Who am I to do this? What makes me so special?" And, "How do I know the difference between who I really am and who I've just learned to become after all these years?"
It's the years of messages that we shouldn't brag or gloat or shine too brightly. The messages that our light may be too powerful.That we might outshine the people we love, and then where will we be?
It's the gap in skills and lack of information on how to actually communicate authentically. Like even when we get on board and get fired up and we're ready to shine... how do we even do it? What writing class or design class or business class taught us to find our voice and really use it?
It's the belief that work has to be hard or that if something is fun or natural, we couldn't possibly earn a living from it.
These are the little things that turned into big things that have held me back from being true to myself in my life and in my business. I've struggled with the same insecurities and fears that you have. And I'm not going to pretend that there's some secret code I cracked to leaving all of those behind and living my best life. No, it's more like a series of small, but powerful shifts I've made and that I continually have to remind myself of and practice. And I want you to pull up a chair right next to mine so I can share everything I've I've discovered with you, so that you don't have to spend years figuring it out on your own like I did.
I believe that you have insanely valuable and unique gifts and that the world wants you to share them.
I believe that you totally have what it takes to learn the skills you need to shine brightly in a noisy, crowded world.
I believe that fun is a crucial element to learning, succeeding, and thriving.
And I believe that when women come together, lean on each other, and support each other, we can be fucking unstoppable.
These core beliefs are the foundation of the Truth & Dare Retreat, and I can't wait to see you here!
GOT QUESTIONS?
I've got answers!
Is the Biz BFF Retreat for me?
I sure hope so! Because I can't wait to be best friends with you. This retreat is for women business owners who are ready to show up in the world authentically and shine, and who crave real, in-person friendships with other entrepreneurs.
This retreat is for you whether you are brand new to owning a business or you've been in business for decades. It's for product creators, service providers, coaches, bloggers, etsy shop owners, and everyone in between.
If you're feeling unsure and you'd like to chat more about it, schedule a free, no-pressure call with me here!
I'm nervous I won't fit in... what are the other people like?
If there's one thing I've learned from Brene Brown, it's that you don't have to "fit in" to belong. And honey, you belong here! This retreat is for Biz BFFs from all over the world and all walks of life. I promise you will not feel like you're walking into a party where everyone knows each other except you.
When should I plan to get there and leave?
Check in begins at 4pm on Thursday. Since travel schedules (and traffic) can vary, our check in time is flexible, so you can arrive any time between 4 and 6:30.
Check out is 10am on Sunday.
How do I get to the beach house?
The exact location will be sent to you after you register, and we'll help arrange carpools with other attendees before the retreat!
If you're flying in, you'll book a flight to the Portland International Airport. We'll help arrange airport pickups from Portland BFFs to drive down to the coast.
Where do I book my room?
Accommodations are included in your registration! I'll be assigning rooms and roommates after registration closes and I've collected your pre-retreat surveys.
Can I bring my spouse/partner/children?
If your partner or kid is a woman over 21 who owns a business, absolutely! Just have her register for her own ticket, and you can request to room together if you like!
Otherwise, this is a great chance to spend time working on you and your business for a couple days away from your family.
If you are traveling in from out of town (or out of the country!) and want to make a family vacation of it, there are nearby hotels and B&Bs where your family can stay while you're at the retreat, then you can enjoy the coast or the Portland area together afterward!
Are boys allowed?
Slumber party rules apply, which means--no boys allowed. I'm not trying to exclude anyone or be unfair, but this retreat is a chance for women to be vulnerable and do some deep soul-searching. Sorry, boys, but that just seems to be harder to do while you're around. Maybe it's the patriarchy, I dunno.
Trans women and non-binary folks! You belong and you are welcome here! I know I use the word "woman" a lot on this page, and I know that's kind of limiting. I don't mean for it to be. This event is for you, too!
What should I bring to the retreat?
An open mind, an open heart, and your clothes and toiletries. Everything else will be provided!
This is not a stuffy business conference, and there is no formal dress code. Pack comfortable clothes that you'll feel good in. Pacific Northwest weather is unpredictable (but still lovely!) so layers are a good idea. Bring comfortable shoes to walk in, flip flops for the beach, and a bathing suit!
What should I leave at home?
Pets, drugs, weapons, judgment, hate speech, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and racism. None of those are allowed.
You will not need a laptop during the retreat, but I know it's a comfort item for many. So bring one if it makes you feel good!
What's included with my registration?
3 nights accommodations at a lovely beach house, all meals and drinks from dinner on Thursday evening to brunch on Sunday morning, life-changing workshops, self-discovery, relaxation, fun, and priceless friendships, and discounts on future events and support after the retreat.
Are my travel costs included in the price?
Your registration includes accommodations, meals, snacks, drinks, workshop content, fun surprises, and much more! The only thing it doesn't cover is your individual travel. All you need to do is get here. I'll take care of the rest!
Do you have payment plans?
Since the retreat is so soon, there isn't time to squeeze in a payment plan before we meet up in April! But girl, I've been there. One option that works for some folks is to choose paypal at checkout and take them up on their offer for 6 months of interest-free financing. Or you can book a free call with me and we can brainstorm solutions!
I'm not sure I can come this time, when's the next retreat?
This is the only Truth & Dare retreat planned for 2019. If you've been waiting for an event like this, now's your chance! Don't put your dreams off until 2020, that's way too long.
What if I register, then can't come after all. Do you offer refunds?
Due to the all-inclusive nature of the retreat, I am unable to offer refunds after you register. You may, however, transfer your ticket to someone else up to 30 days before the event.
Can I check in with work and my family during the retreat?
It's a retreat, not prison! There will be plenty of downtime to use the phone or your laptop if you choose to.
Is there a rate that doesn't include staying at the beach house?
A huge part of the retreat experience is the bonding and the friendships you'll form when the workshop sessions are over. The content, resources, and education you'll receive are well worth the price of admission, but it's the immersive nature of staying with this group of women for the whole weekend that truly makes it magical. So all registration options include your accommodations.
What happens after the retreat?
I will never leave you hanging at the end of an event like this. The transformation you make at the retreat will be powerful, and you'll want a container of support to help you see those changes through. One of our sessions will include making a support plan for after the retreat.
Have more questions about whether the Truth & Dare retreat is right for you? Click here to schedule a free, no-pressure call with me to see if it's the right fit!
Can't wait to reach your wildest dreams? Then this big pink button is for you!
