The laughter. The sharing. The fun. I just love these ladies and couldn’t imagine life or business without them.

Our smaller group started as a few of us branched off from a larger business group when we were together in Aruba in Feb. 2020, before the world shut down.

We realized then that we had a special bond and no matter how much we enjoyed the company of the others in the larger group, our dynamic was unique and different, not only special.

So we chose to embrace it when one of us suggested we go away together in early ’21. We all ran as fast as we could to Myrtle Beach that June and have just finished our 3rd trip together.

And oh how much fun we had!

I mentally relive my long weekend in Myrtle (with a stop in Raleigh) all the time and shake my head in amazement at how lucky I am to have this group of incredible women as my friends and mentors.

In the picture are Angela of Alegnasoap.com, Laura of OliveMySkin.com, Me, Christine of BA6Marketing.com, Jennifer of CelticComplexion.com, Michelle of MamaSuds.com, and Sandy of ThePurpleSage.com 

A group of business friends who became lifetime friends. Who could ask for anything more?

The 7 of us came together again during the same week, same place, and even kept the same rooms. It was like no time had passed at all.

We shared ideas and laughs and crazy good stories. We ate. We drank. We indulged. We laughed some more. We are so different in many areas and so alike in others. We come from all over the country.

Included in the itinerary was our yearly photo shoot. I swear I think it takes the entire 12 months for Jennifer to come up with all the accessories, but we mix and match and share and make it all work. This year the theme was retro swim and we went with the story that we were the 1984 National Synchronized Swimming Champions. People were buying in, so we just went with it.

Oh, how we laughed with every repeat of the story. I know Faby, the photographer, and her partner look forward to our yearly shoot and we are convinced that we are their favorite clients!

So after days of lounging, walking the beach, eating, drinking, and laughing, it was time for me to do something that has been on my bucket list for most of my adult life.

I went skydiving!!

It was everything I had hoped it would be. Skydive Coastal Carolinas was professional and fun and made me feel more excited and less nervous. Stepping off the edge of the plane and taking the leap into the air was the most unreal moment. The free fall was peaceful and exhilarating. The thrill of soaring through the air (attached to a very seasoned professional) is truly beyond explanation.

My friend Sandy was the one who set it up, her being the “old-timer” at 2 jumps and our friend/mentor Donna Maria of Indie Business Network made the dive as well, falling into the sky after me from the same plane. We were celebrating the entire flight up.

I still can’t believe I did it. I can’t wait to do it again, now that I know what to expect.

So the next day was spa day

And a funny thing happened on the way to the spa. We had tried to find a place near our place, and the Yelp reviews for the one we found seemed great. Until we got there.

It was dark and dingy and no one spoke English except the mysterious person on the phone. The 7 of us kept looking at each other with smirks on our faces knowing this was definitely NOT the place for us. And then some dude walks in and his face said it all.

Needless to say, we left quickly and let him have his “special massage” in peace. I think they call that place a “Jack Shack” 🤣

We came away with a great story, more peals of laughter, and the quest for another spa.

Our dreams were answered when we found  Carolina Massage & Cryo. It is cozy and beautiful and the staff was super professional. I had a fabulous massage and I heard the facials are worth coming back for. I had a proud moment when my therapist commented on how soft my skin was. I sent her a link to the scrub I had just used that morning.

As the trip wound down, we sat around sharing more business and life advice, stories, and laughter. The gut-busting kind that makes your eyes water and your snort a little louder.

I believe it’s so important to take time for yourself and to share the unique gift of “you” with your best friends and family. It completes the circle of your life.

I love these women and I am ever grateful to have them in my life.

Here’s looking at you, Myrtle ’24!