June 23-25, 2025
Old Lyme, CT
Step Away. Reset.
Lead with Confidence.
If you're a beauty and wellness professional - whether you're an owner, team leader, or solo practitioner - this retreat is designed to help you elevate your leadership, build meaningful connections, and spark lasting growth in your career and life.
Imagine stepping away from the daily grind and immersing yourself in three transformative days on the picturesque Connecticut shoreline - where you'll gain clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Only 30 spots available - secure yours today!
What you'll Experience
This immersive leadership experience will transform how you lead through powerful learning, self-discovery, and meaningful connection.
🌿 Guided Leadership Activities - Hands-on experiences to develop your confidence and decision-making skills.
🌅 Sunset Sailing Cruise - A moment to reflect, recharge, and connect in a breathtaking setting.
🧘 Guided Meditations - Daily mindfulness practices to enhance clarity and leadership presence.
🌲 Ropes Course Leadership Challenge (Optional) - Step outside your comfort zone to hone your problem-solving, communication, and confidence as you navigate obstacles, build trust, and push past limitations.
💡 Leadership Coaching & Discussions - Engage in insightful discussions with industry experts and peers to gain actionable strategies, fresh perspectives, and real-world solutions to elevate your leadership and business success.
🔥 Interactive Growth Exercises - Step out of your comfort zone and into your full leadership potential.
This retreat is built for beauty and wellness professionals at every stage of their career:
- Salon & Spa Owners ready to strengthen their leadership and company culture
- Team Members & Managers eager to step up and make a bigger impact
- Solo Practitioners looking to refine their leadership skills and grow
- Emerging Leaders passionate about professional and personal development
If you're looking to lead with confidence, cultivate a vibrant business culture, and connect with others who get it, this retreat is for you.
Meet your educators
Michael Yost
President
With over three decades in the beauty industry and 16 years as a business owner, Michael is now the President of Strategies - the company that transformed his approach to building a healthy business and culture. His journey from client to coach to President reflects his passion for sharing proven principles with salon and spa leaders. Michael credits the industry's inspiring leaders and teams for fueling his dedication to its growth. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his wife Christine, their two sons, Matthew and Benjamin, and their dog Maverick. Though he's admittedly terrible at golf, he plays anyway - because it's not all about winning.
Jess Tergesen
Director of Education
As the Education Director at Strategies, Jess is passionate about turning lightbulb moments into lasting breakthroughs. With over 15 years in the beauty industry, including 11 years behind the chair at Glance Spa and Salon, she understands what it takes to build lasting success. At Glance, she helped create an award-winning team and spearheaded a comprehensive training program, reinforcing her belief that education empowers people and transforms businesses. From styling for major productions to global advanced training, Jess blends strategy, heart, and humor to help salon and spa owners lead with confidence, build unstoppable teams, and embrace growth at every step.
Event Schedule
Day Zero | Sunday, June 22
7-8:30pm - Sweets with Strategies: A VIP Dessert & Leadership Experience
An exclusive experience for Early Bird Ticket Holders
Day One | Monday, June 23
8:00am: Light and Healthy Breakfast
8:45am: Welcome and Introductions
9:45am: Mindfulness and Grounding Exercise with Robert
10:30am: Break
10:45am: Seeds of Leadership with Jess
12:15pm: Lunch
1:00pm: Seeds of Leadership Activity
2:30pm: Break
2:45pm: Your Leadership Light: Vulnerability, Authenticity, and Genuine Leadership with Jess
4:15pm: Guided Meditation: Looking Inward with Robert
5:15pm: Leave the Classroom
6:00pm: Sunset Sailing Cruise on the Argia in Mystic, CT
8:00pm: End of Day One
Day Two | Tuesday, June 24
8:00am: Light and Healthy Breakfast
9:00am: Paper, Patience & Perspective: The Leadership Lessons of Origami
10:30am: Break
10:45am Leadership Roots with Michael
12:15pm: Lunch
1:00pm: The Leadership Roots Guided Exercise
2:00pm: Affirmation Statements with Robert
3:00pm: Open for Free Time/Exploring
6:30pm: Lead, Leap & Let Go: The Ropes Course Challenge
9:30/10pm: End of Day Two
Day Three | Wednesday, June 25
8:00am: Light and Healthy Breakfast
9:00 am: Cultivating Leadership Through Experiences with Michael
11:00am: Break
11:15am: Leadership Experiences Activity with Jess
12:00pm: Lunch
1:00pm: Facilitated Group Discussions on Leadership
1:45pm: Intro to the guided meditation beyond the retreat with Robert
2:30pm Closing Message
3:00pm: End of Day Three
4:30pm: Optional Experience: Sips with Strategies: Unwind at the Vineyard
Your Investment
Your Ticket Covers:
- ✅ All retreat sessions, workshops, and guided meditations
- ✅ Group coaching and leadership training
- ✅ Sunset sailing cruise experience
- ✅ Nutritious breakfast and lunches to fuel your body & mind
- ✅ A guided leadership journal for reflection
- ✅ Exclusive pre-retreat gift
Pricing:
$1,295 per ticket*
*Current Strategies members with All Access Education
can use it towards this class with an additional $250 charge/per ticket
Early Bird Bonus:
Buy your ticket before April 15
to get an exclusive pre-retreat dessert and networking experience!
Plan Your Stay
Strategies Business Academy
-
BDL | Bradley Int'l Airport
Hartford, CT
-
PVD | T.F. Green Int'l Airport
Providence, RI
This retreat is designed for beauty and wellness professionals at any stage of their career—whether you're a salon/spa owner, team leader, manager, or solo practitioner. If you're looking to grow as a leader, build a thriving business culture, and connect with like-minded professionals, this experience is for you!
Nope! This retreat is for anyone in the beauty and wellness industry who wants to develop their leadership skills—whether you lead a team or yourself.
Breakfast and lunch? We've got you covered! You'll enjoy delicious, nourishing meals to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.
Dinner? That's on your own—because we know sometimes, you just want to explore, unwind, or grab a meal with your new retreat besties. We'll provide recommendations for great local spots so you can make the most of your evenings.
The retreat takes place in Old Lyme, Connecticut and surrounding towns, a beautiful and serene setting along the shoreline. After registration, more details on the exact location and lodging recommendations will be sent.
Lodging is not included in your ticket price. However, we'll send you a list of nearby hotels and accommodations so you can choose the option that best fits your budget and preferences.
Yes, renting a car is advisable, as it will give you the flexibility to get to the retreat locations, explore the area, and grab dinner in the evenings. If you prefer not to drive, you can also plan to use Uber or Lyft for transportation—but keep in mind that availability may be limited in some areas. We'll provide recommended accommodations and travel details to help you plan!
We recommend bringing:
✔️ Comfortable clothing for workshops, movement, and outdoor activities
✔️ A journal (though you'll receive a guided leadership journal at the retreat!)
✔️ A refillable water bottle
✔️ Layers for outdoor activities
✔️ An open mind and readiness to grow!
Absolutely! We'll have a variety of meal options to accommodate dietary needs. After you register, we'll send an email to gather any dietary preferences or allergies.
You won't be the only one! Many attendees will be coming solo, and this retreat is designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and community-driven. You'll connect with others quickly through shared experiences, group discussions, and activities.
If you're feeling stuck, craving new leadership strategies, or looking to connect with others who understand your journey, this retreat is for you. If you're still unsure, email [email protected]. We'd love to chat and help you decide!
- Seminar cancellation for non-members: Cancellation within 30 days of the event, a cancellation fee of $250 per person will be assessed with the balance held as a credit towards a future event.
- Seminar cancellation for memberships that include All-Access education: Cancellation within 30 days of the registered seminar event will result in $250 fee per seat.