How one late-night Instagram discovery became the beginning of rest, renewal, and lifelong friendship.

The magic behind every Rest & Play experience isn’t only the beach house, the meals, or even the beautiful sunsets. It’s the women who show up – each carrying her own story, her own reasons for needing rest, and her own quiet hope for what the weekend might hold.

Some arrive with a friend. Others arrive knowing no one at all.

Katie discovered Rest & Play late one night while scrolling Instagram from bed. She had never met me or any of the women attending, but something about the retreat caught her attention. It felt safe, welcoming, and deeply restful – the kind of experience she realized she needed after a demanding season of life. (The fact that it was in one of her favorite places was a bonus!)

So she followed that little nudge, signed up immediately, and came to 30A without knowing exactly what – or who – would be waiting for her.

This is Katie’s story.

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Meet Katie

“I am so grateful for what you have created with Rest & Play.

I first discovered Rest & Play late one night in November while scrolling Instagram in bed. The retreat was scheduled for January, and although I’m not sure how I found it, I was instantly drawn in. You created something that felt truly special: a beautiful beach retreat in my favorite area of 30A, surrounded by like-minded women, business owners, and mentors. It looked safe, welcoming, and deeply restful. Knowing that fun was a core part of the experience made me realize it was exactly what I needed to find joy and step outside of my routine.

I didn’t know anyone attending, including you, and I arrived with no expectations other than enjoying the beach and connecting with new people. From the moment I reached out, you were incredibly warm and genuinely interested in getting to know me. Even as someone who found the retreat independently, I felt immediately embraced.

Every detail – from the application process to arriving at the house – was thoughtful, organized, and beautifully curated. I also appreciated meeting some of the other women beforehand at dinner; they were all kind, open, and welcoming.

I attended the retreat needing space to rest and reset after a demanding season of life, and that is exactly what I found. There was a perfect balance of connection and freedom. I felt included and cared for, while still having the space to recharge by the ocean and reconnect with myself.

During those few days, something shifted. Between the conversations, laughter, and quiet moments, I felt myself come back to life. I left feeling rested, joyful, and whole. I knew before I even left that I would be back.

Since then, each retreat has brought new friendships and even deeper relationships. The women I’ve met have become some of the most supportive soul sisters in my life.

Rest & Play is more than just a retreat; it is an experience that stays with you. I look forward to returning again and again.

Your bestest beach friend for life,

Katie”

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From Strangers to Soul Sisters

Katie’s story means so much to me because she took a chance on something unfamiliar. She didn’t wait until a friend could come with her or until she knew exactly what to expect. She simply recognized that her heart needed space to rest, reconnect, and experience joy again and she gave herself permission to say yes.

She may have arrived independently, but she was never an outsider stepping into an established circle. From her first message, she was already part of what we were creating together.

That sense of belonging doesn’t begin when the front door of the beach house opens. It begins through the conversations, introductions, thoughtful planning, and opportunities to connect before the retreat. My hope is that every woman arrives already knowing she has been considered, prepared for, and genuinely welcomed.

Katie found what I hope every Rest & Play weekend holds: meaningful connection without pressure, thoughtfully planned experiences without an exhausting schedule, and enough freedom to step away, sit beside the ocean, and breathe.

She arrived knowing no one. She left rested, joyful, and whole – and with friendships that have only grown deeper through every retreat since.

Sometimes finding your people begins with a late-night scroll, a quiet nudge, and the courage to say yes before you know exactly what is waiting on the other side.

And sometimes those strangers become your bestest beach friends for life.

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The Women of Rest & Play is an ongoing series sharing the stories of the women who have shaped this community. We can’t wait to introduce you to more of them!

Interested in learning more about upcoming Rest & Play retreats? Apply for our upcoming experiences here!