A Very
Un-Becoming
Retreat
Reclaim Your Radiance This Mother’s Day Weekend
May 9-11th
Rediscovery
Rediscovery is about reconnecting with the parts of yourself you’ve set aside. This retreat invites you to pause, reflect, and uncover the vibrant, authentic you waiting to shine.
Renewal
Renewal is the gift of a fresh start—a chance to shed the weight of 'shoulds' and embrace the freedom of 'can.' Immerse yourself in an experience that nourishes your soul and revitalizes your spirit.
Transformation
Transformation is more than change—it's becoming who you were always meant to be. This retreat is your invitation to step into your power, unlock your potential, and embrace a life of purpose and authenticity.
A Weekend of Transformation and UnBecoming
Picture a weekend where the noise of the world fades away, and you can finally set aside the roles you carry to rediscover the woman you are at your core. The Un-Becoming Retreat, held over Mother’s Day weekend, offers an exclusive, luxurious experience for five women seeking reflection, healing, and the courage to shed everything they were told to be.
Set in a peaceful, private sanctuary on 32 acres, this retreat goes beyond rest—it’s an invitation to rebuild. Together, we’ll explore the patterns that no longer serve you, release the stories that have held you back, and reclaim the parts of yourself lost in life’s chaos. You’ll leave feeling renewed, empowered, and ready to step into the best version of yourself—just in time to enjoy a Mother’s Day brunch with your family.
This is your moment to stop striving and start being. Your transformation begins here.
What to Expect: A Journey of Renewal
From the moment you arrive, the Un-Becoming Retreat invites you into a peaceful, country sanctuary. Imagine stepping into a quiet, natural setting where the air is crisp, the surroundings serene, and the only sound is the gentle rustle of trees. Whether you find yourself relaxing in a cozy corner, strolling along a peaceful path, or simply soaking in the stillness, every element is designed to help you unwind and reconnect.
Your days will flow with intention, balancing moments of solitude with guided practices to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Begin the morning with meditation to center yourself in the present, followed by journaling sessions that gently help you explore your inner landscape. Movement and breath work invite you to reconnect with your body, while moments of shared laughter and quiet reflection create space for connection and healing.
Afternoons might include walking in nature, visualization exercises, or simply pausing to breathe and be. Evenings offer time to reflect and unwind, allowing the peaceful surroundings to cradle you as you let go of the world’s demands. This is not a place for rushing or striving—it’s a space to slow down, to exhale, and to explore the possibilities of who you are when you let yourself simply be.
With every step of the retreat, you’ll be supported by Stephanie’s thoughtful guidance and expertise. You’ll leave this weekend with a renewed sense of self, along with tools and practices to continue your journey of unbecoming and stepping into the person you’re truly meant to be.
You Deserve Transformation
You’ve spent years putting others first. You’ve played the roles—daughter, mother, partner, employee—often at the expense of your own needs and dreams. The expectations have been relentless: “Be perfect.” “Stay strong.” “Don’t rock the boat.” In all the doing, the being has been lost. The spark, the creativity, the connection with yourself that once felt so natural—dimmed. Perhaps you’ve even found yourself asking, “Who am I now?”
Transformation begins when you step away from the noise and make space to reconnect with yourself. The Un-Becoming Retreat offers:
- A Space to Pause
Time and freedom to reflect, reconnect, and refocus on what truly matters—you. - A Community of Understanding
Connect with women who share your desire to rediscover themselves. Together, you’ll build meaningful connections and a network of support. - Tools for Transformation
Through journaling, meditation, movement, and community-building exercises, you’ll gain practical tools to continue your journey long after the retreat ends.
This retreat isn’t just a weekend escape; it’s a turning point. It’s your chance to reignite your spark, rediscover your creativity, and reconnect with your most authentic self. You’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose—and the unwavering belief that you are enough, exactly as you are.
Nourishing Chef-Prepared Meals
From the moment you arrive, every meal is crafted with care to nourish both your body and soul. Begin your day with a wholesome, nourishing vegan breakfast, thoughtfully prepared to energize and ground you.
For lunch and dinner, enjoy fresh, chef-prepared meals made with locally sourced ingredients, each dish designed to fuel your journey with love and intention. Every bite is a reminder to slow down, savor, and receive the same care that you so often give to others.
This retreat is about giving back to you—mind, body, and spirit. Let each meal be a moment of restoration, preparing you for the next step in your journey.
About Steph
Stephanie Shanks is not just a photographer, podcaster, or aspiring author—she is a storyteller, seeker, and champion for women ready to rediscover their essence. Her journey toward helping others embrace their true selves began with a broken mirror—both literal and figurative. For years, Stephanie looked at herself and saw only fragments: pieces shaped by expectations, people-pleasing, and a narrative she no longer wanted to live. Through her own healing journey, as a woman and an artist, she found the courage to stop hiding behind the roles she played and instead, embrace her own story.
Stephanie’s work is rooted in the belief that every woman deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated—not only during life’s milestones but also in the everyday moments that define who we are. Through her Heart & Soul photo sessions, her podcast Unwritten, and her upcoming book Un-Becoming, Stephanie creates spaces for women to reconnect with their truest selves. Her photography goes beyond capturing beautiful images; it reflects the strength, beauty, and love that women often give freely to others but rarely offer themselves.
As a self-proclaimed “people-pleaser in recovery,” Stephanie understands what it’s like to feel invisible in your own life. She has spent years breaking free from the cycle of putting everyone else first, and she’s made it her mission to help other women do the same. Through her retreats and coaching, she invites women to step back from the noise and busyness of life. In these safe, nurturing spaces, she helps them reflect, heal, and rediscover their worth. Stephanie’s deeply personal approach blends intuition, creativity, and heartfelt care to guide women toward embracing their stories and reclaiming their light.
At the core of Stephanie’s work is a simple but powerful truth: the most beautiful version of yourself is the one that exists right now. She believes in celebrating the real you—wrinkles, imperfections, and all. Life isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about capturing the moments and embracing the person that matter most. Her work is a love letter to women who are ready to stop waiting for “someday” and start living boldly and unapologetically today.
Whether she’s behind the camera, guiding a retreat, or writing her next chapter, Stephanie’s purpose is clear: to help women see themselves through a lens of love, courage, and authenticity. Her story is not about perfection—it’s about the beauty of becoming. And she’s ready to help you write yours.
