Some experiences are more than just events — they are catalysts for change. The inaugural Awaken Esthetics Retreat was exactly that: a soul-stirring, career-shifting, heart-expanding four days that redefined what it means to gather as professionals in the medical + spa skincare industry.
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Held at the breathtaking Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington, nestled within the Columbia River Gorge and framed by the Cascade Mountain Range, the retreat was designed with one singular intention: to foster growth — not only in skillset, but in spirit.
And that’s exactly what it did.
A Different Kind of Industry Gathering
Trade shows and conferences are essential to our industry — but Awaken was never meant to be “just another event.” Instead, Shawna Rocha and her team envisioned something intimate, intentional, and immersive.
Rather than darting between crowded exhibit halls, attendees found themselves in a cocoon of learning, reflection, and connection. Every detail — from the location to the schedule to the curated amenities — was designed to allow attendees to breathe, to recharge, and to be fully present.
With 38 professionals from across the United States in attendance, the retreat felt like a family from the very beginning. It was the perfect number to ensure intimacy, while still offering the diversity of experiences and perspectives that enrich conversations and learning.
A Curated Journey from Sunrise to Fireside
Each day began in the fresh mountain air with outdoor meditation, yoga, you sound baths. Imagine greeting the sunrise as the sound of crystal bowls vibrates through the trees, grounding you before a full day of learning. These mornings weren’t just wellness activities — they were invitations to step into stillness, open your heart, and prepare to receive the retreat’s lessons on a deeper level.
From there, the days unfolded into a seamless flow of education and connection. After a nourishing breakfast, attendees engaged in classes that blended hard skills and soulful wisdom:
- Business strategies that help estheticians build strong, scalable practices
- Legal and financial planning to protect and grow their futures
- Science-based education covering peptides, epigenetics, and oncology esthetics
- Hands-on techniques, from massage modalities to energy work
- Networking strategies to cultivate lasting professional relationships
The L+A Contribution
L+A was honored to contribute to the retreat’s powerful educational lineup:
- Social Media for Skincare Professionals – led by Barry + Jenni
- Running a Bridge Esthetics Practice – presented by Dr. Chantal Lunderville
- Scaling from a 4-Figure to 7-Figure Practice in 1 Year – presented by Dr. Krystal Briglia
Each of these sessions sparked breakthrough moments, with attendees sharing stories of renewed motivation and practical tools to take back to their businesses.
Evenings to Remember
Afternoons flowed into evenings filled with bonding activities: nature walks through the Columbia River Gorge, ax throwing that brought out laughter and camaraderie, and the now-beloved Fireside Chats — intimate conversations under the stars where attendees shared vulnerably and authentically
It was here, around the firelight, that the walls came down. Professionals spoke not just of client cases or product choices, but of their dreams, fears, and the shared challenges of being in this ever-evolving industry. In those moments, the sense of community deepened, and the bonds formed began to feel less like networking and more like true friendship.
Dining with a View
Every evening, the group gathered for dinners that were as memorable as the day’s classes and activities. Set against the sweeping views of the Cascade Mountain Range, each meal at Skamania Lodge became an experience in itself. The lodge offered incredible food — fresh, healthy, and delicious — served in an atmosphere that felt both elevated and comforting.
These dinners were more than just meals; they were moments to slow down, connect, and savor the shared journey. With conversations flowing as easily as the wine and laughter carrying into the night, the sense of community deepened with every bite.
We were especially grateful to:
ASCP
Face Reality
Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics
for sponsoring these meals. Their generosity ensured that every attendee could enjoy nourishing food that fueled the body, supported wellness, and complemented the spirit of renewal that defined the retreat.
A Social Media Moment: Connection Amplified
One of the standout experiences was the L+A Social Media Mixer, a lively hour of mocktails, mingling, and shared excitement. The room buzzed as Barry + Jenni took the group live on Instagram to announce highlights of the Clinical Collective Awards. Attendees cheered, clapped, and felt part of something bigger than themselves — a true celebration of community.
This mixer wasn’t just about social media. It symbolized what Awaken itself was about: connecting, celebrating, and sharing joy together.
The Magic of Thoughtful Details
What made Awaken extraordinary wasn’t just the schedule — it was the details.
Every attendee had their own private room to rest and recharge. Each day, the Awaken team placed a curated selection of products, treats, and surprises in the rooms — everything from luxurious skincare to body care that supported emotional and physical renewal.
Attendees described the joy of returning to their rooms at the end of the day, eager to see what treasures awaited them. It became a ritual of renewal — a reminder that they were cared for, thought of, and valued.
Each morning activation — yoga, meditation, and sound bath — also came with its own special amenity, ranging from skincare products to crystals, adding yet another thoughtful layer of connection between mind, body, and spirit.
Each participant also received an amenities bag filled with products, tools, and Awaken-branded T-shirts. Wearing these shirts wasn’t just about comfort — it created a sense of pride and belonging, a shared identity as part of something special.
“I’ve always lived by the moto, ‘Give people more than they expect and you’ll always be successful.’ So I wanted to make sure that we over delivered for attendees to ensure their complete satisfaction.” Shawna Rocha
L+A Brand Partners at Awaken Who Made It Magical
L+A was proud to see our sponsors contribute to this thoughtful curation:
- Spectrum Advanced Esthetics
- Face Reality
- Hale & Hush
- California Skincare Supply
- Rezenerate
- EpiStep
- Anna Lotan PRO
- KM Herbals
- Nature Pure Labs
- M.A.D Skincare
- Nelly De Vuyst
- TiZO Skincare
- Risewell
Their contributions weren’t just products — they were touchpoints of care, delight, and inspiration. Attendees left not only with new tools, but with tangible memories of how deeply this industry supports one another.
Connection Elevated: Prizes + Playlists
If there was one element that captured the spirit of joy and connection, it was the retreat’s unique approach to prizes.
Every attendee submitted a theme song — a track that resonated with them personally. These songs were combined into a playlist. When it came time to award prizes, the playlist was shuffled, and whoever’s song played was the winner.
But there was a twist: winners had to dance their way down to claim their prize. The result? Laughter, applause, and an explosion of personality that brought everyone even closer.
This wasn’t just about winning products or cash prizes (though $400 in cash giveaways for social media activity was a huge hit). It was about seeing one another in a new light — not just as professionals, but as people.
More Than Education — Transformation
By the final night, under the stars at the last Fireside Chat, the transformation was undeniable.
Attendees spoke with tears in their eyes about the friendships they had formed, the clarity they had found for their businesses, and the inspiration they felt to reach for more.
Some professionals shared that they had been on the brink of burnout before arriving — and were leaving with not only renewed energy, but a new sense of purpose. Others spoke of how the retreat gave them the courage to step out of their comfort zones and embrace bold new directions in their practices.
Barry Eichner reflected on the experience:
“This was particularly heartwarming to me because I met Shawna Rocha at an industry event 9 years ago and now we worked together on the concepts that became the Awaken Esthetics Retreat. I was able to see similar connections form and can not wait to see what amazing things these connections will offer to the future of the esthetics industry.”
This retreat wasn’t about information alone. It was about transformation.
A Flawless First + A Brilliant Future
Pulling off an inaugural event is never easy, but Shawna Rocha and her team—Andrea, Jessica, Seth, Theresa, Tennille, and Morgan—executed Awaken flawlessly. Every moment was meticulously thought out, every detail intentional.
The response was so overwhelmingly positive that registration for Awaken Esthetics Retreat 2026 opened on the final day — and within minutes, attendees were already signing up.
There was even talk of multiple seasonal retreats in different locations. Imagine: Spring Awaken, Summer Awaken, Autumn Awaken, and Winter Awaken. The magic could renew seasonally and allow more and more professionals to Awaken their true self and unlock their intrinsic potential. The possibilities are as limitless as the energy this retreat created.
The Awakening Begins
Awaken was not just an event — it was a movement.
It created a space where professionals felt safe enough to be vulnerable, inspired enough to dream bigger, and supported enough to believe those dreams were possible.
For everyone lucky enough to attend, it was four days of magic that will ripple through their businesses, their clients, and their lives for years to come.
✨ Awaken 2025 was the beginning. Awaken 2026 will be the next evolution.