Building Connections: My Experience at the BuildHer Retreat in Costa Rica
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to join some of the construction industry's most innovative women leaders at the BuildHer Retreat in Costa Rica. This exclusive gathering, hosted by Meg Billings of Meg & Co, Allyson Anderson of Integro Builders, and Morgan Molitor with Construction2Style, brought together female executives in the home space for an immersive experience combining professional development, networking, and rejuvenation.
More Than Just a Sponsor
While I attended as a sponsor and workshop presenter, I walked away with so much more than business cards and potential clients. Despite not being a woman who owns a construction business myself, I gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges these incredible entrepreneurs face, their innovative approaches to marketing, and how they balance the demands of business and life.
What struck me most was the diversity within the group – from award-winning serial entrepreneurs managing large-scale operations to passionate business owners making deep impacts in their local communities through relationship-driven values. Each woman brought something unique to the table, yet all shared a common thread of determination and excellence in an industry that hasn't always made space for female leadership.
Sharing Knowledge, Building Websites
On Thursday, I had the privilege of leading a roundtable workshop titled "From Blueprint to Booked Out: Elevating Your Custom Home Business with a High-Performance Website." We dug into practical strategies for transforming websites from digital brochures into powerful lead-generating tools specifically designed for high-end custom home businesses.
The response was incredibly positive – the attendees appreciated the accessible approach and practical takeaways they could implement immediately. There's something special about helping these talented builders and designers communicate their unique value through their digital presence. After all, they create extraordinary physical spaces every day – their online homes should be just as impressive!
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Beyond the Instagram Highlights
If you followed the BuildHer Retreat hashtag, you probably saw plenty of sun-soaked photos from our catamaran sunset cruise, ATV adventures through the Costa Rican countryside, and serene beach sessions with boogie boarding and surfing. Yes, those moments were absolutely magical.
But what social media can't fully capture were the conversations happening between those picture-perfect moments – the vulnerable discussions about business challenges over morning coffee, the problem-solving brainstorms during beach walks, and the encouraging words shared during deep tissue massages.
The real magic of BuildHer happened in these in-between spaces, where genuine connections formed and strengthened.
The Power of Women Supporting Women
While I initially worried about feeling like an "outsider" as a sponsor rather than a construction business owner, those concerns quickly melted away. The BuildHer community welcomed me with open arms, genuine interest, and a desire to connect on both professional and personal levels.
Throughout the five-day retreat, I witnessed countless moments of women lifting each other up – sharing hard-won wisdom about client management, offering innovative solutions to common industry pain points, and providing encouragement during vulnerable discussions about business challenges.
These relationships formed the heart of the BuildHer experience. While the stunning Costa Rican backdrop and luxurious accommodations created an ideal setting, it was the people who made this retreat truly transformative.
Looking Forward with Boldness
As I reflect on my BuildHer experience, I'm filled with gratitude and inspiration. The retreat reminded me that regardless of industry or role, we're all navigating similar entrepreneurial journeys – seeking to create meaningful work, deliver exceptional value, and build businesses that align with our values.
The BuildHer Retreat created a unique space where female executives could step away from daily demands, gain fresh perspective, and connect with like-minded women who truly understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the construction and home design space.
If you're a woman in construction, design, or the broader home industry looking to elevate your business while forming meaningful connections with industry peers, I can't recommend the BuildHer Retreat highly enough. The 2026 retreat is already in the planning stages, with early bird pricing available through the end of March 2025.
Learn more and secure your spot at BuildHer Retreat 2026 today —Your future self will thank you for making this investment in your business and your community.
