Created and Hosted by Cindy Ko & Stephanie C. Olsen
Reset Your Mind. Realign Your Business. Rise Into Whats Next.
A 3 Day retreat for women business owners ready to reset, rise and step into your next level without the burnout. Join us at Essex in the Woods.
Limited Spots Available | November 18-20, 2026
Gain clarity. Create intention. Become aligned with your business and your life. Not by doing more but by doing things differently.
This is where you step away, reset, and move forward with purpose.
This isn’t just a business retreat, it’s a full mind and body reset designed to give you the space you’ve been craving and the rest you need.
Sauna & Hot Tub
Alone Time
Nature Walks
Fresh Air
Nourishing Meals
Time to think.
Time to breathe
Reset
Because clarity doesn’t come from pushing harder.
It comes from creating space.
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SYSTEMS & TIME
Simplify your business so it finally feels manageable.
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ENERGY & FOCUS
Renew your mind and body. Move forward without the overwhelm.
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MINDSET & PERSONAL GROWTH
Step into the version of you your business actually needs.
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CLARITY & DIRECTION
Simplify your business so it finally feels manageable.
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BUSINESS & MONEY
Build a business that supports your life — not consumes it.
About your Hosts
Stephanie C. Olsen is a portrait and branding photographer and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the industry. She has built a reputation for delivering refined, high-touch client experiences while maintaining a business model that is both sustainable and consistently profitable.
Her longevity in the industry speaks to her ability to evolve, adapt, and lead with intention, balancing creativity with strong financial structure and strategic decision making. Stephanie has developed streamlined workflows, pricing strategies, and client systems that support long-term success without burnout.
She is deeply passionate about helping women elevate their self worth and step confidently into leadership within their businesses. Through her work and teaching, she empowers female entrepreneurs to build businesses that are not only creatively fulfilling, but also financially supportive of the lives they want to live.
Cindy Ko is a photographer and creative entrepreneur whose work is rooted in authenticity, connection, and continuous growth. With 10 years in the industry, she has built a highly successful and financially strong business—driven by intention, curiosity, and a commitment to doing things better at every stage.
She is deeply invested in ongoing education, always seeking out new ways to refine her processes, elevate her client experience, and strengthen the foundation of her business. Cindy approaches entrepreneurship with a mindset of evolution, believing that growth comes from staying open, adaptable, and willing to learn.
Beyond her own work, Cindy is a passionate supporter of local women-owned businesses and values community over competition. She believes in building relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating space for others to grow alongside her.
Stephanie and Cindy met seven years ago via the Professional Photography Association of Massachusetts. They built a friendship grounded in trust, support, and a shared belief in community over competition. Their partnership is a reflection of what’s possible when women grow together.
The Ascent Retreat was created to bring that same experience to women in business.
Your Retreat Flow
Each day is intentionally designed to create both movement and space, so you leave feeling clear, not overwhelmed.
Intentional conversations and guided sessions
Practical business strategy and workshops
Space to rest, reflect, and reset
Meaningful connection with like-minded women
What to Expect
Mornings
Ease into each day with coffee, conversation, and thoughtfully guided sessions designed to bring clarity to your business, your direction, and what comes next. These are focused, supportive conversations that help you see things more simply and move forward with intention.Midday
Practical, collaborative sessions that gently challenge how you’re currently doing things, your marketing, your structure, your decision-making ,so you can simplify what feels complicated and strengthen what’s already working.Afternoons
A shift in pace. Time to step outside, move, reflect, and connect more naturally. Whether you join the group for a walk, sit with your thoughts, or continue conversations that began earlier in the day, this space is intentionally left open for clarity to unfold.Evenings
Relaxed and unstructured. Shared meals, fireside conversations, and meaningful connection without expectation or pressure. This is where stories are shared, ideas deepen, and relationships begin to form in an easy, genuine way.Throughout Your Stay
You’re free to engage as much or as little as you’d like. There is space here for both participation and pause for learning, for connection, and for simply being.
Food & Drink
All meals, snacks, coffee, and tea included. Alcohol is not included, but you’re welcome to bring a beverage to enjoy during your stay.
Venue
Nestled in the woods, this rustic and cozy house offers everything for optimal learning, gathering, or solitude.
Accommodations
3 days / 2 nights accommodations
Private bedroom for every attendee.
Shared bathroom with no more than two other women
Early Bird Pricing
$1597.
Through May 29th, 2026 only. This rate is limited to 6 attendees
You may opt into a custom payment plan when booking.
