Unleashing Audacity:
Simply Launch Retreat Inspires Entrepreneurs to Take Action
The Simply Launch Retreat, created by Charmaine Brown, was designed with one mission in mind: to provide women of color with the tools, confidence, and clarity to shift from corporate roles to entrepreneurship. Hosted on October 5th at the prestigious Detroit Pistons Performance Center, the retreat was a transformative experience, equipping participants with the mindset and strategies necessary to turn their dreams into reality.
Why the Simply Launch Retreat?
“As the creator of this event, I’ve seen firsthand the urgent need for spaces where women, particularly women of color, can access the critical resources and support required to successfully transition into entrepreneurship. Women in corporate careers often find themselves at a crossroads—eager to pursue their own business ideas, but lacking the networks, mentorship, and practical strategies to make it happen” – Charmaine.
The Simply Launch Retreat addresses this need by providing a focused, action-oriented environment where participants can gain clarity, develop actionable business strategies, and receive the support necessary to thrive as entrepreneurs. This retreat is designed to be more than just an opportunity for learning—it’s a space for transformation and empowerment, ensuring women leave equipped to build their own futures.
The Simply Launch Retreat was born out of this understanding. I wanted to create a space where women could step into their power, gain clarity on their next steps, and leave with actionable plans to take charge of their futures. This retreat is about more than just learning—it’s about creating real change in your life and your business.
A Unique Setting at the Detroit Pistons Performance Center
The venue itself was an inspiring backdrop for the event. The state-of-the-art Detroit Pistons Performance Center, a symbol of excellence and elite performance, mirrored the ambitions of the retreat’s participants. It provided an atmosphere where creativity and audacity could flourish, encouraging attendees to think big and push the boundaries of what they thought was possible.
Reflections from the Simply Launch Retreat
Participants were guided through an intensive yet empowering process, starting with brainstorming their dream business ideas and identifying the skills and expertise they could bring to the table. Using the Simply Launch Roadmap—a carefully curated tool designed specifically for the retreat—attendees were able to clarify their business visions, identify their target audience, define their service offerings, and develop strategic pricing and marketing plans.
One participant reflected, “The retreat gave me the clarity I needed. I had ideas swirling in my mind, but after working through the exercises and hearing from other like-minded aspiring entrepreneurs, I felt more confident than ever about moving forward with my business.”
A panel discussion included Veronica Blue, founder of Phenomenal Food Co.; Tenicia Moulden, founder of Moulden Law; Courtney Larvadain, co-founder & CMO, Regeily Skin Care; and Kim Boudreau-Smith, CEO, Her Bold Voice added depth to the experience by sharing real-world examples of successful entrepreneurs who have overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams.
The retreat emphasized the importance of taking action. As I shared with participants, clarity doesn’t always come before action—it often comes through action. This philosophy resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom committed to taking their first steps toward launching or growing their businesses before leaving the retreat.
Looking Ahead
The Simply Launch Retreat was more than just a day of networking and learning—it was a catalyst for change. Many participants left with newfound confidence, having not only gained valuable insights but also having taken tangible steps toward their entrepreneurial goals.
As the creator of Simply Launch, I’m proud of the impact this event continues to have. This retreat is more than just an event—it’s a movement. It’s about helping women step into their entrepreneurial power, offering them the tools and support they need to not just dream, but to do.
The Simply Launch Retreat will return in 2025 with even more refined programming, continuing to serve as a launchpad for women who are ready to take the leap. For those ready to take the leap, we say this: audacity unleashed is the key to building your future.
Read this article and more in CL Magazine Volume 10 Issue 3.
