Meet Felicia Mendes | Psychologist & Founder of Radiant Resurgence Retreat

We had the good fortune of connecting with Felicia Mendes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Felicia, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
The most important thing I’ve done as a parent, in terms of impact on my child, was prioritizing my mental health during and after my divorce. As I was growing through that difficult period, I initially felt a lot of guilt about what my son was going through. We often pressure ourselves to be perfect parents—worrying if our children are eating enough, sleeping enough, reading enough, and staying involved in numerous activities. The constant “more, more, more” can be overwhelming.

However, I realized that the best thing I could do was to focus on my mental health so I could show up as the best parent for him. As pilots often say, “Put your oxygen mask on first!” By taking care of myself, I was able to model resilience and self-care for my son.

I’m glad my son saw me at my lowest because he also saw me climb out of that place to become a healthier, happier, and stronger person. In the end, straight A’s, perfect lunches, and all the extracurricular activities aren’t what truly matter. It’s the resilience factor that helps us navigate life. Instead of shielding our kids from discomfort, we need to allow them to struggle and learn from those moments. This isn’t easy as a parent, but it’s crucial.

I’ve shown my son that it’s okay to fail, to cry, to ask for help, and to sit with those feelings and learn from them. Just the other day, as I was filming a video, he came up to me from the other room, gave me a hug, and said, “Mommy, I’m so proud of you.”

If he grows up to be a compassionate, resilient, and giving human being, then I’ve done my job. Give yourself some grace, moms. There is beauty in imperfection.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Radiant Resurgence Retreat positively impacts the community and the world by fostering a supportive and empowering environment for women, particularly those navigating significant life transitions like divorce. Located in Colorado, Radiant Resurgence provides a safe and supportive environment with harm reduction services guiding around Colorado Law Proposition 122, which is the compliant sharing of medicinal mushrooms among adults. Our retreats are intentionally designed with a focus on self-love, personal growth, and empowerment. From the guides we hire to the carefully crafted agendas and comprehensive pre- and post-integration support, every aspect of our retreat is aimed at creating a transformative experience.

Our goal is to address the sense of feeling lost or isolated that often accompanies major life changes. We recognize these transitions’ profound impact and the importance of a supportive network and healing tools. A unique magic happens when women come together to share their stories and empower one another, and our retreats are designed to facilitate this.

Furthermore, the growing popularity of healing retreats and plant medicine underscores the importance of our approach. By integrating these elements, we provide participants with powerful tools for healing and personal growth, contributing to the broader trend of holistic well-being and community support.

Starting a business in the burgeoning psychedelic industry presents unique challenges, but also incredible opportunities. One of the most significant hurdles is navigating the constantly changing legal landscape. The laws and regulations around psychedelics are in flux, varying not only from country to country but also within regions of a single country. Staying abreast of these changes and ensuring compliance is a continuous and complex task. This requires constant vigilance and adaptability, as well as a deep understanding of both the current legal environment and potential future shifts.

Another challenge is blazing new trails in an industry that is still in its infancy. There is a lack of established frameworks and models to follow, which means we often have to create our own paths. This can be both exhilarating and daunting. It demands a pioneering spirit and a willingness to take calculated risks. The lack of precedent can make it difficult to predict outcomes, but it also allows for a great deal of innovation and the opportunity to shape the future of the industry.

Finding the right connections is also crucial and challenging. Building a network of trusted partners, suppliers, and advisors who understand the unique aspects of the psychedelic industry can be difficult. It’s essential to connect with individuals and organizations that share our vision and commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. This involves a lot of networking, research, and often trial and error to find the right people who can support and contribute to our mission.

Despite these challenges, the potential for positive impact in the psychedelic industry is immense. The growing interest and research into the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics are creating a strong foundation for future growth. By staying informed, adaptable, and connected, we can overcome these challenges and help shape a more supportive and healing future for those we serve.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area for a week, I’d plan an itinerary that showcases the best of what Colorado has to offer, ensuring they have an unforgettable experience. Here’s how the week would look:

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner

Evening: Start with a warm welcome dinner at my favorite restaurant, Uchi. This spot brings authentic Japanese sushi to Denver, offering an exquisite dining experience that will set the tone for the rest of the trip.

Day 2: Exploring Denver

Morning: Begin with a visit to the Denver Art Museum, exploring its impressive collection and diverse exhibitions.
Afternoon: Head to the historic Union Station for a leisurely lunch and some shopping.
Evening: Explore RiNo (River North) Art District, known for its vibrant street art and eclectic restaurants.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure

Morning: Take a scenic drive to Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Even if there isn’t a concert, the views and hiking trails are breathtaking.
Afternoon: Have a picnic at the nearby Morrison Natural History Museum.
Evening: Head back to Denver for a laid-back dinner at El Five, a trendy restaurant with an eclectic menu and stunning city views.

Day 4: Vibrant Denver Summers

Morning: Relax with a yoga session at Washington Park.
Afternoon: Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens, a beautiful and serene escape.
Evening: Join a “Park & Play” event hosted by Vibrate Your Best Energy. With EDM DJs, ecstatic dance, and performers, it’s a feel-good vibe that captures the essence of Denver’s vibrant summers.

Day 5: Day Trip to Boulder

Morning: Drive to Boulder and hike the Flatirons for stunning mountain views.
Afternoon: Lunch at The Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant downtown.
Evening: Stroll along Pearl Street Mall, enjoying the street performers and unique shops before heading back to Denver.

Day 6: Local Culture and Cuisine

Morning: Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Afternoon: Take a culinary tour through Larimer Square, sampling dishes from various restaurants.
Evening: Catch a show at the historic Paramount Theatre or a game at Coors Field if the Rockies are playing.
Day 7: Relax and Reflect

Morning: Brunch at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery for delicious and creative breakfast dishes.
Afternoon: Spend some time shopping and relaxing in Cherry Creek.
Evening: Wrap up the trip with a farewell dinner at Root Down, offering a fresh and locally-sourced menu in a stylish setting.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! I want to give a huge shoutout to my long-time friend Ashton August, who has always been one of my biggest cheerleaders, a source of support, and an endless inspiration. We met during grad school and quickly bonded over our mutual love for animals and people. Around that time, Ashton started her own company, “YogiApproved,” now called “YouAligned.”

We share a similar drive to make things happen when we’re passionate about something, and we’ve consistently encouraged each other with a “Yes you will, girl!” attitude. During my divorce, Ashton was instrumental in helping me navigate one of the hardest periods of my life. Throughout my healing journey, which included therapy, meditation, personal development courses, and plant medicine like psilocybin, she remained a steadfast support.

When I came up with the idea for a women’s healing retreat, Ashton was the first person I called. I told her, “I want to package all of these tools into something for other women to use on their healing journeys, and I’d love for you to be a part of it.” Without hesitation, she said, “I’m in. Send me a draft agenda and let’s make this happen!”

With her business savvy and extensive network in the health and wellness industry, Ashton played a crucial role in turning Radiant Resurgence into reality. Behind every successful woman is another successful woman, and I am profoundly grateful for the love and empowerment she has provided me both professionally and personally over the past decade.

Website: https://radiantresurgenceretreat.com

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Image Credits
With Love Photography
Sway Photography