Mackenzie (left) + Brooke (right) at their inaugural retreat. | Photo via Belle Âme
The wellness tourism space is growing rapidly, with the Global Wellness Institute estimating it will reach a record $1 trillion by the end of this year, and you don’t have to travel far to experience this for yourself. Two Greenville women — Brooke Barlow + Mackenzie Keaton — founded Belle Âme, a new locally-based wellness retreat company with destinations near and far.
City Editor Danielle here. I spoke with, co-founder Brooke Barlow about what women in Greenville (and beyond) can expect from this new wellness venture.
What inspired you to start Belle Âme?
I have a passion for creating space for women to kind of recharge, reset, reconnect with themselves, and connect with other women that are in similar walks of life. With our collective experience with marketing, events, attention to detail, customer experience — how can we translate that to a wellness retreat and really cultivate a really beautiful experience where people can have that authentic connection?
Every retreat, our goal is to have a different topic that fosters the well-being of women, and it’s all women. All day. Every day.
What will be the topic of your next retreat?
Our October retreat is all about hormone health, which is a topic we don’t think is talked enough about. One expert is going to focus on hormone balancing at different ages and cycle syncing. We’ll be pairing that work with a hormone-focused chef that’s coming in to prepare all of our meals based on the different cycle phases that we’re going to learn about.
We want you to leave with actionable information so you can take charge of your health and your life.
What’s next for Belle Âme?
I would say we would have a minimum of two retreats next year, possibly three. We’ll go international. I just don’t know if it’ll be next year or the year after.
Learn more
Click the button below to explore Belle Âme’s upcoming retreats — including the Culinary + Hormone Harmony at Serenbe in Palmetto, GA.
A. Yes — it was a great experience and I’m excited about Belle Âme. B. No — this is new to me, but I am interested in learning more. C. No — this isn’t for me.
Houseplants 101 | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Hughes Main Library | Free | Learn about selecting, planting, and caring for a variety of plants from Greater Greenville Master Gardeners — registration required.
Launch Party, Talk + Signing | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 5-7:30 p.m. | Wine & Design | $28+ | This event celebrates USA TODAY bestselling author Susan M. Boyer’s new book, “The Sullivan’s Island Supper Club.”
Friday, Sept. 13
SOOIE. Mauldin BBQ Cook-Off| Friday, Sept. 13-Saturday, Sept. 14 | Times vary | Mauldin Cultural Center | $5 | Sample barbecue from 20 cooks from all over the Southeast and vote for your favorite.
Greenville Theatre has been serving up Broadway-caliber performances since 1926. | Photos by Greenville Theatre + Eli Warren
Let’s be real — climbing the corporate ladder can be a real grind. The good news: Greenville Theatre is bringing some much-needed humor to the 9-to-5 hustle with a show that promises to add some laughs to your daily routine.
Now through Sunday, Sept. 22, the Upstate’s oldest and largest nonprofit theater is kicking off its 99th season with the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
Grab some friends (or coworkers) for a fun night out and watch local talent put a hilarious spin on 1960’s corporate life. The show follows the ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch as he rises through the ranks from window washer to executive in no time.
Pro tip: All evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3:00 p.m. Sounds like a great excuse to log off.
5. That’s how many updates the Greenville Journal has on Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail projects. Get the latest on the Laurens Road Trail Spurs, the Orange Line, the Blue Line, Phase I Upgrades, and the Cleveland Park Pedestrian Bridge.
Closing
The Bleu Porch Kitchen and Market — located on Main Street in Greer — is closing tomorrow, Sept. 13, after service. The business says circumstances beyond its control are behind the closure and it is “extremely hard to tell you all goodbye.”
Sports
Calling all Gamecock fans, alumni, andwe’ll even accept bandwagons. On Saturday, Sept. 14, ESPN’s “College GameDay” will return to Columbia for the first time in a decade. If you’re making the trip to Williams-Brice, we have a complete guide breaking down everything you need to know, thanks to our friends at COLAtoday.
Gallery
Remembrance ceremonies and events for Sept. 11 took place across the Upstate. View the photos and videos from Greenville, Spartanburg, Clemson + Boiling Springs. (Greenville News + Greenville Journal)
Greenvillian
Academy Award-nominee + SC Governor’s School alumna Danielle Brooks will star in “A Minecraft Movie” with Jack Black and Jason Momoa. Watch the new trailer.
Pets
Sniffing out a new vet? From routine check-ups to emergency care, Oasis Animal Hospital is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert treatment to keep your dogs and cats happy and healthy. Learn more + book an appointment.*
Drink
This sweet treat combines the best of both worlds: cool sips and fall flavors. Say bye to summer and hello to autumn with a refreshing pumpkin pie smoothie. Psst… Add protein powder or flax seed for extra nutrients.*
Biz
As remote work opportunities increase (think: 41% of the workforce), coworking spaces are popping up everywhere. Curious about the hype? Endeavor, Greenville’s premier coworking community, has the inside scoop. Try it out with a free day pass — while they last.*
Pro Tip
Remove stubborn fingerprints from stainless steel with white vinegar + a damp cloth. For a polished finish, add a little olive or baby oil with a paper towel. No vinegar? Lemon juice or Windex work just fine — or call Two Maids of Greenville at 864-626-3343 for a professional clean.*
The Sinclair is a boutique townhome community offering modern exteriors and upscale interiors. | Photos by Serge Kaminski
If walkability is at the top of your house hunting list, meet The Sinclair — a new community of 12, three-story townhomes within walking distance to downtown, Augusta Road, and Fluor Field.
The move-in ready homes feature:
Two or three bedrooms
Flex spaces
High-end finishes (think: oversized windows + 9-ft ceilings)
Offer subject to change, only available for a limited time and on select homes. Incentives and seller contributions, if any, may vary and are subject to certain terms, conditions, and restrictions. Estimated monthly payment based on sales price of $589,000 with 20% down and represents principal and interest only. Seller reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Contact the seller for full details.
Tavola — Table 301’s newest concept + its first outside Downtown Greenville — is very close to opening. So is the Spinx Market (in the former Cook’s Station space near the entrance to the West End). It’s going to be an exciting few weeks for new businesses in Greenville, and you know we’ll be keeping you posted.
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