Wealth & Wellness - My Takeaways from The Entreprenista Founder’s Weekend

I spent the past weekend soaking up the sun and insights at the Entreprenista Founder's Weekend in gorgeous Orlando, Florida. It all went down at the Ritz Carlton (oh, and remind me to dish the dirt on how even fancy spots can miss the mark—more on that in a future chat).

I had the pleasure of tagging along with my business bestie, Kristina Bartold-Sargota from The Social Snippet. Watching her take the stage to talk about community was a total "proud friend" moment. Her insights were among the most impactful of the event, and honestly, I am not surprised; she always brings such depth and clarity to her discussions.

Let me share some cool takeaways from our time there—stuff that really made me think and feel things deeply:

1. Get in the room - be present in the room - take the energy of the room when you leave.

The energy in a room full of driven, like-minded individuals is palpable. There’s something about being physically present that can’t be replicated virtually—the spontaneous conversations, the shared laughter, the nods of understanding. These are the moments that fuel us. But more importantly, it's what you take with you when you leave—the ideas, the inspiration, and the connections—that can truly transform your approach to business and personal growth. Carry the energy of in person events forward, let it inspire you and drive the action you take when you leave.

2. You only know what you only know, and you can only grow with what you only know.

Here’s the real talk—growth happens when you step into what you don’t know yet. Every chat and every panel this weekend reminded me that there’s always more to learn. And sometimes, the best insights come from the most unexpected conversations. Stay curious and embrace the discomfort of not knowing—it’s where growth begins.

3. The World is Wide AF.

Sometimes we get really caught up in our circles- in the packs we usually run in and the groups we belong to. But, our world is huge, and it’s filled with SO many awesome people you haven’t met yet. This weekend underscored the value of open-mindedness in networking; each person you do meet could open a new door, spark a new idea, or become a friend for life. Keep your heart and mind open. You never know who will walk into your life and light it up. The people you haven't met yet could be the ones who help change your perspective or push your business to new heights.

4. Business is a whole body experience.

It’s easy to think of business as a strictly mental or strategic endeavor. However, this weekend reminded me that business is a whole body experience. The health of your business is deeply connected to your personal well-being. When you allow yourself to experience joy, maintain your health, and nurture your passions, you bring an enhanced energy to your business. Wellness should not be an afterthought in entrepreneurship—it should be integral, enhancing every decision and interaction. It was so clear that taking care of your health, finding joy, and doing what you love makes you not just a better entrepreneur but a happier human.

Wrapping up, I just want to say—these kinds of weekends are more than just networking; they're about growing, in business and in spirit. I am feeling recharged and ready to dive into whatever comes next.

I’d love to hear if you’ve had these kinds of experiences too, or anything else you’re burning to share. Drop me a message or let’s catch up on Instagram. I’m all ears!

Here’s to more learning, growing, and thriving—together.

Stay cool, stay calm, and stay rich.

xx

Netty

Janette Downie

Wedding, Elopement and Family Photographer based in Toronto, Ontario. Available for travel and destination. 

https://www.janettedownie.com
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