Founder & Creative Director

Goddess Retreats

Chelsea Ross is the founder of Goddess Retreats, a pioneering women’s wellness and adventure travel company that began in 2003. With over 23 years of experience leading transformative retreats around the world, Chelsea is passionate about creating spaces where women can reconnect with themselves through nature, culture, and meaningful exploration. Her work blends a deep commitment to holistic well-being with a love for adventure, inspiring thousands of women to step into their power, embrace the unknown, and travel with purpose.

summary
In this conversation, Chelsea Ross, founder of Goddess Retreats, shares her journey of creating a women's only wellness retreat that focuses on surfing, personal development, and empowerment. She discusses the evolution of surfing, the importance of creating a supportive environment for women, and how retreats can lead to significant life changes. Chelsea emphasizes the need for connection, vulnerability, and authenticity in personal development, and highlights the unique experiences that women can have when they come together in a nurturing space. The conversation also touches on the future of retreats, including plans for men's retreats, and the importance of courage and discipline in pursuing one's passions.

takeaways

• Goddess Retreats focuses on women's empowerment through surfing and wellness.
• The evolution of surfing has made it more accessible to women.
• Creating a supportive environment allows women to focus on themselves.
• Connection and vulnerability are key components of the retreat experience.
• Breaking stereotypes is essential for women's empowerment in sports.
• Personal development is intertwined with the retreat experience.
• Self-care and balance are crucial for women in today's world.
• Experiencing challenges during retreats leads to personal growth.
• Many women return to the retreats with family members or friends.
• Courage and discipline are vital for pursuing passions.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Sharyn Means
CEO
Doves Rest Cabins

“I’m Sharyn Means, CEO of Doves Rest Cabins. I am the creator of the Kia Oro customer service brand that develops a culture of excellence, powered by staff that can anticipate customer needs, exceed expectations, create goodwill and make it all feel seamless.”

“Born and raised on the remote Island of New Zealand, I learned at a young age to stand on my own two feet, how to do things myself, or find an alternative solution to the issue. My entire career has been in project management, overlapping into hospitality and customer service.”

“My passion for natural beauty led me to Palo Duro Canyon and Doves Rest Cabins where I excel at instilling a devotion to great service while providing tools, skills, freedom and rendering assistance to my staff to make our customers feel special. I am proud to represent my New Zealand heritage here in America by showing my true Kia Oro spirit that is grounded in respect, generosity, and kindness.”

“When I’m not crafting marketing plans, instilling shared values, celebrating great performances, leading by example, you can find me in the arms of my Texan husband, or eating a protein bar”.

summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, Jason Elkins interviews Sharyn Means, CEO of Doves Rest Cabins, located on the rim of Palo Duro Canyon. Sharyn shares her unique journey from New Zealand to the U.S. and how her background in construction and project management has shaped her approach to hospitality. The conversation explores the various activities available at Doves Rest, the importance of creating a welcoming environment for guests, and the challenges of scaling a hospitality business. Sharyn emphasizes the significance of listening to guests and staff, the natural beauty of the area, and the philosophy of disconnecting to reconnect with nature and oneself.

takeaways

• Doves Rest Cabins offers a unique blend of luxury and nature.
• Sharyn's journey from New Zealand to the U.S. shaped her hospitality approach.
• The importance of logistics in running a hospitality business.
• Creating a welcoming environment is key to guest satisfaction.
• Listening to guests and staff is crucial for success.
• Nature and wildlife play a significant role in the guest experience.
• Training staff involves hands-on experience and personal interaction.
• Scaling a hospitality business requires strong processes and systems.
• Guests often have common concerns about amenities and services.
• Disconnecting from daily life allows for reconnection with nature and oneself.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Taisto Bussid | Europe

Mari-Liis Luha is the heart behind our partnerships. With a background in hospitality, sales, and team management, she leads the sales department at Taisto Bussid with care, clarity, and purpose.

As the main point of contact for travel agencies, tour operators, and corporate clients, Mari-Liis ensures every collaboration is smooth, efficient, and built on trust. She combines over a decade of experience in customer-facing roles with a deep understanding of the travel and transport industry to find solutions that truly work – whether it’s a simple airport pickup or a full-scale tour across Europe.

Passionate about both people and logistics, she’s a natural at keeping both clients and our internal teams aligned. Her proactive approach and attention to detail have earned her long-term client relationships and a reputation for getting things done with a smile.

summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Mari-Liis Luha, the sales director of Taisto Bus Company in Estonia. They discuss Mari-Liis' journey in the tourism industry, her experiences growing up in Estonia during the Soviet era, and the significant changes in the country's economy and travel landscape. Mari-Liis shares insights into the evolution of travel, the importance of flexibility in the tourism business, and her passion for her job. The conversation also touches on the balance between work and family life, as well as advice for those looking to enter the tourism industry.

takeaways

• Mari-Liis Luha has been with Taisto Bus Company for nearly 25 years.
• Estonia has undergone significant economic transformation since gaining independence.
• Traveling by bus was popular in Estonia due to financial constraints on air travel.
• Cultural exchanges with Germany during her youth sparked Mari's interest in languages.
• Flexibility is crucial in the tourism industry due to changing client needs.
• Mari-Liis' passion for her job keeps her motivated after many years in the industry.
• The importance of education was instilled in Mari from a young age.
• Estonia is becoming increasingly advanced in digital citizenship and business.
• Traveling with children requires adapting to their needs and rhythms.
• The tourism industry is dynamic, with new challenges arising regularly.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.