Support Your Girlfriends Retreat Makes Waves In Barbados For Its 7th Year

From the birth canal to baptism, water is the setting and the vessel for new beginnings and transformation. 

So it’s not surprising that, amidst the backdrop of the ocean along the shores of the island of Barbados, in partnership with Visit Barbados, a group of 25 accomplished women embarked on a retreat that created a safe space for getting back our shine, getting back our wealth, getting back our life, getting back to sisterships and, ultimately, getting back to ourselves. The group stayed in private villas at Apes Hill, luxurious homes against the serenity of greenery and nature that offered the best space for reflection and renewal.

“From the time we met the leader of Support Your Girlfriends, we saw immediate synergies,” said Tenisha Holder, Senior Business Development Officer at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. “They have a vibrant community, [are] influential in their spheres, and immerse themselves in culture while building deeper relationships not just with each other but also with the destination. For us, partnerships are never transactional; we look to build long-term bonds.”

2025 marked the 7th annual Support Your Girlfriends retreat, produced by Tené Nícole and created by Dr. Nikkia McClain. The women participating in this retreat are leaders in media, real estate, and nonprofit industries, to name a few. Among them were Guerdy Abraira, a notable reality star from The Real Housewives of Miami, Candis Grace President of marketing agency The Brand Group LA, Bershan Shaw a well-known TV personality and entrepreneur, and Ashaunna Ayars CEO and founder of The Ayars Agency. The trip itself offers an opportunity for women who have been part of what is affectionately called the Glossy Posse to reconnect while also serving as a gateway for new inductees into the Glossy Posse. 

“Support Your Girlfriends was created to serve women of color who operate at the highest levels,” said Nikkia McClain, founder of Support Your Girlfriends. “It provides a space where they can drop their superwoman cape, be authentic, and let love, support, and sisterhood flow freely.” 

When asked about her perspective on how the community has grown, she adds, “There are 56 #GlossyPosse members, but our SYG community has grown to over 400 women! Not to mention our New York and New Jersey chapters launched, and Atlanta is launching in October 2025.”

What is clear, and sets this group apart from a typical press trip or vacation club, is that it’s deeper than “a trip.” The core is sisterhood, support and creating spaces where vulnerability unlocks victory. 

The welcome dinner at Baia Barbados focused on the theme of “Getting Back To Us!” The dinner provided space for organic conversations amidst a sea of pink dresses and the chance for everyone to formally introduce themselves to the group. 

Day two centered on getting to know the island a bit via a tour, and a giveback experience focused on empowering the teens who are part of “I AM A GIRL!”Jen Hayes Lee, founder of Bestow and author of The Golden Hoops, led a session that walked the teens through a framework to embrace their curiosity and tap into their strengths.

“Support Your Girlfriends has insisted on giving back from the very start,” Tanisha said. “They’ve partnered with the ‘I Am A Girl’ charity every year, pouring into young women with their knowledge and experience. This year, we gathered at one of the island’s most scenic spots, Animal Flower Cave, and had real conversations about real issues. I love to see when groups prioritize giving back. It’s easy to be swept up by Barbados’ beauty, but this shows depth.”

That evening, Lucinda Cross opened the dinner conversation with the metaphor of the shark vs. the goldfish. Titled “Getting BackTo You!,” she explained how goldfish wait to be fed, confined to their bowl, while sharks move with precision toward their goals. The exercise asked each woman to stand before the room holding a crown and to declare what it meant to them.

“A crown is not just about glory. It’s about responsibility,” Lucinda said. “When you wear your crown, you declare who you are and what you stand for.”

As an attendee/participant in this group, I confessed something I had never confessed before. At the beginning of this year (now Her Agenda’s 17th), I considered the possibility of shutting down Her Agenda. As I stood before the women present, I recalled multiple moments of hitting a low (both personal and professional), and reflected on how ultimately those hardships inspired me to double down on my purpose. Despite it all, I survived those things, and it was for a reason. Like waves that crash but always return, those low points forced me back to my purpose with more force than before.

The testimonies shared alongside an illuminated pool left the air charged with emotion. Here water, in the form of tears, communicated empathy, vulnerability, and ultimately courage. Every woman displayed courage to break down their armor and unlock a new layer of connection with their girlfriends, old and new.

When asked what her takeaway is from this year’s retreat, Nikkia responded simply, “Wow! I felt such a joyful cry after this year’s retreat, as if God was hugging me and saying, ‘Great job, daughter! Once again, you created a warm, safe space where women could be vulnerable, truly seen, protected, held, prayed over, and even find healing for their insecurities or doubts.’” 

From testimony to turn-up, we moved seamlessly into celebration. The next few days brought a beach day and pool day with discussions rooted in “Getting Back Your Freedom!” presented by Modupe Rouse and “Getting Back Your Shine” hosted by Charreah Jackson, founder of Shine Army. 

“This is your reminder to unmute fully in your life,” Charreah said in her closing message, encouraging us to be bold in our accomplishments.

Later that evening, we enjoyed dinner and a celebration focused on “Getting Back Your Wealth” hosted by Debra Marshall at The Captain’s Annexand “Getting Back Your Life” presented by Arkell Cox, founder of MatriArk. 

“Manifest. Motivate. Movement,” Arkel said. “That’s the rhythm of getting back your life.”

And to close out the night within a sea of beautiful hues of brown we celebrated the milestone birthday of our sister Debra Marshall then went home to break the internet with a TikTok/Reel post that now has nearly 500,000 views and counting. 

For the grand finale, we embarked on a yacht experience and closed out with a dinner focused on “Getting Back To Sisterships,” presented by Shay Wood, founder of Wood Enterprises and Co-President of Support Your Girlfriends NYC Chapter. 

Dressed in “metallic chic,” Shay challenged us to imagine our original sister, ourselves, particularly our younger selves. Would little you be proud of where you are today? 

As humans, our most transformational moments are shaped by water. As sisters of the Glossy Posse, we returned to the shore, reminded that water cleanses, water connects, and water carries. Like the tide, this retreat sent us back renewed and ready to flow into whatever comes next.

So what’s next for this group? More than a trip, there are moments of support and sisterhood throughout the year, including the upcoming Pow(H)er Awards this November. The anchor point is the 8th annual Support Your Girlfriends Retreat in 2026, returning to Barbados.

“There’s something for everyone here,” Tenisha said. “If you’re into food, nature, deep-sea diving, or history and culture, you’ll find it in Barbados. But above all, it’s our people. Visitors tell us year after year that’s what makes the island feel like home, which is why so many return again and again.”