12 February 2026 - Issue #022

Hey Reader,

If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know I’m a bit of an oversharer.

In life. In business. On Instagram. In these emails.

Last week I shared a very personal Reel to honour my parents for embracing my “black sheep of the family” energy - even when it challenged their logic, their expectations, and probably their patience for years.

I could have kept that Reel on my personal account.

But the truth is: this business wouldn’t exist without that winding path.

I wouldn’t be supporting yoga & wellness teachers with their retreats if I hadn’t taken every turn I took - personally and professionally.

The life I’ve lived is directly connected to the work I do.

And that’s why you’ll always see glimpses of it here.

This week’s blog explores exactly that: the parts of our story we once questioned are often the parts that prepared us for the work we're doing now.

And I know so many of you are walking your own non-linear path too.

From the Blog

Your Non-Linear Path Is Your Retreat Leadership Advantage Did you leave another career to teach yoga or lead retreats? Do you ever question whether that makes you less qualified? I believe that every pivot, every detour, every this wasn’t what I planned moment built the exact skills retreat leadership requires. Your unconventional path isn't a disadvantage. It's what makes you different - and probably what makes you better at this work than you think. Read the Article

What's Stirring

As a business owner, I've consciously chosen to let my community see parts of my personal life.

Not because I think everyone needs to live like a digital nomad, or because I want to romanticise it, but because I know how powerful it can be to see someone doing things differently.

When I was younger, I didn't have many examples of people building unconventional lives and businesses.

So if sharing my path - the moves, the pivots, the risks, the jungle offices - gives even one person permission to question the "default setting," then it's worth it.

But there is another reason for that.

In our industry, trust is everything.

We're asking people to invest their time, money, and energy - sometimes even to travel across the world to join us. That level of commitment is built when people feel like they know you, understand your values, and can sense the human behind the brand.

Of course, there are boundaries. Not everything belongs online.

But I do believe that thoughtful visibility is part of leadership in this space - not performative sharing, but honest presence.

Which brings me to a question I'd genuinely love to hear your thoughts on: How much of your personal life feels aligned to share in your work?

Do you struggle with this? Does it feel natural? Do you worry about oversharing or undersharing?

I'm curious where you draw the line and whether it feels clear or constantly shifting. Hit reply and tell me.

Retreat Radar

​ Two Souls Retreat in Calpe Calpe, Spain | 27-30 October 2026 Led by Laura Yankey and Bethany Hanna, this retreat is for anyone craving genuine rest and cultural immersion on the Spanish coast. Expect daily yoga and reiki in a safe, grounded space designed for real connection. Home-cooked meals. Space to truly switch off. And the slow, soulful rhythm of Spanish coastal life that makes you remember what it feels like to just be. If you've been running on empty and need permission to stop, this might be what you need. More Information

The older I get, the more I realise that the parts of our story we once questioned are often the parts that prepared us for the work we're doing now.

The career shifts.

The countries lived in.

The identities outgrown.

The risks that didn't make sense on paper.

They shape how we hold space, how we lead, and how we build.

If you're in a season of transition, doubt, or recalibration, I hope this is your reminder that the path doesn't need to be straight to be valid. It rarely is.

And maybe we can all agree to stop hiding the messy parts. They're the ones that got us here in the first place.

Ciao ciao,

Milla

P.S. Hosting a retreat, event, or programme soon? I'd love to feature it in Retreat Radar. Just hit reply with the details (where, when, what makes it special). It's free and open to everyone in this community 😊