Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Donahue
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a small-town gal from Valley Center, Kansas! I grew up playing sports, mainly because let’s face it, there isn’t much else to do in Kansas! I was blessed to live with and be raised by my grandparents (and mom) and I attribute most, if not all my success to the guidance and love from my grandfather, Raleigh. He was my mentor, coach, teacher, friend, father-figure and hero! Anything that comes out of my mouth that resembles wisdom is something he taught me. He was the most impactful man I was ever blessed to know. He loved to pour into people. He offered value everywhere he went. From Cowtown to Colleges to Churches to Classrooms to Basketball Courts & beyond – he was always sharing the latest tips and tricks to help people improve different areas of their lives and become the best versions of themselves. Most of the time his wisdom nuggets came in the form of a quote or clipping from the local newspaper. If Raleigh was alive today – he would undoubtedly be sharing his favorite podcast episodes and Instagram posts! I am the woman I am today because of Raleigh! In fact, I recently started a coffee company named Laleigh (Lauren + Raleigh) Coffee in honor of him. Our first roast was named after him, The Raleigh Roast and we donate a portion of the proceeds to Parkinson’s Foundation. Raleigh passed away October 15th, 2021.
Raleigh helped me see that the level of success I would achieve would be directly related to the obstacles and challenges I would face along my journey. I know a lot of people see obstacles as roadblocks and end up turning around and going back the other way. For me, I see obstacles as opportunities to grow and expand into my next level. In fact, I now get excited when challenges are present because I know it means I am about to level up! Now, that doesn’t change the fact it is still painful in the moment, but I have always believed it is in the pain, not the pleasure, that we grow the most.
My WHY is to facilitate relationships so we can live in a more connected world. For me, this means creating safe spaces for people to come together and connect + transform their lives. A place where they know they belong.
This is why I founded Rise Wellness. At
Rise Wellness we host wellness retreats, events and share the most up-to-date information on how to live a happy and healthy life! At Rise Wellness, we believe we must feel good to do good.
Our heart to help as many people as possible to live happier, healthier lives! We will be featuring our retreat leaders and their upcoming retreats so people can truly find an experience that best fits their current needs and desires personally and professionally. Rise also has some incredible retreats coming up in the next few months. Our next retreat is a walking retreat. We will be embarking on the famous Camino de Santiago where every step is a story and every path leads to self-discovery. The dates: September 25th-Oct 1st ,2024.
At Rise, we believe in times like these, hitting the reset button is imperative for personal and professional growth and to not just survive, but thrive in times of uncertainty, it’s vital to do the counter-intuitive thing and intentionally disconnect from the world and the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect to you. Throughout our weekend retreats, you’ll be spending time with like-minded leaders, entrepreneurs and high performers and reconnecting with your true purpose. We believe it is TIME to fully live in alignment with WHO YOU TRULY ARE and what matters most and the best way to navigate uncertain times is to consistently show up as your best self, from your best state of being so you can consistently show up as the leader you really are. We believe tapping into abundance and creating the success so many people crave right now means connecting to your truth, living your core values and leading from a place of clarity and integrity. We work hard toward facilitating those life goals at the Rise Wellness Retreats!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a business owner, I’ve faced many financial setbacks and business partnerships gone ‘wrong,’ but I never let that stop me from moving forward. There were times when I questioned whether I had made the right choices, especially when projects didn’t turn out as expected or when I felt the weight of financial strain. I remember one particularly challenging period where I had invested significant time and resources into a venture, only to watch it unravel due to circumstances beyond my control. It was disheartening, but it also taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Whenever I faced a struggle, my grandfather would say, “Remember, the cream will always RISE to the top.” What he meant was that when you keep your integrity, tell the truth, show up for people, do what you say you would do, and stay positive and patient…you will eventually get to the top, and it will be worth all the blood, sweat, and tears. His wisdom became my guiding light during the darkest moments, reminding me that setbacks are not the end, but rather a part of the journey to success.
During those tough times with different business partners, I remember saying, “I picked the perfect partners to teach me the lessons I needed to grow and evolve into a stronger and more confident leader.” There were moments when I felt betrayed or let down, but instead of dwelling on the negatives, I chose to see these experiences as opportunities for growth. These partnerships, though difficult, pushed me to develop better communication skills, set clearer boundaries, and trust my instincts more. I learned that not everyone you work with will share your vision or values, and that’s okay. The key is to stay true to yourself and your goals, and to keep moving forward, even when the road is rough.
My grandfather always taught me to see the silver lining in every situation and to find the joy in the journey. That perspective has been invaluable, especially when facing the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship. There were times when I had to pivot quickly, make tough decisions, and sacrifice short-term comforts for long-term gains. It wasn’t easy, and there were days when I wondered if it was all worth it. But looking back now, I realize that every challenge I faced has shaped me into a more calm, courageous, and committed leader.
Entrepreneurship has been quite the journey, filled with lessons and growth at every turn. I am learning and evolving every day, and while the path has been anything but smooth, I wouldn’t change a thing. Each struggle has made me stronger, more resilient, and more determined to succeed. I’ve come to embrace the unpredictability of this path, knowing that every setback is just another step toward the top. And when you get there, it’s not just the success that matters, but the person you’ve become along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
As mentioned, my WHY is to facilitate relationships so we can live in a more connected world. For me, this means creating safe spaces for people to come together, connect, and transform their lives. A place where they know they belong. This deep sense of purpose led me to found Rise Wellness, a company dedicated to promoting holistic well-being through transformative experiences.
At Rise Wellness, we specialize in hosting wellness retreats and events, and sharing the most up-to-date information on how to live a happy, healthy life. Our retreats are designed to be more than just a getaway; they are a journey into self-discovery, healing, and growth. We believe that to truly make a positive impact in the world, we must first take care of ourselves. This is why our core philosophy at Rise Wellness is that we must feel good to do good. We pour our heart into helping as many people as possible live happier, healthier lives.
One of the things that sets Rise Wellness apart is our personalized approach to wellness. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and that’s why we offer a diverse range of retreat experiences. We will be featuring our retreat leaders and their upcoming retreats, allowing individuals to find the experience that best fits their current needs and desires, both personally and professionally. Whether you’re looking to deepen your spiritual practice, reignite your passion for life, or simply take a much-needed break, Rise Wellness has something for everyone.
We have some incredible retreats coming up in the next few months. Our next retreat is a walking retreat on the famous Camino de Santiago, where every step is a story and every path leads to self-discovery. This retreat, taking place from September 25th to October 1st, 2024, offers participants the chance to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with themselves in a profound way. At Rise, we believe that in times like these, hitting the reset button is imperative for personal and professional growth. To not just survive, but thrive in times of uncertainty, it’s vital to do the counter-intuitive thing and intentionally disconnect from the world and the hustle and bustle of everyday life to reconnect with yourself.
Throughout our weekend retreats, you’ll be spending time with like-minded leaders, entrepreneurs, and high performers, all of whom are on a journey to reconnect with their true purpose. We believe it is TIME to fully live in alignment with WHO YOU TRULY ARE and what matters most. The best way to navigate uncertain times is to consistently show up as your best self, from your best state of being, so you can consistently lead from a place of clarity and integrity. At Rise Wellness, we are committed to helping you tap into abundance and create the success you crave by connecting with your truth, living your core values, and leading with authenticity.
In addition to our retreats, Rise Wellness also offers retreat coaching through our Retreat Launch Formula program. This 60-day program is designed for retreat leaders who are ready to take their vision to the next level. We guide you through a proven formula to plan, price, promote, and launch your first transformational retreat. Our program includes secrets to scaling your retreat business to make 30K or more, how to attract ideal retreat participants without spending money on ads, and support through LIVE weekly interactions and unlimited email support. We also provide templates for reaching out to sponsors, my personal contact list, and guidance on developing the interpersonal skills and mindset needed to overcome mental blocks. Our goal is to support you from idea to launch, helping you create retreats that change lives.
Lastly, I’m proud to introduce Laleigh Coffee, a clean coffee brand launched under the Rise Wellness umbrella. Laleigh Coffee is committed to providing fresh, organic, fair-trade coffee that is free of mold, toxins, pesticides, and anything that could make you feel jittery or anxious. We believe that the quality of what you put into your body matters, which is why we roast our coffee to order every Thursday, ensuring that every bag arrives fresh and ready to brew.
Laleigh Coffee is more than just a cup of coffee; it’s a part of your morning ritual that sets you up for a successful day. We want you to feel good so you can do good. Our motto is simple: You are only one cup of coffee and a good conversation away from a completely different life! We believe you deserve the very best, and that’s why we’re committed to providing coffee that not only tastes great but also supports your well-being.
Our mission at Laleigh Coffee is to help people start their day with a smile, and we value the people we serve above all else. In honor of my grandpa Raleigh, a portion of each bag of Raleigh Roast purchased will be donated to the Parkinson’s Foundation. This is our way of giving back and making a positive impact, one cup at a time.
In everything we do at Rise Wellness and Laleigh Coffee, our goal is to create meaningful connections, support holistic well-being, and inspire positive change. Whether through our retreats, coaching programs, or clean coffee, we are here to help you live a life of purpose, health, and happiness.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories revolves around playing sports, especially softball. It wasn’t just about the game itself but the entire experience, which was made unforgettable by my grandpa, who was also our coach. He had a unique way of turning everything into a fun adventure. He wasn’t just a coach; he was a storyteller, weaving lessons into every practice and game. Through his stories, he taught us about teamwork, resilience, and the joy of playing, all while making us laugh and keeping the mood light.
What I remember most vividly are the softball games. We had these matching outfits that made us feel like a real team, and we’d make up the funniest songs to sing together. It was all about the camaraderie and the sense of belonging that he fostered among us. Our parents would bring up pizza after the games, and those moments were filled with laughter, jokes, and the simple joy of being together. There was something so special about the way my grandpa brought us all together, making every game feel like a celebration, whether we won or lost.
Of course, I won’t lie—I also loved winning! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a victory, especially when you’ve worked hard for it. But what made it even sweeter was sharing those wins with my grandpa and the team. His enthusiasm was contagious, and he always found a way to turn even the smallest success into a big deal, teaching us to celebrate our achievements and, most importantly, to have fun along the way.
Looking back, those times were about so much more than just sports. They were about learning life lessons, building relationships, and creating memories that still bring a smile to my face today. My grandpa’s ability to blend fun with teaching left a lasting impact on me, shaping the way I approach challenges and joys in life.
Pricing:
- Camino de Santiago Retreat – $3,000 for share accommodations, $4,000 for private accommodations
- Retreat Coaching – $3,000
- Laleigh Coffee – ranges from $22-125
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laleighcoffee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenldonahue/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenschwab
Image Credits
Photos – Ricky Santos
