Inspiring Conversations with Pam Prokopetz of Happily Ever After & Casa Cheetah

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pam Prokopetz

Hi Pam, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Back in 2012, during my first visit to Costa Rica, I fell in love with the Pura Vida culture and the stunning natural surroundings. I told myself, “One day, I’m going to live here.” I tried to convince my then-husband, but without ever visiting the country, he refused, and we remained in Los Angeles.
A year later, my life transformed profoundly when I became a mother. While my heart overflowed with love, I struggled to find my place in society. I felt compelled to justify my decisions as a mother, experiencing guilt if I returned to work and shame if I stayed home. It wasn’t until I let go of the judgments and realized I didn’t have to fit into any predefined roles that I began living my truth, at least in my journey through motherhood.
Fast forward to the COVID-19 pandemic, I remember listening to the book “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle. I finished it in record time, at least by my standards. Typically, I wasn’t a fan of audiobooks unless I was running, but I found myself wearing my AirPods during workouts, house chores, and even while helping my children. From that day on, the cheetah inside me wanted to break free and return to the wild. As Doyle says, “You’re not crazy, you’re a goddamn cheetah!”
I was in an unhealthy marriage, planning to stay together until the kids went to college. Despite being deeply unhappy, I believed this was the best course based on societal expectations.
Nearly a decade later: with one dog and two children, we sold everything in LA and began building a life in Tamarindo Beach. The following year, we moved to this paradise, hoping it would be a new beginning for our marriage. It wasn’t.
Living in a place I had always dreamed of, I felt Tamarindo’s inexplicable energy—an energy that made me feel alive and empowered. Despite the challenges of divorce, I experienced immense relief and happiness. I was finally at peace with myself and stepping into my power, and that’s when Casa Cheetah was born. Combining my love for this place with my passion for empowering women led to the creation of “Happily Ever After”, a haven for hosting all-inclusive women’s retreats, focusing on two groups that are part of my life: moms & divorcees.
Moms often fill everyone’s cups before filling their own. During my marriage, it was all on me—house, work, homeschooling, children, husband—and no time to care for myself. I was constantly overwhelmed. Now, splitting custody has given me the opportunity to sit with myself and start taking care of my own needs. I’ve become a much more present mom.
Divorced women often feel alone or lost during this process. After enduring a turbulent divorce, I felt a strong urge to establish a community for divorced women—a safe space where we could support one another. It’s easy to lose oneself after a long-term relationship, but I rediscovered myself post-divorce. I wanted to share this experience with other women so they wouldn’t feel alone. While divorce is often stigmatized negatively, I felt liberated.
Thus, I combined my experiences and passions to create “Happily Ever After,” a supportive community centered on self-care and empowerment. Our all-inclusive retreats offer women exclusive spaces to focus on well-being, forge meaningful connections, and explore new experiences amid Costa Rica’s lush landscapes. These gatherings provide the perfect backdrop to encourage each other to embrace our inner child, find joy in life’s simple pleasures, awaken our inner goddesses, and step into our power. Together, we create lasting friendships and make a profound impact on our overall happiness and fulfillment.
The magic we create when women come together is incredibly powerful and revitalizing.
Although my focus is on working with women through Happily Ever After, Casa Cheetah also provides personalized vacations for families and large groups. I want everyone to experience this place and bring the Pura Vida lifestyle into their lives.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I always remind myself of the polarities in life. To truly appreciate the light, we must endure the darkness. The journey hasn’t been easy—navigating a messy divorce with two children was challenging, but it ignited my creativity and gave me the drive to make things happen. Building a new business in a different country can be daunting, but when your heart is in it, everything flows.
I no longer let my dreams take a decade to unfold. Now, I am in full control of my life, taking risks to pursue the life I want to live. What I seek from this life are deep connections, loud laughters, and incredible experiences.
While some people thrive on consistency, I crave challenges and adventures.

We’ve been impressed with Happily Ever After & Casa Cheetah, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a holistic wellness coach committed to empowering clients to live their best lives by connecting body, mind, and soul. I focus on mindful eating, regular exercise, and reintroducing playfulness into daily routines. By tapping into our inner child, we rediscover joy, and by releasing our inner animal, we reclaim control over our lives. Together, we challenge societal expectations and break free from limiting paradigms to achieve personal fulfillment. There are no right or wrong choices—it’s your life, and you are your own life’s director.

We offer all-inclusive women’s retreats at the beautiful Tamarindo Beach in Costa Rica. This is a place to reset, embrace adventure, and recharge. Our retreats include all the things I found to be supportive during my divorce: cacao and sound bath ceremonies, breathwork, surfing, yoga, and salsa nights. Each day brings a new adventure, such as a catamaran trip to a hidden beach at golden hour, visits to breathtaking waterfalls, natural hot springs with mud baths, and horseback riding. We indulge in beautiful sunsets, delicious meals prepared by private chefs, and dining at amazing local restaurants.

All Happily Ever After retreats take place at Casa Cheetah in Tamarindo Beach, where we also provide customized vacation experiences for families and large groups. Casa Cheetah is a welcoming oasis, inviting everyone to embark on a life-changing experience.

Additionally, 5% of our profits from all women’s retreats are donated to a local organization that supports women and children, allowing us to give back to the community that welcomes us with open hearts.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
l’m a huge fan of Dr Wayne Dyer. I often go back to his books and podcasts when I’m feeling a bit in doubt or questioning myself. He has many audio books and podcasts. He has an amazing compilation of his talks on libby and audiobook.
Dr Joe Dispenza is another of my faves. His show on Gaia, “Rewired” is very resourceful, it explains how you can change your brain and reality by changing your thoughts. I am going to one of his workshops in Paris in October and I am beyond excited for this opportunity. It’s been on my bucket list for a while.
I am currently re reading “The Power of Now” by Eckart Tolle. It’s a great book to bring me back to the present moment.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle was a very inspirational book that help me step into my power. Casa Cheetah was born then.
I often listen to episodes on Gaia.
Podcasts:
The Doctor’s Pharmacy with Mark Hyman
Huberman Lab
The Wellness with Elizabeth Endres
YouTube:
Dr Mindy Pelz
Apps:
I am & Mantra are great apps that pop up little positive reminders throughout the day. I love getting my phone and reading one of their messages.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.happilyeverafter.club https://casacheetah.com
• Instagram: @purposefullypam / @casacheetah

Image Credits
Photo credit: rkphotography
Instagram is rachaelk8
www.rachaelkershaw.com

Photo credit: Jesus Falcon
@jesusfalcon81
@somossurfistas