Rising Stars: Meet Michelle Bentley of San Fernando Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Bentley

Hi Michelle , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always been a go-getter when it comes to the things I’m passionate about. I speak my mind, have deep compassion for those in need, and champion anyone chasing their dreams.

For 30 years, I worked as a hairdresser, specializing in African American hair. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, I owned a salon and loved every part of it—the work, the clients, and the opportunity to make women feel beautiful. Listening to their stories, encouraging them in every season of life, and building real relationships brought me so much joy.

In 1997, my husband and I made the big decision to move to Los Angeles to further his career. Selling our house and my beloved salon was bittersweet, but we knew it was the right move. However, starting over in a new city was tough. I had no connections, no clientele, and as a white woman specializing in Black hair, I knew trust was key and it wouldn’t come easy. Rebuilding took time, but as we joined a local church and made friends, women took a chance on me, and soon my business thrived again.

As my faith deepened, I found myself drawn to serving—attending women’s gatherings, volunteering at food banks and shelters, and simply being present for others. One day, a client invited me to a women’s retreat where she was scheduled to speak. I agreed to go, but tragically, less than a week later, she passed away due to a blood clot. When the retreat finally came, I didn’t want to go. But I honored my commitment to her and showed up.

That weekend changed everything.

Though I initially felt out of place, God placed a new vision on my heart—to create a retreat tailored to the women I knew, a space where they could truly be seen, refreshed, and renewed. That was in 2011, and ever since, we’ve been organizing retreats and local gatherings under the name Spiritual Refreshing.

Our Refresh: Retreat is a beautiful weekend for women who lead, pour into others, and rarely take time for themselves. Our retreats offer a place to rest, receive, and replenish—mind, body, and soul. Through community, encouragement, and a sacred space to reconnect with God, women leave feeling strengthened, inspired and replenished to continue the important work that they do.

One of my greatest joys is cheering women on—helping them step into their calling, take leaps of faith, and build meaningful connections. Through this nonprofit, we’ve seen women start businesses and ministries, discover deep friendships, and remember what truly matters.

The need for this type of self care is so important and I’m so grateful to be a small part of their journey!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Haha, of course, building something from scratch is never smooth!

As a nonprofit, finances are always a challenge—they require prayer, creativity, and honestly, a whole lot of faith. With an all-volunteer team, people step down for various reasons, and while I completely understand, it’s still tough when transitions happen.

Then came COVID. We had to pause everything, and by the time we were ready to start back up, the world had changed. People’s needs had shifted, priorities looked different, and it felt like we were rebuilding from the ground up. So, we embraced the change—we rebranded, found a new retreat center, and expanded our reach to connect with more women.

As the founder and leader of Spiritual Refreshing, I carry the weight of wanting every event to be exactly what these women need. I know the sacrifices they make—the time, the finances, the emotional investment—and I want them to walk away feeling seen, encouraged, and truly refreshed. It’s a lot to hold, and honestly, it can feel lonely at times. But seeing women leave our retreats renewed, inspired, and connected makes it all worth it.

Because at the end of the day, this is about more than just an event—it’s about creating a space where women can take a pause, breathe, heal, and be reminded of who they are and what truly matters.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the founder and leader of Spiritual Refreshing, where my team and I host retreats and local gatherings for women who lead and pour into others. I’m also a first-time author of a beautiful children’s book, Do You Know The One? I’m also a speaker and enjoy sharing messages of hope, encouragement and to shine a light on the goodness of God!

I’m known for creating space for women to step away from life’s demands—to pause, reconnect, and restore their souls.

What makes us unique is the beautiful diversity of women who come together from different churches, backgrounds, and walks of life. We’ve created a space where women can truly be themselves—where they can let their walls down, rest, and engage with others in ways they might not normally have the opportunity to.

In my work I’m most proud of the fact that I kept going in the face of so many uncertainties and that Spiritual Refreshing has impacted so many incredible women and the ripple effect from that is incredible.

Last year after our retreat, a women approached me and said, “This retreat has changed my life!” and she proceeded to pay for the deposit for the retreat center for next year. Another person shared about how she was contemplating suicide after experiencing severe trauma from a broken marriage, but through her time at the retreat, found healing, support and a renewed hope. Another woman, said, ” this was exactly what I needed as I rarely take the time to stop, rest and refill my own soul.”

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’m definitely a “risk taker” when it comes to achieving what’s in my heart. Here’s a look into what I ask and remind myself as it pertains to risk taking or building something….

I don’t have to have all the answers to start
I don’t need to know the grand plan to get started
I don’t seek other people’s approval
I’m careful as to who to share it with
I can’t do it in my own strength (need God’s help/guidance)
It will require steps of faith and sacrifice.
Does it bless other people?
It’s bigger than me.
It always turns out better that I imagined.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.spiritualrefreshing.org/
• Instagram: spiritualrefreshing