MunaLuchi Bride began an exciting new chapter for couples in business by hosting its inaugural Muna Couples Retreat at Sandals Royal Curaçao on August 28th-31st, 2023.
Set against a peaceful backdrop of swaying palm trees, sparkling azure water, and white sands, with an aroma of delicious cuisines and colorful hues of rich culture around every corner, Curaçao was the perfect destination for our first Muna Couples Retreat!
Catering to partners in life and business, this exclusive retreat is a new endeavor for MunaLuchi.
Sparked by Muna’s very own husband and wife team, Jackie and Chike Nwobu, the pair set out to create a high-level mastermind experience for couples that not only provides education to elevate their businesses but also advice on how to nurture healthy, happy, and long-lasting romantic partnerships.
At the Welcome Reception at the Gatsu Gatsu Garden, Jackie admitted, “Whether you’re married on paper or married in your heart, marriage is hard work.”
“We launched this retreat as an opportunity for couples like us,” she explained. “We can have some atmosphere and education, we can learn about how to be better in a relationship, how to communicate better, how to be better partners, and we can also get some downtime and relax.”
For 20 couples, The resulting retreat was an intimate 3-day affair mixed with ample learning, exploration, and rejuvenation.
In partnership with the Curaçao Tourism Board, the retreat was expertly curated by MunaLuchi’s Director of Events, Tiffany Chalk, and beautifully designed by Atosha Barboza Bennett of Larger Than Life Events. Working behind the lens, Trene’ Forbes Photography and Derek Patterson captured all the details.
With insightful morning panel discussions Emceed by Karlie Harvey Raymond, an exciting afternoon island excursion sponsored by the Curaçao Tourism Board, all-inclusive dining options available daily from Sandals Royal Curaçao’s on-site restaurants and food trucks, and a luxurious final gala (with entertainment by DJ Exeqtive!), couples had the time of their lives while learning how to grow in love and business.
Day 1 speakers included MunaLuchi’s very own CEO and Editor in Chief, Jackie Nwobu, and her husband, Chike Nwobu, who shared their unique perspectives on navigating marriage and business.
The former Mayor of Atlanta (2018 – 2022) and Director of The White House Office of Public Engagement (2022-2023), Keisha Lance Bottoms, and her husband Derek Bottoms took the stage to dive into navigating relationships through the highs, lows, and everything in between.
Relationship Expert, TV Personality, and Author Calvin Roberson (A.K.A “Pastor Cal” on TLC’s Married at First Sight), and his wife Wendy led a lively workshop on Marriage Goals vs. The Goal of Marriage with insight from his latest book, Marriage Ain’t For Punks.
On day 2, Franchise Solutions Banker Richard Snow started sessions with a masterclass on how to gain access to financing and capital, and how to build generational wealth through franchising.
Entrepreneur power couple Lamar and Ronnie Tyler ended sessions with an informative presentation on “Mastering the Growth Machine Engine” with transformative strategies for more traffic and sales profit.
Ultimately, for the Muna Team, This is just the beginning.
Whether newbies to business or seasoned entrepreneurs, all couples can benefit from this unique experience.
The Muna Couples Retreat empowers couples to pursue their dreams in business and build lasting legacies of love with their partners. We can’t wait for future couples to experience this one-of-a-kind event!
Keep reading below for our first recap covering Days 1 and 2 of our Muna Couples Retreat at Sandals Royal Curaçao!
Click here to add your name to our 2024 interest form for next year’s Muna Couples Retreat!
- Event: Muna Couples Retreat
- Date(s) of Event: August 28th-31st, 2023
- Location: Sandals Royal Curaçao
Day 1 of General Sessions:
Following a beautiful welcome reception at the Gatsu Gatsu Garden, couples arrived the next morning to their first day of panel sessions energized and ready to learn!
A stunning floral wall bursting with bright yellow, orange, and red hues designed by Larger Than Life Events was the centerpiece of the Arawalk Ballroom while smaller bouquets added the perfect pop of color to each round table.
Since MunaLuchi’s very first Coterie Retreat back in 2014, Karli Harvey Raymond has been there since the beginning.
Dubbed an “OG” member of the Muna Fam, Karli opened general sessions as she always does: with high energy and lots of love for MunaLuchi. She also shared some heartfelt words for MunaLuchi’s Co-Founders Jackie and Chike Nwobu.
Since the beginning, I have been a wonderful spectator in their lives.
– Karli Harvey Raymond
With much anticipation, Karli welcomed MunaLuchi’s power couple to the stage!
Jackie & Chike Nwobu:
A journey of love, guided by faith…
God gives you gifts and he expects you to use them.
– Jackie Nwobu
In 2006, Jackie and Chike Nwobu first met at a wake. (Yes, you read that right… a wake!).
Jackie revealed, “After our first date, Chike said, ‘We’re going to be married in 6 months.’ I was like, ‘You’re funny.'”
As fate would have it, he was right! They were engaged after 6 months and wed the same year. In 2007, they had their first child and around that time, Chike was beginning to learn photography. Soon after, he booked his first wedding.
“We didn’t even have a camera,” Jackie shared, laughing. “So we bought a Nikon and in 2008, we launched MunaLuchi Studiois. In our first year, we did 10 weddings.”
At the time, wedding photography still felt like a side hustle to them. They both continued working regular jobs; however, as their portfolio continued to grow, they began looking for places to submit their work.
“We couldn’t find a magazine that catered to Black Brides,” Jackie explained, “So we decided to make our own.”
It all started with a cover shoot in their living room.
“Our friend modeled a dress we bought from David’s Bridal,” Jackie shared. “We shortened our name from ‘MunaLuchi Studios’ to MunaLuchi, and posted the photo on Facebook.”
That Facebook post received 100 likes.
“We thought we made it!” Jackie shared, laughing.
While that number may seem minuscule in comparison to today’s standards, they knew they were on to something. And they were right! People wanted this magazine.
Following the birth of their second child in 2009, they officially launched MunaLuchi Bride Magazine in 2010. That same year, Jackie left her job to pursue MunaLuchi full-time and also had their third and final child.
While leaving her job presented financial risks, fortunately, major Media outlets like ABC picked up the story. Publicity for MunaLuchi Bridal magazine blossomed overnight! However, money wasn’t coming in.
“We didn’t know what we were doing,” Jackie admitted. “We didn’t know how distribution worked or shipping.”
Learning the ropes of publishing and the wedding industry as they went, Chike revealed the thing that kept them going was faith.
“You can’t separate faith from business,” he told the audience. “Faith will not be a hindrance to your business. If I lean into God, he’s going to provide me the rest.”
In 2011, Chike took a leap of faith and quit his job, making them officially CEOs and full-time entrepreneurs!
Fast forward to 2014, their first Muna Coterie Retreat in South Africa was a significant turning point for their company. While they admit they made many mistakes, for those in attendance, no one seemed to notice. It was just the beginning of the legacy they continue to build today.
With the establishment of their Muna Coterie vendor collective, their annual events like the Coterie Retreat (this year in the Cayman Islands!), and now, the Muna Couples Retreat, there are no limits for these two. The pair even revealed their plans for a Waterfront Resort in the works!
On navigating marriage and business, they agree communication is everything.
“Talk about who’s in charge, who’s doing what roles, how to receive, and how to deliver those messages to each other effectively,” Jackie shared.
She also stressed the importance of being consistent in those dreams: “You should be most comfortable with your partner. Share your dreams with each other without judgment. New opportunities will come from that dream.”
Speaking to the men in the room, Chike added, “Don’t overshadow your partner. Be the support for them when they are shining.”
Ultimately, the Muna Couples Retreat is a project they’ve been dreaming up for a long time.
Fueled by their own 17 years of experience, they aspire to help couples find success by providing the tools and wisdom they didn’t have when they first started.
Jackie shared, “The rate of divorce is higher when you’re a couple in business. Our goal is to help provide couples with the tools and wisdom needed to overcome this statistic.”
In the end, “Relationships are a catalyst of business,” Jackie concluded. “Build on your relationships, together.”
Keisha Lance Bottoms & Derek Bottoms:
The ups, downs, and everything in between…
People only see the IG version of who we are. They don’t see the everyday. Everyone has things, but it’s the commitment to get through those things together that makes the difference.
– Keisha Lance Bottoms
You may know Keisha Lance Bottoms as the Mayor of Atlanta (2018 – 2022), or maybe you’ve seen her on TV as Director of The White House Office of Public Engagement (2022-2023). However, taking the stage at the Muna Couples Retreat with her husband, Derek Bottoms, the couple are literally the most genuine folks you’ll ever meet.
They first met when they were classmates in Law School.
Derek first saw her in the library. “She was wearing yoga stretch pants,” He recalled, wistfully. “I knew she was going to be my wife.”
At the time, Keisha was about to flunk out of school. Derek admitted he couldn’t have his future wife be a college dropout, so he started to help her study.
It was “study buddies” to love, Keisha said, smiling.
Little did they know, they also had a long-standing history that they never knew about, but they had never crossed paths. They dated for 3 years and got married; now they have 4 children and are going on their 29th year of marriage!
We want to leave a legacy for our children. And as divisive as they can be, your kids can unite you.
– Derek Bottoms
Together, they balance each other out quite well.
With a long list of accolades to her name, Keisha values her husband Derek, whose consistency, stability, and reliability are things she loves about him. To this day, he prefers staying out of the limelight and works behind the scenes as the Vice President of Employment Practices and Associate Relations at Home Depot.
She explained, “I feel like I’ve been 5-6-10 different people over our relationship. As women, we are constantly redefining ourselves. But Derek provides that stability and responsibility that we need.”
In this season of their marriage, they call transitions “Mid-life re-definitions”.
Over the past decade or so, Keisha acknowledged that they’ve been fulfilling these roles. Now, they are entering a period of much-needed re-discovery and downtime.
“This is the first break where we’ve been able to just be,” Keisha admitted. “Being Mayor was, in a way, confining. But there is still goodness in the world, and this inspires me every day.”
While it’s still up in the air if Keisha will run for office again, Derek shared he is simply “enjoying every day along with the comfort and sense of home their relationship brings him.”
We still have “pinch me” moments. As long as you operate with integrity and kindness, treat people the way you would want you and your children to be treated, the universe has a way of paying you back for that.
– Keisha Lance Bottoms
Pastor Calvin Roberson & Wendy Roberson:
Marriage Goals vs. The Goal of Marriage…
Relationship Expert, TV Personality, and Author Calvin Roberson (A.K.A “Pastor Cal” on TLC’s Married at First Sight) came to the Couple Retreat with his wife Wendy ready to preach hard cold facts on Marriage Goals vs. The Goal of Marriage. And with 20+ years of helping couples restore and repair their relationships, he is certainly qualified.
“This is more than information,” he shared. “I want your marriages to be better. I want to give you a new start. A reset. And I have no problem going off script.”
He started his presentation by getting everyone on their feet to repeat three affirmations:
“My marriage is worth it.”
“I value my spouse.”
“I love my spouse.”
He then asked everyone, “Why are we here?”
He paused and surveyed the couples in the audience. “Well, for one, marriage ain’t for punks.”
Playing off the words of his latest book, Marriage Ain’t For Punks, Pastor Cal and his wife Wendy created the title together based on the truths they’ve personally experienced in their own marriage and seen in other couples around them.
The three truths they’ve recognized in their own marriage are that “People work (not marriage as an institution)”, “Your spouse is your greatest asset,” and “You can accomplish your greatest goals through marriage.”
Essentially, marriage isn’t easy, and “It starts with commitment,” Pastor Cal stated.
Love is an intellectual decision you make to be committed to fulfilling a person’s legitimate needs.
– Calvin Roberson (a.k.a Pastor Cal)
Their own journey in love is a testament to this concept.
When Calvin and Wendy first met, they were both divorcees living in Washington DC. They enjoyed each other’s company and began building a wonderful relationship, but after dating for 6 months, Calvin received a job offer out of town. The job was 7 hours away! Wendy had also just been accepted into Howard University for Nursing.
In a decision that would change the course of both of their lives, Wendy decided to give up her career and follow him.
Taking to the stage to explain her decision, Wendy shared, “I can start a career anywhere, but do you know how hard it is to find a great man?”
Pastor Cal added, “When she decided to do that, I decided to choose her. My legitimate need became I will make sure she never regrets that choice.”
We are building a legacy with love.
– Wendy Roberson
So, what is the goal of marriage?
Historically, Pastor Cal explained that the original goal of marriage was not romantic. “It was to align powers and build an alliance,” he said.
Until romantic marriages came into play, arranged marriages were actually very successful. He noted that “Arranged marriages have about a 6% divorce rate, while romantic marriages have a 30-50% divorce rate.”
These numbers may seem a bit alarming, but there is hope. According to Pastor Cal, “Today, marriages are for power or pleasure. But I believe you can have both.”
I don’t believe in falling in love… any time you fall, you get hurt. You grow in love.
– Calvin Roberson (a.k.a Pastor Cal)
“Love does not involve emotions.“
Thinking about these ideas, Pastor Cal again turned to the audience to propose a new question: “If love is an emotion, when I don’t feel good about you, then I don’t love you?”
A contemplative silence fell over the room.
“Real love,” he continued, “is for better or worse, in sickness or health, forsaking all others, till death do us part.”
Resolving conflict effectively is a critical part of sustaining a healthy marriage.
Pastor Cal enforced the idea that any conflict has a fault to be shared. In that case, both partners need to come together to work through their issues proactively.
He advised couples to “Push through pride, forgiveness… remember that the greater good here is my marriage. The point is, my current actions can affect my marriage.”
While resolving conflict, couples can implement “Naked Moments” into their relationship toolbox.
“Naked Moments are a time of complete transparency and a safe space. No technology, full attention, and complete vulnerability. Allow your partner to talk. At the end, say “I hear what you’re saying, is there anything else you want to share?””
These “Naked Moments” can be intimidating.
“You’re essentially giving your partner a weapon,” he shared. “They can protect or hurt you with it… but it is your job to protect them and vice versa.”
Another great motto Pastor Cal shared was to “Never give up the bed.”
The “bed” here is commitment. (Who really wants to sleep on the couch, anyway?).
Finally, identify your apology style.
There are three specific kinds of apologies: proactive, reactive, and inactive.
- Proactive: I know I’m wrong and before you say anything, I’m going to expose it.
- Reactive: An apology after someone finds out.
- Inactive: Just doing things to make up for it.
In any relationship (especially in marriage), Pastor Cal enforced, “We need to start making proactive apologies a priority in our relationships.”
The goal is to resolve conflict as soon as possible (maybe even before it happens!) to maintain that peaceful baseline we all want in our relationships with our partners.
I know what my marriage feels like when there is no conflict, and I want that feeling all the time.
– Calvin Roberson (a.k.a Pastor Cal)
Afternoon Excursion & Happy Hour hosted by Curaçao Tourism Authority:
Exploring Willemstad, the Capital of Curaçao…
Following a morning of educational panel sessions, the Muna Couples boarded a Fiesta Tours bus (generously hosted by Charla Nieveld of the Curaçao Tourism Board) to explore Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao. Along the way, Bus Driver Charlie and Tour Guide, Nubia, shared the history of Curaçao.
“Charlie’s Angels” listened intently as the bus departed Sandals Royal Curaçao.
Nubia began to explain Curaçao’s unique and at times complicated history, which fluctuated with different colonizers ruling the country.
Beginning with the Spanish arrival in 1499, the Spanish first deemed the island “useless” for its lack of natural resources. However, when the Dutch conquered Curaçao in 1634, they saw value in the country’s natural harbor.
From the end of the 17th century to the beginning of the 19th century, many countries had their influence on Curaçao (particularly the British and the Dutch) who fought relentlessly to have control of the island.
Unfortunately, the enslavement of indigenous peoples followed each country’s reign.
The Curaçao Slave Revolt of 1795, led by enslaved man Tula, was the first step towards Curaçao’s emancipation. Sadly, emancipation did not officially occur in Curaçao until July 1st, 1863.
Finally, in 1816, the island was taken over yet again by the Dutch. It was not until 1954 that Curaçao officially became an autonomous part of the Dutch Kingdom. Today, the island country has its own government, governor, and prime minister with 15 different political parties.
With so many influences, the resulting country is a colorful and diverse island with an equally multicultural population. With 109 different nationalities on the island today, Curaçao is truly the melting pot of the Caribbean.
Exploring downtown…
The downtown part of Curaçao is still reminiscent of Amsterdam with Dutch architecture being the main influence on the island.
Bright pastel-colored buildings adorn each street with the famous floating Queen Emma Bridge being one of many popular landmarks on the island. Other highlights include the
Fun facts of the tour included the main language of Curaçao is Dutch and Papiomento (a unique mix of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and English).
The word of the day, “Dushi”, isn’t what you think it means. It’s actually a compliment and means good or delicious.
For me, this retreat was amazing because it’s great when you have like-minded couples coming together. You get to meet differend people from different places but understand that you’re all on the same journey. I think that’s impactful.
– Lamar Tyler (Traffic Sales and Profit)
The best part of this retreat for me was the fact that we were able to work on our marriage, our relationship, and our business because you can’t have one without the other. When you are able to strengthen you marriage, it helps the business.
– Ronnie Tyler (Traffic Sales and Profit)
Happy Hour at Bon Bini: The Liqueur Distillery…
A history of Curaçao, the liquor…
Our final stop on the tour was the Bon Bon Distillery for an evening of cocktail-making, relaxation, and fun! Couples were greeted with samples of Curaçao’s distinct liquor and a fresh “Blue Fizz” drink before taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the Distillery.
Quick Facts: “A genuine Curaçao is made with the dried, bitter peels of the Laraha, known as the Golden Orange of Curaçao, that can only grow on the Caribbean island of Curaçao. Taste the bitterness of the Laraha, but also the sweetness of a true liqueur. Enjoy it straight up, as a cocktail modifier, or as a replacement for the Triple Sec.” (Source: Curacao Liquor.com)
Traditional Curaçao dances…
While sipping on cocktails, couples enjoyed performances by local dancers from the Memoria y Futuro di Korsou group. The group danced to live music performed by the Topiko Pasa Bon band – some couples even joined in on the fun!
Dances performed included the Waltz Mazuka Danca (European-influenced), Seu, Tambu, and Tumba.
We didn’t know what to expect since this was our first couples retreat; however, it was absolutely amazing. We learned so many nuggets of information that we can take away to improve our business and help it flourish, and help leave a legacy for our children and our children’s children.
– Shannon Chatman
I’m at a loss for words… because as I take it all in, there is no one word to describe it. I’ll just say spectacular. From start to finish, the views, all the experiences, I promise you all of it’s breathtaking.
– Chaianta Chatman
Vendor Team:
- Planning: Tiffany Chalk Events
- Design: Larger Than Life Events
- Photographer: Trene’ Forbes Photography
- Videographer: Derek Patterson
- Emcee: Karli Harvey Raymond
- MUA: Felicia Graham Beauty
- Hair Stylist: Tinika Sadiku
- Rentals: Inspiracion Curacao + Event Services
- Entertainment: DJ Exeqtive
- Flowers: FMI Farms
- Venue: Sandals Royal Curaçao
- Gift boxes: Black Girl Sunscreen
Speakers:
- Jackie & Chike Nwobu
- Keisha Lance Bottoms & Derek Bottoms
- Calvin Roberson (a.k.a Pastor Cal) & Wendy Roberson
- Richard Snow
- Lamar and Ronnie Tyler
Attendees & Businesses:
- Karli Harvey Raymond & Benjamin Raymond: Insurance Agency Owners & Entrepreneurs
- Woody & Amani Randall: The Randall Way
- Patrice Nephew: Events DownPat
- LeDasha Jackson & Timmy Johnson: The Bridal Bunny
- Eronmwon & Louis Balogun: LFB and Associates
- Rolanda Hardy & Craig Phipps: Vision into Reality Events
- Gregory & Tamuel Cowart: RW Events & Luxmore Grande Estate
- Nnamdi & Gozie Ebere: Jac-Ennedy International, Blak-X, & NaMO Worldwide
- Abdul Nwobu & Henrietta Udeh
- Ogo Nwobu-Nnebe & Ike Nnebe
- Chaianta & Shannon Chatman: Chatmans Complete Home Resources, Heavenly Visions Events, and Chatmans Complete Quality Management
- Natasha Stovall-Rolle & Shane Rolle: Venom Productions, S & N Security, Too Blessed To Be Stressed Catering, LLC, N.LaShelle Events, The Grand Ballroom, LLC, & Grand Occasions, LLC.
Looking to attend next year’s Muna Couples Retreat?
Click here for more information.
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