**A New Haven for Women: The Rise of Camp Château**
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In a bold departure from conventional career paths, Philippa Girling, alongside her best friend Lynda Coleman and Coleman’s daughter Leah Lykins, has established Camp Château, a unique retreat inviting women to take a step back and reconnect with themselves. After decades spent in the banking sector, the trio sought to create a space dedicated to rest, community, and authenticity, addressing the need for women to simply ‘be.’
For Girling, this journey began with the realisation that success in her long banking career didn’t equate to personal fulfilment. Reflecting on her 25 years in what she describes as a “patriarchal industry,” she often felt exhausted and disillusioned. “It was frustrating to feel that the work I was doing was not impacting real change,” she remarks. Alongside Coleman, her closest ally through these challenging environments, the two gradually transitioned their conversations from career management to exploring the possibilities of a fresh start.
The initial concept of Camp Château emerged as a clear vision that felt markedly different from anything the pair had undertaken before. Coleman expresses how the notion of creating something beneficial specifically for women resonated deeply with her. “It was immediately appealing to help women in this way,” she shares. Rather than relying on a robust business plan or defined strategy, it was an intuitive feeling that drove their desire to innovate.
As Girling recounts, the moment they decided to pursue this idea became transformative. “It just lit me up,” she conveys, highlighting the enthusiasm that ignited their collective desire to turn thoughts into action. With Lykins joining the discussions, their aspirations became intergenerational, weaving together the experiences and ideals of women across different life stages.
Lykins recalls how persistent their discussions became regarding the retreat. “If we couldn’t stop talking about this concept, then we knew we had to act on it,” she explains, underscoring a deep-rooted belief in their potential. This determined mindset marked a significant shift for the trio. Instead of conforming to the restrictive norms of their past industries, they focused on building an empowering sanctuary from the ground up—ultimately resulting in the creation of Camp Château.
Girling articulates the core mission of their new venture: “Instead of expecting women to change to achieve success, we’ve found it’s possible to redefine the rules altogether.” Rather than fitting the traditional mold of structured retreats, Camp Château aims to offer a relaxed atmosphere where women are free from societal pressures and expectations. Coleman clarifies their approach, saying, “We’re not here to change anyone; we just want to enhance their lives.”
This philosophy not only informs their vision but also permeates the organisational culture they have cultivated. The founders emphasize the importance of genuine interactions, ensuring that every encounter within their space is marked by authenticity and kindness. “These connections are really very transparent and meaningful,” Girling remarks, reflecting on the stark contrast between their founding principles and the corporate environments they left behind.
As Camp Château continues to blossom, so does their confidence in championing a different way of operating. Their journey from banking professionals to community builders serves as an inspiring testament to their innovative ethos. “We’ve found that matriarchy works,” Girling states emphatically, encapsulating the essence of their success.
Currently, Camp Château has established two locations in France, alongside a burgeoning global community of women who engage both virtually and in person. To further enhance their reach, the founders recently introduced Pocket Château, a digital platform designed to foster that same sense of connection and support among women worldwide.
With their commitment to creating a nurturing environment, Girling, Coleman, and Lykins invite women from all walks of life to experience the transformative power of genuine connection and self-care at Camp Château. As they continue to expand their horizons, their innovative approach serves as a model for others seeking to redefine the narrative surrounding women’s empowerment.