The Colony’s Captivating CEO – Get to Know Sarah Wetenhall
Whitney Long, Sarah Wetenhall and Cheri Leavy are planning an incredible retreat to Palm Beach this fall. Photo by Kelli Boyd Photography
Dive into Fall with a Founder’s Retreat in Pink Paradise
A presenter at our 2024 TSC Summit, Sarah Wetenhall sat front and center soaking up the tips and tricks of our fabulous lineup. She hit the stage to share her own but it was her willingness to dig into the community sharing one-on-one her colorful insight and diverse experience that made her a favorite with attendees. We were thrilled when the opportunity arose to partner with Sarah and The Colony for our 2025 TSC Fall Founders Retreat.
Was there a moment at TSC Summit 2024 when you knew you had to bring the community to The Colony?
As I was leading a mentoring break-out session, it struck me that we MUST bring this exceptional community to my Pink Paradise! As I looked around the table, the connections being forged, and the palpable sense of inspiration, I couldn’t help but envision how The Colony’s unique atmosphere would amplify that experience. Our space is both intimate and grand, welcoming and inspiring—it felt like the ideal setting to foster the kind of creativity and collaboration that defines TSC. That’s when I knew we had to bring this special group to The Colony.
We always say that attending TSC Summit is just the beginning of all of the magic. Name one presenter and one attendee that blew you away in 2024.
I was honestly blown away by everyone I met at the Summit – it was such an extraordinary group of female business leaders and entrepreneurs that is impossible to just pick a few! That said, I particularly enjoyed my time with both Aliza Licht and Jackie Thomson.
Biggest takeaway from your TSC Summit experience?
The biggest takeaway from the TSC Summit 2024 was the undeniable power of collaboration and the immense value of surrounding yourself with a supportive, like-minded community. It was a beautiful reminder that when creative entrepreneurs come together, we can inspire each other to achieve things beyond what we could do alone. The Summit reaffirmed that and reminded me that even in the most competitive industries, it’s collaboration—not competition—that sparks true innovation and magic. It’s the timeless truth: it’s not just what you know, but who you know, and the connections we make along the way that truly drive success.
What collaborations do you have on the horizon for The Colony in 2025?
If you know us, you know that embracing newness is at the heart of everything we do. 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year, filled with fresh partnerships and unique experiences for our guests. We’ve just launched The Colony Edit, a new retail offering at the hotel that features a thoughtfully curated selection of brands and products reflecting the playful spirit of both the hotel and Palm Beach, handpicked by yours truly.
We’re also thrilled to introduce Poolside Press, a collaboration with Hearst Magazines that brings a unique poolside reading experience to The Colony. Guests can unwind while enjoying a selection of the most coveted titles from Hearst’s Fashion & Luxury portfolio, including Elle, Elle Decor, Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, and Veranda.
Additionally, we’ve redesigned one of our residences in collaboration with CABANA magazine, together with Martina Mondadori and Ashley Hicks. The CABANA bungalow is a bookable residence adjacent to the hotel that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the brand’s rich and storied aesthetic, while presenting their own unique interpretation of Palm Beach style – with a distinct Italian flair.
And of course, we’re excited about the upcoming Southern C Founders Retreat in October, which promises to be a standout event for us this year.
AND….drumroll…we will soon have very big news announcing our second location which will be opening in May of 2025… stay tuned!
What can attendees expect at TSC x The Colony Founders Retreat?
At the TSC x The Colony Hotel Founders Retreat, attendees can look forward to an immersive experience designed to inspire connection, creativity, and growth. From thought-provoking workshops and captivating talks, to moments of relaxation by the pool and plenty of opportunities for meaningful networking, this retreat will offer the perfect balance of business and pleasure. The Colony’s surroundings will provide a scenic escape, allowing attendees to step away from the daily hustle and focus on both personal and professional development, and the size of the group will be optimized to allow for more in-depth conversations.
With carefully curated programming and speakers who are truly special to me, this retreat promises to be a celebration of innovation, ideation, and connection. Having been personally involved in every aspect of the planning, I’m incredibly excited to share this experience with our community and witness the magic that will unfold over these few days.
Your “rolodex” of creative entrepreneurs is legendary! Let’s share a few who we have selected to present.
We’re excited to introduce a few of the incredible creative entrepreneurs—and wonderful women I’m lucky to call friends—that we’ve selected to present:
Palm Beach is synonymous with Aerin Lauder—style icon, visionary, and leader in luxury. With her namesake brand redefining elegance in home design, fashion, and beauty, Aerin brings an unmatched level of sophistication. We’re honored to have her as a long-time partner and friend, and we can’t wait for her to share her insights on creating timeless spaces that inspire.
Celerie Kemble and Mimi McMakin are a mother daughter duo that define Palm Beach. They are celebrated interior designers known for her bold use of color, pattern, and texture. Seamlessly blending traditional elegance with modern sensibility, they create spaces that are both refined and whimsical, embodying the spirit of Palm Beach.
Emily Hikade, founder of Petite Plume, is much more than an entrepreneur behind beautiful pajamas—she is a powerhouse with an inspiring story. Radiating beauty both inside and out, Emily’s story is truly captivating. And of course, her pajamas are nothing short of amazing, merging luxury and comfort in the most effortless way!
Lydia Fenet is a dynamic leader in fundraising and auctioneering. As an author and expert in networking and leadership, Lydia’s insights on building impactful relationships and creating lasting change will resonate with anyone looking to elevate their professional journey. Listening to Lydia speak is truly inspirational.
These extraordinary women embody creativity, leadership, and passion—and they’re just a few of the incredible voices we’ll be hearing from. We’re beyond excited to have them join us, share their wisdom, and inspire us all to push boundaries and embrace new opportunities. The program this October is going to be unforgettable. Don’t miss it!
Mark your calendar for October 22 – 24, 2025. This 2 – day deep dive for founders and CEOs is limited to only 75 people. *Due to the limited capacity, please sign up to be sure you receive event and ticket information.*
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