A Blueprint for Intentional Networking: Lessons from a Hamptons Founder Retreat
There's a version of the Hamptons you see in magazines—all spectacle and scene. But there's another side to it, a quieter, more intentional world, particularly in the underrated elegance of Amagansett. It’s here, where the light hits differently and the ocean feels like the most beautiful beach in the world, that we decided to host a gathering.
This wasn't just an event. In partnership with Modern Luxury Magazine, we spent a few days exploring Amagansett, making our favorite hotel, The Roundtree, our home base and curating an experience that was a love letter to a core belief: the most powerful form of mentorship is community.
We gathered powerhouse female founders, visionary interior designers like the brilliant Elena Frampton, and legacy keepers like Gabby Karan de Felice, Donna Karan's daughter. Our goal was simple: to celebrate the women building the future by supporting the women who have built the foundation.
Here’s what we learned, and how you can apply the same principles to building your own powerful network.
The Foundation: Why Hospitality is a Form of Mentorship
Our home for this experience was The Roundtree, Amagansett, a woman-owned gem that proves hospitality is about so much more than a beautiful room. It's about anticipating needs, creating a sense of effortless belonging, and providing a space where people feel cared for enough to be their most authentic selves.
From the beach cruisers waiting to explore the quiet lanes to the warm welcome for a furry friend, every detail is an act of consideration. This level of care is a form of mentorship in itself; it teaches you to demand a higher standard in your own business and reminds you that the "soft skills" of empathy and attention to detail are what create true luxury and lasting loyalty. It set the tone for everything that followed.
The Curation: A Community Built on Shared Values
An impactful gathering isn't about who is in the room, but about the values they share. Every partner we chose was a testament to female leadership, artistry, and legacy.
A Taste of Legacy: Wölffer Estate Rosé Sipping Wölffer Estate rosé isn't just a Hamptons ritual; it's an appreciation of a brand steered to new heights by Joey Wölffer after her father's passing. It’s a lesson in honoring a legacy while courageously forging your own path.
The Art of a Thriving Local Business: Amber Waves Farm & Flowers by Beth We connected with the women-led Amber Waves Farm, a non-profit dedicated to changing the local food game. Their commitment to community and sustainable agriculture is a masterclass in purpose-driven business. Paired with stunning arrangements from Flowers by Beth, it was a reminder that the most successful businesses are deeply rooted in their local ecosystem.
The Power of Heritage: Thayer's Hardware Even the iconic Thayer's Hardware in Bridgehampton, a landmark since 1890, is now in the hands of a woman leader. She is not just running a store; she is a steward of history, proving that female leadership is essential in preserving heritage just as it is in forging the future.
This intentional curation created an environment where conversations went deeper. We weren't just networking; we were sharing stories of resilience, creativity, and the unique challenges and triumphs of being a female founder.
The Blueprint: An FAQ for Hosting Your Own Impactful Gathering
We believe in sharing the playbook. Many people asked us how we put together an event with such a distinct feel. Here’s our blueprint.
1. How do you choose the right venue? Look for a venue that embodies the values of your event. For us, The Roundtree’s status as a woman-owned business with impeccable, personal hospitality was non-negotiable. Don't just book a space; book an experience that tells part of your story for you.
2. What’s the secret to a great guest list? Think "curation," not "numbers." We focused on bringing together a diverse group of women from different industries—design, wellness, retail, tech—who were united by a shared spirit of collaboration over competition. The magic happens at the intersection of different worlds.
3. How do you move beyond superficial networking? Create shared experiences. Instead of a cocktail party, we facilitated a long-table dinner with conversation prompts. We organized a walk on the beach. Shared activities break down barriers and allow for more authentic connections to form.
4. How do you select partners and vendors? Every vendor is a content opportunity. Choose partners whose stories align with your brand's message. We didn't just have wine; we had wine from a brand with a powerful female leadership story. This adds layers of meaning to your event and shows an incredible attention to detail.
The Takeaway: Build Your World Intentionally
This summer and fall, as you navigate your own professional journey, we encourage you to be intentional. Show up for the women building the future. Shop local, connect deeply, and find the mentors who guide you not just with their words, but with the example of their work.
Your community is your greatest asset. Build it with care.
