Hidden Gems: Meet Carly Detkowski of Oleander Center for Women

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carly Detkowski.

Hi Carly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Melissa Youngblood was working as a trauma therapist and 18 years into her career, she realized people need more than talk therapy to truly heal. Simultaneously, Carly was working on the corporate side of the automotive manufacturing industry and was looking to make a change that better aligned with her values and allowed her to serve more actively in the community.
Melissa was looking into renting a yoga studio with another trauma therapist and eventually offering more healing arts as well as women’s self defense, when she brought the idea to her daughter, Carly. Carly wanted to help and suggested they put together a business plan for a women’s healing arts and training center and they began looking for a healing space to bring their vision to life.

The inspiration for the healing arts and training center came from recognizing the unique challenges women face in our world today.
The name comes from the Oleander flower, which we were inspired by its beauty and deadly potential. We wanted to create a safe and affirming environment where women can come to gather for community and be empowered through education and healing arts. Both mother, Melissa, and daughter, Carly, are feminists who believe that all women hold within them the power and to heal and protect.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the hardest parts of our journey bringing Oleander to life was finding the right location that would properly support our vision. Additionally there were unexpected construction negotiations and delays that pushed our opening date back a full month.

We’ve been impressed with Oleander Center for Women, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We want the readers to know that we offer a self defense and anti violence program, yoga practices, mindful meditation sessions, sexual empowerment and education workshops, firearms training, firearms concierge services, 1 on 1 training and support. All of our services and classes are provided by women and for women only, all through a trauma-informed approach that emphasizes the safety and wellbeing of the student. We are equipped to support trauma survivors and our services and classes are designed to uplift and empower women.
We are most proud of the fact that we are helping empower women in our community and that we get to do it together as a team.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The most important part is understanding that everyone who walks in our door has experience with trauma, and each individual has their own unique reasons for wanting to learn and heal. Its critical to be mindful and compassionate of that at all times.

Pricing:

• self defense and anti violence program – 4 hours $80 per person
• mindful meditation – 30 mins $10 per person
• gentle yoga – 60 mins $20 per person
• CPL classes – 8 hours $110 per person
• firearms training – 1 hour $50+ per person

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oleanderforwomen.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/oleanderforwomen/
• Other: www.vagaro.com/oleanderforwomen/classes