Meet Nicole - Founder of Roots & Rise Retreats
Nicole's Journey
My name is Nicole Stettler, and I am the founder of Roots & Rise Retreats. Costa Rica is the heart of this journey, not only because of its magic, but because it is my home. I was born into a blended world — a Costa Rican mother and a Swiss father — and raised with a deep appreciation for culture, connection, and the beauty of experiencing life fully. From infancy, I was blessed to travel the world, a gift that shaped my perspective and continues to influence everything I create.
I am a proud mother of two incredible children: my son, a dedicated football player, and my daughter, who spent a decade ski racing. Together, we have explored and experienced so much of the world, sharing adventures that have shaped us individually and as a family.
Spirituality has always been part of who I am, but my true awakening began in Bali, where I stepped deeper into my practice, learned to shed my ego, and embraced a life grounded in love, light, and presence. Since then, growth has been a daily devotion — a commitment to understanding myself, releasing what no longer serves, and living in alignment with authenticity. I believe in sharing the wisdom I’ve gathered with every soul who crosses my path.
My entrepreneurial journey has been just as transformative. I owned and operated Rage Fitness, a commercial gym in downtown Calgary for 12 years, where I once led a team of 17 and built a strong community rooted in strength and empowerment. I also created Optimal Esthetics, a skincare business fueled by passion and care, offering professional skincare services. These experiences taught me leadership, resilience, and the importance of building with heart — but they also showed me that life isn’t meant to be lived in chaos. It isn’t about accumulating things; it’s about presence, memories, and meaning.
Over the years, I’ve been honored to co-author Brilliant Women, alongside nine other inspiring leaders. Today, my world blends creativity, purpose, and autonomy as I manage a collection of lakefront properties, both short- and long-term rentals — work that allows me to create experiences and environments that feel like home.
Roots & Rise Retreats is the culmination of my heritage, my spiritual journey, my entrepreneurial path, and my deepest calling: to help others reconnect, rebuild, and rise into the truest version of themselves.
Jade - Cohost
Jade’s journey with Roots & Rise began in Tulum, Mexico, where she and Nicole were unexpectedly paired together as roommates during a retreat experience that would ultimately change both of their lives. From the very beginning, their connection felt deeply aligned — rooted in growth, healing, authenticity, and a shared desire to create something meaningful in the world.
What started as an instant friendship quickly evolved into a powerful partnership grounded in sisterhood, transformation, and service to others. Jade went on to cohost the Roots & Rise Retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica, where her warm presence, open heart, and genuine care for others naturally allowed guests to feel seen, supported, and safe throughout their journey.
Now continuing alongside Nicole as a cohost for the upcoming Playa del Carmen retreat, Jade is deeply devoted to her own personal growth while learning the profound impact that wellness, connection, and intentional living can have on others. Her passion for healing spaces comes from years of involvement in the wellness community as an avid yoga practitioner, retreat participant, and lifelong mover with a background in dance.
As an entrepreneur with a heart for people, Jade brings both grounded energy and uplifting light into every space she enters. She is passionate about continuing her journey of self-discovery while helping guide and support others along theirs. Through Roots & Rise, she hopes to inspire women to reconnect with themselves, embrace vulnerability, cultivate inner peace, and step more fully into the life they are meant to live.
