A mother's journey to self-discovery and the movement she sparked is an inspiring tale that resonates with women everywhere. Burnout is a real issue, and one brave mum is changing the narrative.
Julie Voultepsis, a mum who had it all - a demanding career, a loving family, and a complicated divorce - found herself at a breaking point. She realized that, like many women, she was running on fumes, constantly spinning plates to manage work, parenting, and household duties. In her own words, "We fill ourselves last, and only if we have time. But we're raising the next generation, and it's imperative we fill our own cups too."
Julie's epiphany came during a moment of overwhelming exhaustion. She craved space to breathe, to be herself beyond the roles of mother, partner, and employee. "It starts with you," she says, emphasizing the importance of self-care.
What began as a personal quest for survival soon blossomed into a powerful movement. In 2024, Julie decided to create a retreat tailored for women like her - women yearning for rest, not just for their bodies, but for their minds. "Modern mums are busier than ever," she explains. "Research shows a startling reality: nearly a third of millennial mums get less than 30 minutes to themselves each day."
Julie's vision, Mumcation, was born. It's an experience designed to allow women to escape the noise of everyday life, even if just for a moment. She envisioned a sanctuary where mums could simply be, without the constant demands of daily life. "When mums book a family holiday, the responsibility still rests on them. I wanted to create a space where they could arrive and everything would be taken care of."
To bring her vision to life, Julie partnered with Club Med, a collaboration that offered both structure and serenity. Mumcation offers a unique blend of yoga, meditation, and quiet reflection, coupled with laughter, connection, and good food. It's not about running away forever; it's about remembering oneself amidst the chaos.
"Club Med's all-inclusive resorts provide women with the opportunity to truly unplug," Julie explains. "They can focus on themselves, something most mums rarely get to do."
But Mumcation is about more than just rest. It's about rediscovering one's identity, a journey that Julie understands deeply. "When you become a mum, your sense of self often gets tied to others. You're a mother, a partner, an employee, but rarely just you. Mumcation is about reconnecting with that woman."
To guide this transformation, Julie brought on board life coach Tammi Kirkness, whose expertise in emotional well-being adds a layer of depth to the retreat. "Tammi helps guests reconnect with their values and provides practical tools to manage stress. We want women to leave feeling rejuvenated, confident, and inspired to prioritize themselves."
What sets Mumcation apart is the sense of solidarity it fosters. "Women can come alone or with friends. Many arrive burnt out and overwhelmed, but they find comfort in knowing they're not alone. Sharing stories with women who truly understand is healing."
The laughter, the tears, and the moments of quiet reflection all contribute to the transformative experience. "A sisterhood forms instantly. It's not about luxury; it's about making women feel seen, valued, and cared for."
Julie's timing was impeccable. Solo and women-only travel is on the rise in Australia, with more women prioritizing self-care and seeking experiences that allow them to recharge. "At Club Med resorts, we've seen a significant increase in solo female guests, around ten percent year-on-year."
These getaways are more than just vacations; they're a form of therapy in motion. "Wellness travel is evolving. It's about providing tools for emotional and mental reset. Guided meditation, yoga, and workshops empower women to manage stress proactively."
As Julie reflects on her journey, she's moved by the women she helps. "I see myself in them. I want them to know it's okay to step away, not because you don't love your family, but because you do."
And so, a movement was born, a movement that empowers women to prioritize themselves, to find their identity, and to thrive.
