From Boutique to Bali: Dr. Simmonds Builds Global Movement Rooted in Purpose, Healing, and Sisterhood

From her boutique in the USVI to international retreats in Bali and Greece, Dr. Simmonds has cultivated a movement that empowers women to heal, build trust, and thrive through community, all while supporting survivors through her nonprofit Hope.

From her boutique storefronts to her series of international women's retreats, serial entrepreneur Khnuma Simmonds has become a familiar name across the Virgin Islands. An original member of Women in Business, she returned to the Live with Laura set with host Laura Forbes on Sunday to share her insights on female entrepreneurship in the territory.

Dr. Simmonds reflected on the origins of Girlfriendism, a movement that emerged during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. As restrictions cut off access to in-person social spaces—such as My Girlfriend’s Closet, the brick-and-mortar boutique she owns—Dr. Simmonds turned to virtual platforms to maintain connection, using online talks and fashion shows to engage her community.

When gathering restrictions lifted, the desire for intentional, in-person interaction lingered. In response, the first Girlfriendism retreat was launched in 2021. “It has grown now into this beautiful global movement supporting entrepreneurs, creatives, survivors and advocates across the globe,” Dr. Simmonds said.

She describes herself as an “intuitive entrepreneur,” explaining that “I make moves based on what I feel called to do,” a mindset reflected in the evolution of Girlfriendism International. It leads to a meaningful, if unpredictable, journey, she added: “because sometimes you're called to do something and you don't always know why.” The answer, she believes, comes later. “Trust your purpose…trust your calling…the answer will flow after,” she declared.