That’s what the women in my practice kept asking me.

I'm Esther Boykin, a licensed psychotherapist with two decades of experience working with high-performing professionals. From founders and clinicians to celebrities and C-suite executives, I witnessed how deeply burnout, isolation, and exhaustion were affecting Black leaders, especially Black women. I realized that wellness needed to be a strategic imperative, not an afterthought.

I know these women personally and professionally. They are brilliant. Generous. Ambitious. And bone-deep tired.

I created the Compassion Collective for these women and for those who were asking: “Where do we go to be held the way we hold everyone else?” Therapy helped. Coaching helped. But it wasn’t enough. 

What they really needed was a space that could hold their whole selves, their success and their softness. A space that didn’t require them to translate their pain or perform strength to belong. A space that understands the emotional, cultural, and spiritual toll of constant resilience.

I founded the Compassion Collective in Summer 2023 with our first retreat. Since then, it has grown into an anchor for my broader mission: transforming how we approach wellness for Black professionals and leaders. For me, this is not just a brand — it’s a cultural intervention. Women like you need more than a pause. You need a practice. A way of being. And a space where you can feel safe, seen, and supported.

I’m here to walk with you on this journey, not just for a moment, but for the long haul.