Sisterhood and stewardship: A conversation with Abby Raphel
By Kristen Oliveri
Abby Raphel has long been a guiding voice in the wealth community. As the founder of The Redwoods Initiative, she leads a strategic platform that serves more than 500 families around the globe, with a focus on the human experience of wealth, investment education, and stewardship support. A recognized coach to both enterprising families and senior professionals, Raphel’s work has shaped how families think about legacy and leadership.
Her journey has also inspired a more personal venture: Casa Abby. Born out of her own health challenges and a deep connection to nature, Casa Abby is dedicated to Love, Nourish, Rest. Through her study of Classical Chinese Medicine and the Channel System of Acupuncture, Raphel now offers private practice, group teachings, and retreats that facilitate restoration and renewal.
In this wide-ranging conversation for Wealth Reimagined, Raphel and I explore her dual callings, serving families through Redwoods and cultivating wellbeing through Casa Abby, while also reflecting on our own bond. Together, we talk about the unity of sisterhood within the wealth landscape and the ways community can sustain us both personally and professionally.
You and I have grown up in wealth management together, and I've always valued our bond. Your work at The Redwoods with next-generation and multi-gen families has been so inspiring. Can you start by telling us what’s new and exciting at The Redwoods right now?
Flashbacks to almost two decades ago—young us, green with experience but grand with vision. In many ways, Redwoods has come full circle back to its original model: coaching and mentoring. We focus on the Human Experience of Wealth, viewing investment education as just one tool to support the bigger picture of how our resources can promote wholeness in all areas of our lives. This past year, we wrapped up a leadership program for youth that emphasized business acumen, career readiness, and financial literacy. It was truly inspiring to see their engagement grow throughout the program—from the kick-off conference to remote classes, and on-site job shadowing. Up next: co-hosting and facilitating several gatherings of founders and decision makers- but with a soulful lens.
Your personal and professional journey has also led you to launch Casa Abby. Can you share what inspired you to start it and what it’s all about?
I’ve had the opportunity to work and build social bonds across many different sectors—ranging from finance, architecture, beauty, wellness, and fashion retail to entrepreneurship, events, media and entertainment, philanthropy, and even receiving an Emmy for an incredible community volunteer PSA vision for NYC. Throughout all these industries, there’s one common thread I’ve always been most drawn to: the human experience.
For 22 years, I’ve been hosting amazing people, starting with snacks in my apartment and evolving into bespoke retreats in the Hudson Valley and workshops centered on the Mind, Body, Spirit connection. My own health challenges and a newfound appreciation of nature then inspired the creation of Casa Abby—a space dedicated to Love, Nourish, Rest. Over the past five years, I’ve studied Classical Chinese Medicine and the Channel System of Acupuncture, packaging all of this into private practice, group teachings, and retreats. I’m especially excited about the Restorative Channel Treatments, which facilitate a deep state of restoration and relaxation.
Why do you think holistic care, health, and wellness are more important than ever for individuals and families?
When I first began coaching in private wealth 20 years ago, discussions around mental health and spiritual connection were still considered borderline taboo. However, today there is an undeniable openness to embracing these conversations through a holistic lens. Wealth presents an opportunity to reflect on what truly matters to us and to intentionally direct our time and resources toward those priorities. If we see wealth as a means to support our well-being, that understanding extends far beyond questions of where to send our children to school or which neighborhood to buy a home in. It invites us to ask: how can I fully support my individual well-being? Because when we start by prioritizing ourselves, we are better equipped to be present and engaged with those closest to us—our families, friends, and community.
How do you work with clients at Casa Abby? What does that process look like?
Casa Abby is rooted in nature, holistic wellness, and intentional living. At its core, I blend the wisdom of classical Chinese medicine with modern coaching, experience design, and facilitation to create meaningful spaces for care, connection, and transformation. Through retreats, group meditation sessions, classes, and personalized one-on-one coaching, my goal is to nurture well-being and inspire a deeper connection to the interconnectedness of our whole selves. What does that look like? It could be a meditation class, a spa treatment focused on restorative relaxation, or a six-month coaching journey to embody a balanced mind, body, and spirit mindset. Some of our most beloved offerings are weekend retreats in the Hudson Valley or day-trips designed to immerse participants in nature and art—experiences that nourish both your soul and your sense of wonder.
You and I have talked about the power of sisterhood—having female industry friends, colleagues, and connectors who champion you. How do you continue to nurture and find those relationships?
Over the past two decades, I’ve been fortunate to receive incredible support from the industry, including from many leading women. I believe my mantra in all relationships is to “go beyond the business card” and genuinely discover what truly matters to someone—whether it's their family, their love of nature, the dog they hike with, a poetry collection, or a passion for cooking. I want to know what makes someone light up across all areas of their life, not just in a professional context. At the same time, I recognize the importance of creating space for the challenges or struggles someone may be facing. How do I find and nurture those deeper parts of people? Usually, I do this with a simple and heartfelt phrase like, “I’d love to learn more about YOU,” or “This relationship has always been meaningful to me, and I’d like to continue exploring it.” Sometimes I might say, “I’ve always admired your work; I’d love to take you out for coffee and grow in friendship.” It’s about making authentic connections that go beyond surface-level interactions and truly see the person behind the roles. And if we have a chance to go for a walk in Central Park or a hike in the woods- sign me up!
What would you say is your superpower?
I make magic—with people, with gatherings, and with connections. There’s always something synchronous and special that arises—some kind of surprise that no planning could ever predict. And I have the ability to whip up a meal for twenty guests at the last minute, ensuring everyone is nourished, happy, and feeling cared for. It’s about creating moments that feel spontaneous yet meaningful, bringing people together in ways that leave a lasting sense of warmth and connection.
What's next in your journey?
What’s wonderful about work these days is that having a portfolio of projects is the best way to hedge in uncertain times. I feel confident about the balance of my flow. Redwoods continues to stay the course as a resource focused on The Human Experience of Wealth. Currently, I’m working on a project called “The Rich Inner Life,” and Casa Abby serves as my playground for all things mind, body, spirit, and Love, Nourish, Rest. Stay tuned for more retreats, gatherings, and exciting brand partnerships coming your way!