Atlanta’s The Rest Spot: A Sanctuary for Overwhelmed Black Women.
In 2024, Jena Burgess Singleton created The Rest Spot as a haven for women in need of relaxation and rest.
In June 2024, Jena Burgess Singleton, a Smyrna, GA native, launched The Rest Spot, a private, women-only wellness campus dedicated to providing a safe space for women to rest. Aimed especially at Black women, Singleton’s business grew from her personal healing journey to a shared mission of community wellness, sparked by seeing others face similar struggles. In an interview with Essence, she reflected on how, in 2023, the pressures of her life, career, and caregiving left her feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
Singleton shared, “I had no choice but to rest. My body was shutting down—my cortisol levels were through the roof, I was shaking constantly, and I even experienced facial paralysis. My nervous system was completely fried.”
After her doctor advised her to take a break from work due to health issues, Singleton had no choice but to prioritize her healing.
“It was overwhelming because I was hearing so many stories and becoming a safe space for others,” Singleton explained. “On top of that, my own life was a whirlwind—my father needed a kidney transplant, I became a mother, went through a divorce, dealt with the impact of COVID, and witnessed the tragedy of George Floyd. Everything felt so intensified.”
Singleton channeled her personal healing into something for others, ultimately leading to the creation of The Rest Spot.
She transformed her home into a healing sanctuary, with nap rooms and creative spaces. The demand for a safe space grew faster than expected, prompting the small sanctuary to expand.
Today, The Rest Spot spans an acre of land in Smyrna, surrounded by lush gardens and designed with soothing vibes and calming scents for all who visit. The main house features two common rooms, snacks and teas, a library, and more, all carefully crafted to encourage emotional release and rest for those in need.
Singleton reflected on her journey from working out of her home to where The Rest Spot stands now.
“I’d invite them over, watch the kids, and they’d head upstairs to nap,” Singleton recalled. “With a larger home, I had two extra rooms that I started transforming. I just wanted to make them cozy and inviting, and it became a fun project for me.”
Now, The Rest Spot has a strong following of members, about 90% of whom are Black women. They can reserve time in themed suites and spaces designed to promote rest, self-reflection, or honest expression. The Rest Spot provides tools to support women in creative, mental, and emotional rejuvenation.
The Rest Spot also caters to mothers, ensuring that childcare doesn’t prevent women from benefiting from its services.
The business offers a dedicated childcare suite with certified staff to care for the children of mothers who visit.
Singleton shared, “For many Black women who are members, this is the first time they’ve entrusted anyone with their baby. It’s incredibly emotional to witness, especially knowing they’re in postpartum. You can see the relief in their eyes as they shake off the stress.”
Singleton prioritizes accessibility at The Rest Spot, offering a membership model free from the usual barriers of other wellness resorts. Meals and childcare are included in the membership fee, which ranges from $135 to $189 per month.
“We don’t penalize women for being moms. We meet them where they are,” Singleton explained.
“Loneliness is an epidemic,” she added. “We have many women who are single, without children, pets, or partners. They want to feel connected and be around like-minded people. That’s why we host social hour every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., with appetizers prepared by the chef and drinks—just another perk of the membership.”
Singleton plans to expand the wellness center to other parts of Atlanta and grow the current campus to include seven themed suites.
