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Building My Community through Soulcial Suite's First Retreat

Jan 16, 2025

If there's one thing I've learned while running Soulcial Suite, it's that creators thrive best in a community that genuinely gets their. The highs, the lows, the secret
 Inside jokes inside jokes, in-jokes "Why is Instagram being so cruel to us? !" vent sessions--it all hits
 Differently when you're in company of people who really know.

This sense of belonging was the driving force behind the Soulcial Suite retreat, and it was a success.
 The experience was one that strengthened our community in ways I had never imagined.
 Here's how our first retreat brought us closer together, helped us build lifelong friendships, and
 Reignited our mission.

Skip ahead:

The reason a retreat is necessary? Because creators need real-life connection

Soulcial Suite was built on the idea of connection and shared knowledge, but
 there's only so much that you can achieve by using screens. I saw how hard people were working
 working, how much they were giving to charity, and, honestly what they were burning
  out. Retreats seemed like an ideal way to get out of the screens, but also to get
 Enjoy quality time with one and spend time together. I would like it to be a space where we could
 brainstorm, recharge and learn.

My aim was to create an environment that everyone could feel truly loved and
 They were supported, they had the opportunity to discover new methods that they were able to learn from, and where there was a feeling of cooperation
  natural. I wanted it to be an experience that made them remember (and me) why we
 The journey began at the beginning.

Designing the retreat: creating an experience that is intentional

In the beginning the workshop, I realized that it couldn't simply be a handful of workshops tossed
  together. We could put our energy (and let's be real it's time and energy) in this, it
 required to be meaningful. I had spent months planning each day, every activity was to
 ensure that everything served a purpose. Starting with the selection of the venue--a huge colorful,
 modern Airbnb in my city of Charlotte, NC--to structuring the agenda
 Every element was picked to trigger the "a-ha!" moments and encourage the spirit of
  connection.
 The weekend started with an art class taught by SkillPop, which was such an experience.
 A beautiful method to break the ice and get to the root of what makes us do the things it is that we do.
  do. Then, every session built on the last, covering everything from Human

Design for Business and Unique Value Propositions to work on exercises focusing on
 making B-Roll videos and creating new branding photographs.

Key moments that brought us together

For a community like ours, collaboration and shared experience are everything.
 So, I incorporated sessions where members could openly be able to discuss their issues
 And brainstorming solutions with each other. They weren't simply "networking" and brainstorming solutions; they
 They were all about allowing one another to show up as real, imperfect people. The
 discussions we had--about discovering our voice, dealing with setbacks, celebrations
 These were exactly the kinds of conversation I've always wanted to have Soulcial Suite
 would encourage.

One of the most memorable aspects was the instances when we had just gotten to become
  friends. After dinner on the evening of the retreat on Saturday, we all got into our "Suite
 "Retreat" Hoodies I gave the hoodies and pajama pants as well as s'mores.
  fire. Members were given the freedom to chat, connect, and simply let their own. Let's not forget to do not forget to
 I'll tell you what, watching everyone cry laughing was the only motivation I needed
 keep pushing for this community.

The real-life effects How the retreat changed our members

The magic of in-person connection affected us all. A lot of creators said to me that they'd
 They found those they could connect with, that truly understood their
  struggles. Our testimonials one of our attendees said:

"I ended up making lifelong friends, and learning more about me along my journey."

Talk about tear-jerking

These connections continued well beyond the event itself. The members have been
 Working together on projects, helping one another through difficult times and challenging each other to be better
 other up on their journeys. The energy is renewed and a new feeling of purpose
 The community is thriving, which is all because of the depth of connection we have found in
  retreat.

What was the impact of the retreat on Soulcial Suite's growth

Beyond the personal growth and newfound friendships This retreat is truly
 It strengthened the base that was the foundation Soulcial Suite as a community. The members attended
 Back more active, more committed to supporting each other and being more committed
 on their own paths. This ripple effect is real. posts-retreat conversation has been more meaningful as well as our community has a stronger sense of as well as, honestly the experience is simply better
 The best spot where you can where you can.

This retreat sparked new ideas regarding what Soulcial Suite could become. We've
 already planned our next retreat for June 2025. We're also considering ways we can
 Continue to build on this momentum. Further workshops, more chances to connect,
 And, yes, there will be and yes, definitely.

What lessons have been learned and what's coming up for Soulcial Suite

Of course, there's always an opportunity to improve. I have learned a lot from hosting
 the first retreat. I'll be keeping these in mind for next time (like making sure that you've got
 Plenty of nutritious food choices instead of just slumber party foods ).

My plan for the future is to keep investing in these in-person experiences.
 Nothing strengthens a community quite like spending time together in real life.
 Now that I've realized what's possible, I'm now more driven than ever to make a difference.
 other meaningful moments for Soulcial Suite.

The power of face-to-face connections

Hosting this retreat reminded me of something essential the real-life connection.
 is the key to creating a vibrant community. If creators are given a place to work from, they can be
 Together, openly share, and grow, that's when it's magic. To anyone who wishes to share their thoughts, grow and learn.
 to build a community. I can't recommend in-person events enough--they're worth
 every bit of effort and money. Soulcial Suite is stronger than before due to
 that, and could be more grateful for our journey together.