Interviews and news

Strengthening My Community Through Soulcial Suite's first retreat

Jan 16, 2025

If there's anything I've learned from managing Soulcial Suite, it's that creators thrive best when they're part of a community that understands them. The highs and lows, the niche
 in-jokes inside jokes, inside jokes "Why is Instagram being so cruel to us? !" vent sessions--it all is a hit
 different when you're in the company of people who really know.

The feeling of belonging to a community was the driving force behind this retreat. Soulcial Suite retreat, and it proved to be
 be an experience that deepened my community in ways I didn't think of.
 The story of our initial retreat brought us closer, created lifelong connections, and
 Reignited our mission.

Skip ahead:

What is the reason for a retreat? Because creators need real-life connection

Soulcial Suite was built on the notion of connections and sharing knowledge.
 You only have so much you can do through screens. I could tell how frustrating everybody was
 being employed, how much they gave to charity, and, honestly, how much they were burning
  out. A retreat felt like the perfect way to step off from screens, but also to get
 Spend quality time with each spend quality time with each. I wanted it to be an area where we could
 Recharge, brainstorm and learn.

My goal was to create an environment where everyone felt truly seen and respected.
 was a place where people could learn new strategies, and where collaboration felt
  natural. It was my intention to create an experience that made them remember (and me) why we
 began this journey from the very beginning.

Designing the retreat: The creation of an intentionally designed experience

In the beginning my workshop ideas, I was aware that this wouldn't simply be a handful of workshops scattered around
  together. We could spend our time (and since we're being honest and honest, our time and energy) to this project, we must be able to work
 required to be meaningful. I had spent months planning each session, each activity that I wanted to
 ensure that everything served a purpose. The process of selecting the place to pick a location is a bright,
 modern Airbnb in my city of Charlotte North Carolina. It is a great way to organize the agenda,
 Every element was picked to trigger those "a-ha!" moments and encourage the spirit of
  connection.
 Our weekend kicked off with an art class taught by SkillPop, which was such as a
 A beautiful method to break the ice, and get to the root of why we do what we
  do. Then, every session builds on the previous and covered everything that Human

Design for Business and Unique Value Propositions to work on exercises focusing on
 creating B-Roll content and brand new photos.

Moments that brought us together

For a community like ours, collaboration and shared experience are everything.
 Thus, I created sessions where members could openly talk about their challenges
 And brainstorming solutions with each other. These moments weren't just "networking" but they were also brainstorming ideas.
 were about allowing each other to be real flawed people. The
 conversations we had about discovering our voice in the face of setbacks, having fun,
 These were exactly the kinds of discussions I'd hoped for Soulcial Suite
 This would help.

The most memorable elements was the tiny instances when we had just gotten to be
  friends. Then, on weekend night of the retreat, we all got into our "Suite
 "Retreat" hoodies, which I donated to them along with our pajamas as well as s'mores.
  fire. Members were given the freedom to talk, chat, and enjoy their own. And let
 Let me tell you, seeing the people laugh and cry was all the inspiration I needed to
 keep pushing for this community.

Impact on real life: how the retreat transformed the members of our group.

The power of in-person interaction hit us all hard. A lot of creators said to me they'd
 found people they could finally connect with, who truly understood their
  struggles. In one of our testimonials one of our attendees said:

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

Talk about tears-jerking

They stayed in touch long after the retreat itself. The members have been
 working together on projects, assisting one another through difficult times as well as lifting one another up
 other up on their journeys. It's been a change in energy, a renewed sense of purpose in
 this community which is all because of the depth of connection we discovered at
  retreat.

How the retreat fueled the Soulcial Suite's expansion

Beyond personal growth and the new friendships that were made, this retreat really
 The foundation was strengthened that was the foundation Soulcial Suite as a community. Members were able to join in
 Return more engaged with a greater commitment to support each other, and more invested
 in their own journeys. This ripple effect is real. post-retreat conversations have been richer, our community feels stronger as well as, honestly the experience is simply better
 The best spot for you to be.

This retreat sparked new ideas about the possibilities of what Soulcial Suite could become. We've
 Already arranged the next retreat we will be having in June 2025. We are now considering ways we can
 keep building on the momentum. More workshops, more opportunities for networking,
 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 room for improvement. I learned so much from hosting
 This was my first retreat. Things I'll keep in mind for my next retreat (like ensuring you've got
 There are many healthy options for food instead of just slumber party food items ).

In the coming years, my goal is to invest into these experiences in person.
 Nothing can strengthen a community more like spending time together in the real world.
 Now that I've realized what's possible, I'm more committed than ever to creating
 other meaningful momentous Soulcial Suite.

Last thoughts: the value of face-to-face connections

The retreat I attended reminded me of something vital: real-life connection is
 the catalyst for a thriving community. When creators have a space to create, it is
 Together, openly share together, grow and share, that's when the magic happens. Anyone who wants to get
 creating a community, I can't recommend in-person events enough--they're worth
 each and every effort and money. Soulcial Suite is stronger than ever thanks to
 it, and I couldn't be more grateful for the journey we're all on with each other.