Creative Hosting News

Building My Community through Soulcial Suite's first retreat

Jan 16, 2025

If there's anything I've learned through managing Soulcial Suite, it's that artists thrive when they're part of a community that is there for their. The highs and lows, the secret
 inside jokes, in-jokes "Why is Instagram doing this to us? !" vent sessions--it all comes to a head
 differently when you're in the with people who are aware.

The feeling of belonging to a community was that drove this retreat. Soulcial Suite retreat, and it turned out to
 be an experience that deepened my community in ways I didn't think of.
 Here's how our first retreat brought us closer, created lifelong connections, and
 Reignited our mission.

Skip ahead:

Why a retreat? Because creators need real-life connection

Soulcial Suite was built on the concept of connecting and shared knowledge, but
 there's only so much you can accomplish through screens. I was amazed at how challenging people were working
 were working, the amount they gave them, and honestly what they were burning
  out. Retreats seemed like the ideal opportunity to step off from screens, and to actually
 spend quality time with each spend quality time with each. I wanted it to be an environment where we can
 Think, recharge and learn.

My intention was to create an environment that everyone could feel truly loved and respected.
 supported, where they could discover new methods as well as where they could feel a sense of collaboration
  natural. I wanted it to be an experience that made them remember (and me) the reason we are
 started this journey from the very beginning.

The retreat planning process involves creating an experience that is intentional

When I began planning my workshop ideas, I was aware that this wouldn't simply be a handful of workshops tossed
  together. We must spend our time (and let's be real it's the energy) to this project, we must be able to work
 It was important to have a purpose. I had spent months planning each day, every activity was to
 ensure that everything served a purpose. From handpicking the location--a giant colorful,
 Modern Airbnb in my hometown city of Charlotte in North Carolina. agenda
 everything was chosen to spark these "a-ha!" moments and foster true
  connection.
 The weekend began by taking an art class led by SkillPop, which was such a
 Beautiful way to break through the ice and dive into the heart of the reason why we
  do. From there, each program builds upon the last to cover everything that Human

Design for Business and Unique Value Propositions to exercises focused on
 developing B-Roll content as well as brand new images.

Moments which brought us closer

If you are part of a community such as ours, collaboration and shared experiences are the most important thing.
 So, I incorporated meetings where participants could freely discuss their struggles
 And brainstorming solutions with each other. The moments were more than "networking" but they were also brainstorming ideas.
 were about allowing each other to be real flawed people. The
 the discussions we had -- about finding our voices in the face of setbacks, celebrating
 These were exactly the kinds of discussions I'd hoped for Soulcial Suite
 This would help.

One of the most memorable aspects was the moments where we just got to become
  friends. After dinner on the Saturday night of the retreat the group gathered in our "Suite
 Retreat" Hoodies I gave them and our pajama pants as well as s'mores.
  fire. In this place, people were free to talk, chat, and simply let their own. Let's not forget to do not forget to
 me tell you, watching people laugh was all the motivation I needed to
 Keep pushing to improve this community.

Real-life impact The retreat's transformation the members of our group.

The enchantment of interacting in person 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 acquaintances, as well as learning more about myself along the way."

Talk about tear-jerking

The connections lasted well past the weekend retreat. Members have been
 collaborating on projects, helping each other out in tough times, and lifting each
 other up on their journeys. There's a new energy and a new feeling of purpose
 the community, and it's all thanks to the depth of connection we found at the
  retreat.

The retreat's impact on Soulcial Suite's growth

Beyond the personal growth and friendships made, this retreat really
 strengthened the foundation that was the foundation Soulcial Suite as a community. Members came
 Return more engaged, more committed to supporting each other and being more invested
 within their individual journeys. The ripple effect was real--our post-retreat conversations have been richer, our community feels stronger, and honestly this is just an improvement
 the best place where you can be.

The event triggered new thoughts regarding the possibilities of what Soulcial Suite could become. We've
 Already arranged our next retreat for June 2025 and are considering ways we can
 keep building on this momentum. More workshops, more opportunities to network,
 and yes, definitely and yes, definitely.

Lessons learned and what's next for Soulcial Suite

Of course, there's always room for improvement. I have learned a lot from hosting
 This was my first retreat. Things I'll keep in mind for next time (like making sure that you've got
 plenty of healthy food options rather than slumber party foods ).

Moving forward, my plan is to keep investing in these in-person experiences.
 There is nothing that strengthens a community like spending time together in real life.
 And now that I've seen what's possible, I'm now more determined than ever to create
 other meaningful occasions for Soulcial Suite.

Final thoughts: the power of face-to–face interaction

Hosting this retreat reminded me of something fundamental: real-life connection is
 the catalyst for a thriving community. Creators can have a room to create, it is
 Together, openly share together, grow and share, that's when the magic happens. For anyone
 to build a community. I can't recommend in-person events enough. They're well worth the effort.
 each and every effort and investment. Soulcial Suite is stronger than any time thanks to
 it, and I couldn't be happier about the journey we're all on together.