Modern creative news

Building My Community through Soulcial Suite's First Retreat

Jan 16, 2025

If there's a thing I've learned while operating Soulcial Suite, it's that creators thrive best within a group that truly is there for them. The highs and lows, the niche
 Inside jokes and in-jokes "Why does Instagram making this happen to us? !" vent sessions--it all is a hit
 different when you're in the company of people who really are aware.

This sense of belonging was what fueled that Soulcial Suite retreat, and it was a success.
 It was an experience that enriched the bonds of our community in ways that I had never imagined.
 This is how our very first retreat brought us closer, created lifelong connections and
 Our purpose was rekindled.

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.
 there's only so much you can do with screens. I saw how hard everybody was
 were working, the amount they were giving the organization, and frankly the amount they were burning
  out. A retreat felt like the ideal opportunity to step out of the screens, and to actually
 spend quality time with each and spend time together. I wanted it to be a space where we could
 Think, recharge, and grow--together.

My goal was to create an environment in which everyone felt valued and respected.
 supported, where they could learn new strategies 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
 started this journey at the beginning.

Designing the retreat: curating an intentional experience

When I began planning the workshop, I realized that it couldn't just be a few workshops toss around
  together. If we were going to invest our time (and in real life, energy) into this endeavor, we should do it
 required to be meaningful. I had spent months planning each day, every activity, to
 Make sure that it was for a reason. From handpicking the location--a giant bright,
 Modern Airbnb in my home city of Charlotte, NC--to structuring the agenda
 everything was chosen to spark these "a-ha!" moments and encourage true
  connection.
 The weekend began by taking an art class led by SkillPop that was as a
 Beautiful way to break the ice, and get to the root of why we do what is so wonderful to break the ice and discover why
  do. From there, each program builds upon the last, covering all aspects of Human

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

Key moments which brought us closer

If you are part of a community such as the one we have, cooperation and sharing knowledge are essential.
 Thus, I created sessions in which members were able to openly talk about their challenges
 and come up with solutions. These moments weren't just "networking"; they
 were about allowing each other to present themselves as genuine human beings, flawed. The
 conversations we had about discovering our voice in the face of setbacks, celebrating
 These were exactly the kinds of conversations I'd always hoped Soulcial Suite
 This would help.

Some of our most memorable elements was the tiny moment when we were just getting to be
  friends. Then, on evening of the retreat on Saturday, we all got into our "Suite
 Retreat" hoodies, which I donated to the hoodies and pajama pants and cooked s'mores with them.
  fire. Here, members were free to connect, chat and just enjoy themselves. Also, do not forget to
 me tell you, watching people laugh was all the motivation I needed to
 keep pushing for this community.

Impact on real life: how the retreat transformed our members

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

"I found myself making lifelong friends and discovering more about me along my journey."

Talk about tear-jerking

They stayed in touch long after the weekend retreat. Participants have also been
 working together on projects, assisting one another through difficult times, and lifting each
 Other people are also on their way to. There's a new energy and a new feeling of purpose
 the community, and it's all thanks to the depth of connection we discovered at
  retreat.

The retreat's impact on Soulcial Suite's development

Beyond the personal growth and the new friendships that were made This retreat is really
 The foundation was strengthened of Soulcial Suite as a community. The members attended
 Back more active with a greater commitment to support each other and being more engaged
 on their own paths. This ripple effect is real. post-retreat conversations have been richer, our community feels stronger as well as, honestly, it's just a better
 the best place where you can place to.

This retreat sparked new ideas about the possibilities of what Soulcial Suite could become. We've
 already planned the next retreat we will be having in June 2025. We are now considering ways we can
 keep building on the momentum. Further workshops, more chances to network,
 And, yes, there will be more retreats.

Lessons learned and what's next for Soulcial Suite

There's no doubt that there's an opportunity to improve. I learned so much through hosting
 this first retreat--things I'll keep on my mind for the next retreat (like making sure you have
 Plenty of nutritious food choices rather than slumber party foods ).

Moving forward, my plan is to continue investing on these personal experiences.
 Nothing can strengthen a community more as spending time with friends in actual life.
 Now that I've realized the possibilities, I'm more driven than ever to make a difference.
 more of these meaningful moments for Soulcial Suite.

The power of face-to–face interaction

Hosting this retreat reminded me of something fundamental the real-life connection.
 is the key to creating a vibrant community. Creators can have a room to work from, they can be
 Together, openly share to grow when it's magic. To anyone who wishes to share their thoughts, grow and learn.
 to build a community. and I cannot recommend events in person enough--they're worth
 every bit of effort and money. Soulcial Suite is stronger than ever due to
 it, and I couldn't be happier about our journey as a team.