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Building My Community through Soulcial Suite's inaugural retreat

Jan 17, 2025

If there's something I've learned from managing Soulcial Suite it's that artists flourish in an online community that understands. The highs and lows, and the niche in-jokes, inside jokes "Why does Instagram do this to us? !" vent sessions--it all is an absolute blast
  Differently when you're in group of individuals who truly know.

The feeling of belonging to a group is the reason for this Soulcial Suite retreat, and it turned out to be a huge big success.
  It was an experience that strengthened our community in ways I never could have imagined.
  That's how our first retreat helped us to get closer, made lifelong connections as well as
  The reason for our existence was revived.

Skip ahead:

Why a retreat? Because creators need real-life connection

Soulcial Suite was built on the notion of connecting and sharing knowledge.
  There's no limit to the things that you can achieve by using screens. I saw how hard people were working
  were employed, the amount they paid them, and frankly what they were burning
   out. A retreat felt like the ideal opportunity to take a step off of screens and get
  Spend quality time with each enjoy quality time with everyone. I'd like to have a space in which we are able to
  Develop, recharge and brainstorm.

My intention was to create a place where everyone was truly valued and felt respected.
  They received support, were given the chance to study new techniques, and were in a place where they felt a sense of collaboration
   natural. It was my intention to create something that would remind them (and me) why we exist.
  began this journey at the beginning.

The planning of retreats is the creation of an event that's planned

When I first started I was aware that this wouldn't simply be a handful of classes that I could toss around
   together. If we can invest our time (and in actual life, and to be truthfully, our efforts) to this cause and we ought to be doing it
  needed to have meaning. I had spent months planning every session, each event I desired to
  make sure it all had a point. From handpicking the location--a giant colourful,
  Modern Airbnb in my home city of Charlotte North Carolina. It is a great method of organizing the schedule
  Every element was picked to bring about these "a-ha!" moment and inspire the spirit
   connection.
  Our weekend kicked off with an art lesson taught by SkillPop. The lesson was a
  An amazing method of breaking the ice and get to the basis of why it is that we have to do it.
   do. Every program builds upon the last to cover everything from human to

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

The times that brought us back together

If you are part of the same community as of ours, sharing and collaboration experience are everything.
  Thus, I added a series of sessions where participants were free to talk about the challenges they face
  And brainstorming solutions with each other. This wasn't only "networking" but also thinking of concepts.
  They were all about allowing one another to be flawed, real people. They were all about allowing one another to be flawed.
  discussions we had on finding our voice in the midst of failure, and celebrating
  The wins were precisely my type of conversations I've always wished to have Soulcial Suite
  would encourage.

One of our favorite aspects was the instances that we were just beginning to the point of becoming
   friends. After dinner on the evening of the retreat on Saturday, we all got into our "Suite
  Retreat" Hoodies I gave to them with pajamas and made s'mores by the
   fire. Members were given the freedom to connect, chat and even enjoy themselves. Let's not forget to let
  I'll tell you what, watching the people cry and laugh was all the motivation I had
  Keep pushing for this group.

Real-life consequences How the retreat changed the lives of our participants

The impact of interaction in person has a devastating effect on us all. Numerous creators have said to me they'd
  They found those they could relate to who truly understood their
   struggles. One of our testimonials, an attendee said:

"I found myself making friendships that will last a lifetime and also discovering more about me on my path."

Talk about tears-jerking

They stayed in touch long following the retreat. Members have remained in touch.
  cooperating on projects together helping each other out of difficult times, and supporting each
  Other people are also on their way to. It's a new energy, a renewed feeling of purpose
  our community and that's all thanks to the depth of connections we've found within
   retreat.

What the retreat did was fuel the expansion of the Soulcial Suite

Beyond personal growth and newfound friendships, this retreat will truly
  The event strengthened the foundation for the development of Soulcial Suite as a community. Soulcial Suite members attended
  More active and committed to supporting each other, and to being more dedicated
  on their own paths. It was a real ripple effect--our post-retreat conversations have been richer as well as our community has a stronger sense of the community, and frankly, it's just a better
  The most ideal spot you'll be.

The retreat inspired new ideas concerning the possibilities that Soulcial Suite could become. We've
  Have already planned the next retreat that we'll be hosting on June 2025. We're exploring ways to
  Continue to build on the momentum. Further workshops, more chances for networking,
  Yes, and definitely and absolutely.

The lessons learned, along with the next step to take for Soulcial Suite

There's no doubt that there is room for improvement. I gained so much knowledge on hosting
  My first experience at a retreat. What I'll be keeping in mind for the next one (like making sure that you've got
  There are many options for healthy choices to eat instead of food for sleep-ins (slumber party, etc. ).

In the coming years, my goal is to keep investing into these experiences in person.
  Nothing is as powerful in strengthening the bonds of a group more than spending time with friends in the real world.
  After seeing what's possible, I'm now more driven than ever to make a difference.
  More of these memorable occasions for Soulcial Suite.

Face-to-face connection is a powerful tool for making connections.

The retreat that I attended brought me back to something important the real-life connection.
  the catalyst for a thriving community. If creators have an environment to work in it can help them be
  to share their experiences, and grow, that's when it's magic. Anyone looking to grow
  To build to build a for the development of a. It is a great way to build a community. to attend in person enough. It's worth it.
  each and every minute of time and. Soulcial Suite is stronger than it was before due to
  It's been a great journey, and I could not be more pleased with the path that we're on together as a team.

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