My Heart Story: Small Batch Retreat

I wrote this essay as part of a workshop for creatives and entrepreneurs called The Aesthetic Way, taught by Emma Natter. A heart story is a memory or moment that makes you say, “We need more of this in the world.” You can use it to gain vision, purpose, and clarity in business and in life. Here’s mine. Want the 30-second version? Click here.

Gathering Inspiration

I’ve always been inspired by inspiration. The way an idea sparks, gains easy momentum, grows piece by piece.  There is magic in creativity unfolding. Some people are makers and artisans. I am a collector of words, images, and sensations. My favorite kind of alchemy comes from gathering and combining these elements and then sharing them with others. This feels good and easy in my soul, as natural and pleasurable as walking barefoot along the beach.

My heart story is anchored to a sunny Saturday afternoon last September. I had the idea to host an intimate retreat the day after a conference I was attending with friends. The conference was for mothers, entrepreneurs, and creative small business owners. I craved quiet time to connect after the hustle and bustle of speeches, panels, and breakout sessions. I wanted space to let the insights integrate and the community that comes from being in a room with other women.

Small Batch Retreat

I called my gathering a small batch retreat because like a premium spirit, I wanted to blend a select number of quality ingredients — good people, cozy environment, creative inspiration, and high vibes — with the intention that our collective presence would result in something magical.

My best friend Christy flew into Austin from Maryland. One of my internet besties, Janelle, arrived shortly after from Ohio. They had never met, but I was harboring a hunch they would click into place like old friends. We checked them into a simple, stylish Airbnb that my friend Lauren owns. The renovated 1950s bungalow was perfectly suited for us: cozy, clean, and quiet. (As mothers of toddlers and babies, this was a welcome departure from the normal conditions of our homes.)

The home felt airy and bright as the rest of the guests arrived. Next to the front door, a letter board leaned against the side of the house that said, "Come on in & feel the magic." Arms full and hearts ready, each woman came with her unique story and gifts to share.

We made introductions, poured sparkling water and rosé, kicked off our shoes, and made ourselves comfortable in the front room for a centering meditation. I led the group in closing our eyes, taking a few deep breaths, connecting to our bodies, entering the time and space together.

The afternoon unfolded with a gentle flow. Each woman's seat was marked with a hand-lettered gift and wildflower arrangement. All the essentials for casual vision boarding were scattered atop the table: magazines, folders, scissors, and tape. We went around, introducing ourselves, sharing about our businesses and families. It felt easy and natural, conversations blooming from person to person. Our hands kept busy flipping through pages, cutting out inspiring images and words as we went.

Potluck of Personalities

The list of women I invited was carefully curated. Just like a delicious potluck, each person brought a creative offering. Jordan is a hairstylist who's into energy and vibes. She's also my podcasting co-host on our show, That's Pretty Woo. She offered tarot card readings for everyone, which was a total delight. 

Gretchen is a flower farmer and florist who lives out in the country but commutes into the city for clients. She provided the floral arrangements in simple mason jars that I still use as water glasses today.

Christy and Phyllis are both business coaches with past careers that act as evidence of their ability to guide others. Christy has been a recruiter and HR professional for more than a decade. Phyllis built and sold a thriving doula cooperative and childbirth education center in town. Together, they helped steer and support our round-table conversation, asking questions, and interjecting with sparks of insight.

Mel is a film photographer with a warm presence that lights up the room. She gracefully snuck each of us out, one by one, to take our photographs and capture this magical moment in time. 

Janelle is an artist with a talent for hand-lettering that’s filled with spirit. She was pregnant with her second son during our time together. As we shared our ideas for the future, she was growing a tiny, perfect human inside her belly.

Support Like Scaffolding

It happened by chance that we were all mothers, with children ranging from tiny babies to high school. In business, our depth of experience ranged as well. Some of us were scratching the surface of our dreams. We shared our hopes and aspirations for what we might build one day. Others had already grown empires, revealing thoughts on expansion and longevity as business owners. 

The conversation ebbed and flowed through dating and marriage, children and bedtime routines, rituals and intentions, search engine optimization and business valuations, pricing, networking, and attracting clients. You know, all the usual things women talk about when gathered together. 

I could feel encouragement cascading from one heart to another, support growing like scaffolding. That afternoon we built something within each of us that we could return to whenever we needed shelter or rest, courage or strength. It’s easy to feel lonely in life, motherhood, and business. Within a few hours, we planted a reminder that we’re never alone. Inspiration, connection, and calm are always in reach.

Notes to Self

Tucked in the front corner of the room, there was a desk where I set up a letter-writing station. A place for each woman to write a message to her future self. Sealed and addressed, I mailed each one back over the next few months whenever intuition tugged. And as everyone prepared to leave that afternoon, I arranged a crystal exchange so everyone could bring home a new piece of sparkling earth to remember our time together.

A Magical Collective

I've hosted plenty of events and workshops in the past, but this was the first time I felt such a strong sense of calm and ease through every passing moment. Most of the women were strangers when they arrived, but in one afternoon we were distilled into a magical collective.

We are here in this life to feel the depth, texture, complexity, and contrast. Our experiences are wrapped in beauty, abundance, and connection. Sitting with this group of women for a few hours, I felt it all. Strangers turned to friends. Gathered to getaway. A small batch of magic to savor slowly.