Inspired Retreat Recap

Even weeks after returning home from Inspired Retreat, I have to pinch myself. I can't believe I was fortunate enough to be part of such an amazing experience. This adventure was so good for my heart and soul. I'm finally sitting down to give you all a glimpse of the magical time I spent there! A huge thank you to Kristyn Hogan for capturing all of the photos in this post. You are SO talented! 

From the moment we were warmly welcomed by Amber Housley to the farewell breakfast, Inspired felt like a home away from home. 

The second I pulled up to Evan's Mill I was completely blown away. I knew from photos that this was an adorable little spot nestled in Tennessee... but pictures didn't do it justice! It. was. breathtaking. This location is like no other.

Every time I sat down, it was like Christmas morning! The swag was amazing. When I saw Emily Ley's book, Grace not Perfection in my welcome bag before it was even released, my eyeballs almost popped out of my head! 

Every single meal was an event with perfectly planned details and beautifully created menus. You guys, the food was SO good. Coming home, it was such a let down to eat my own (mediocre at best) cooking! 

Gifts, food, and pretty paper are my love languages. So basically, I was in heaven for four glorious days.  

All the pretty things aside, This retreat was packed with information. I walked away with priceless knowledge and the tactical steps I needed to take for my business. All the things I'd googled and googled and still didn't know how to do were covered...And then some! 

Even more valuable than the lectures, were the times out of class, where the speakers became our friends.  I couldn't believe how many of them reached out to me. They wanted to know what my struggles were and how they could help. 

From the start, everyone just clicked. This was the sweetest group of creatives with so much in common. It was inevitable that we were going to leave the closest of friends. 

Creative sessions with Kim from TomKat Studio and Lisa from Hand Lettered Design were the icing on the cake. They both have hearts of gold and made the experience that much sweeter. Going from super fan to becoming friends still feels surreal. 

We were asked to write down what we would have told ourselves on the day we opened our businesses. I would have told myself not to be embarrassed to choose this path. I always felt ashamed and guilty that my job was so enjoyable. I felt like making pretty things wasn't a real job that I could be proud to share. I told myself that I should plan to become an engineer or something more serious once all of my kids were finally in school. Being around such an amazing group of creative ladies was eye opening. It was a huge relief to find friends who "got it" and were doing it! I left Inspired knowing that what I do is a real job, that I should be proud of it, and that I should keep doing it.  

I'm so thankful for the experience and the friendships I formed with these sweet girls. This retreat is worth every last penny and more! If you are thinking about attending, take the plunge! Visit http://www.inspiredthereteat.com to find out more about the next retreat in April!