the journal: from strangers to soul sisters
Hello there soul sister,
Think you can’t forge deep connections with strangers in just a few days? Think again.
Many people assume that the women attending Out of Office already know each other, as the content radiates intimacy and sisterhood. But here’s the truth: most women join without knowing anyone beforehand.They arrive with open hearts, ready to embrace vulnerability, and eager to forge new friendships and connections
At Out of Office Creative Retreats, we may start as strangers, but we end as soul sisters. The key to this transformation lies in creating a space where every woman feels safe, seen, heard, and held.
creating the foundation for connection
As the curator and facilitator of these retreats, I’ve learned that fostering genuine connections doesn’t happen by accident—it happens with intention. Here’s how we cultivate an environment where deep friendships are not only possible but inevitable:
1. setting the right mindset before arrival
Before the retreat even begins, I send each participant a packing list. The first item? An open mind. This is the most important thing to bring. I encourage everyone to flow through the creative sessions, experiment with new mediums, and approach the experience with curiosity rather than judgment. This mindset lays the groundwork for connection and creative growth.
2. cultivating connection before we meet
To break the ice before the retreat, I create a WhatsApp group where each participant is encouraged to post a short selfie video introducing themselves. This small but powerful step helps ease any pre-arrival nerves and fosters early connections. By the time we meet in person, we’re already familiar with each other’s faces, voices, and stories.
3. creating a welcoming atmosphere
First impressions matter. During the welcome ceremony, I emphasize the importance of one-on-one interactions. Encouraging everyone to spend time with different people right from the start ensures that no one feels isolated and that connections form organically.
4. encouraging vulnerability
True connection stems from vulnerability. To facilitate this, I introduce a special ritual before each creative session. We pull cards from a deck I created called "Let’s (Re)connect," which features thought-provoking questions like:
"What was a fear you recently overcame?"
"What recently brought you joy?"
Sharing personal experiences in a safe and supportive space builds trust and authenticity, allowing for deeper relationships to flourish.
5. fostering inclusivity—no Cliques allowed
One of the core principles of Out of Office is inclusivity. There are no cliques, no exclusivity—just a collective space where everyone belongs. This approach strengthens the bonds between participants and enriches the entire experience.
the lasting impact of connection
What happens when you create a space for women to connect on a deeper level? Lifelong friendships are born. After the retreats, participants have:
Traveled to visit each other in their home countries.
Embarked on new creative collaborations.
Supported each other through life’s transitions.
This is the magic of Out of Office. It’s not just about creativity; it’s about community. It’s about stepping away from daily life to reconnect not only with our creativity but with each other.
And now, I’m ready to do it all over again.
Join me in Morocco from April 13-18, 2025, for Out of Office Creative Retreats: Volume 4.
Six days between the desert and the medina, eight creative sessions, and an experience designed to spark inspiration, connection, and sisterhood. If you’ve been longing for a space to create, to be seen, to be understood—this is your invitation.
Morocco is calling. Will you answer?
Blessings, light, and love,
Your friend Sally