the journal: the story behind out of office creative retreats

Hello there soul sister,

I'm Sally, the brain and soul behind Out of Office Creative Retreats.

When I first set out to find a space where I could truly connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas with other female creatives, I came up empty handed. So, I decided to create a space for us. That’s how Out of Office Creative Retreats was born—a space dedicated to deep connection, creativity, and collaboration.

Since launching this dream, I’ve hosted three incredible retreats—two in Morocco and one in Germany—each filled with moments of connection, growth, and collaboration. Each retreat has been a journey of discovery, both for the women who join and for me. It’s been a celebration of our shared creativity and the bonds that form when we come together in a supportive, nurturing environment. In April 2025, I’m beyond excited to bring the next Out of Office Creative Retreat to Morocco. This retreat promises to take our exploration of creativity, culture, and community even deeper.

but first, a little about me

I'm an Egyptian-Canadian multidisciplinary creative. With a diverse background in photo production, filmmaking, silversmithing, and podcasting, I have always been drawn to creativity in all forms. My passion for community-building and connecting with fellow creatives is the heartbeat behind Out of Office Creative Retreats. I’ve always believed in the power of collaboration. It’s how we grow, how we stretch ourselves, and how we learn. Every retreat I host is designed with this core value in mind. My aim is to curate an experience where women can not only deepen their creative practices but also make meaningful connections with others who share similar values.

Drawing from my production background, I’m meticulous in curating each retreat experience to ensure it’s seamless, inspiring, and nourishing. From selecting the perfect locations to hiring the right team and managing every aspect of the process, I put my heart and soul into making sure each retreat flows effortlessly. It’s important to me that every detail is taken care of so that attendees can show up and fully immerse themselves in the experience. This is not just a retreat; it’s a journey, and I want every person who steps into one of these spaces to feel supported and encouraged at every turn.

Hi! It’s me, Sally!

the story behind

Out of Office Creative Retreats is an accumulation of so many moments that have led to this moment right now! Let me take you through a few key elements of the story behind it all:

My Creative Challenge: As a creative professional, I often found that the fast pace of the industry didn't allow for much space to truly tap into creativity. The emphasis on quick “content” creation often stifled the creative flow.

My Personal Journey: In October 2022, I decided to step away from the hustle of the industry. I took a seven-month break from the industry to regain my creative flow. During this time, I slow traveled to a new country each month and worked on personal creative projects including what would eventually become out of office creative retreats. It was a period of introspection and creative exploration.

My Breakthrough: In November 2022, I spent a month in a creative residency on a secluded island off the African coast. This transformative experience allowed me to connect with other creatives, unplug from the world, and tap into my own creativity in a profound way. It was a transformative experience that I wish more creatives could undergo. I connected with other creatives who were also in search of something more—something that transcended the typical “work hard, create fast” mentality of the industry. It was during this month that the vision for Out of Office Creative Retreats began to crystallize. I realized that this type of immersive, restorative experience was exactly what I wanted to offer other creatives.

It was there, at that residency, that I was able to fully embrace the concept of “being out of office.” Not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. I unplugged from the constant buzz of the digital world and reconnected with myself and my creativity in a way that was truly profound.

My “out of office”" message that inspired the name of out of office creative retreats.

The space where out of office creative retreats was “downloaded” - at an artist residency off the African coast.

Out of Office Creative Retreats is my way of offering that transformative experience to you—an opportunity to unplug from the chaos of daily life, to immerse yourself in creativity, and to build lasting connections with other like-minded women. I believe that when we take the time to pause, reflect, and refocus, we can unlock new levels of creativity and joy.

I’d love for you to join me in Morocco in April 2025 for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate your creative spirit, connect with other female creatives, or dive into a new cultural adventure, this retreat is for you.

Blessing, light and love,

Your friend Sally