You are ready. I promise!

Welcome back to The Bloom and Grow Show! In today’s episode, I’m getting real about the fears and objections that often stop people from hosting their own retreats—whether virtual or in person. I know that the idea of hosting a retreat can be daunting, especially when you feel like you’re not big enough, not experienced enough, or not ready to take the leap. But I’m here to tell you that you are ready! And, I’m going to explain exactly how to get started, even if you're feeling like you’re not "there yet."

Let me take you back to 2011, when I was just starting out in my business. I had a small side hustle, a wedding planner turned stationery designer, and a small email list of just 236 people (yep, you read that right). Back then, I had the same doubts that I hear from my clients today: “I’m not big enough,” “What if no one shows up?” “Who am I to host an event?” But instead of waiting for an opportunity to come to me, I decided to create my own. And that one decision—the leap to host my first workshop—changed everything for me.

Starting small was the key.

I didn’t need a huge audience or a fancy venue. I hosted a one-day workshop in downtown Nashville, leveraging a catering space I had worked with before. And guess what? It worked. From there, my retreats grew in size and scope, eventually blossoming into the multiple events I now host, from virtual retreats to multi-day, in-person experiences.

If you’ve been thinking about hosting a retreat but keep running into roadblocks, I want to acknowledge those feelings. It’s normal to feel uncertain about where to start or whether you’re ready. But the truth is, you don’t need a big audience or fancy resources to begin. In fact, your size right now can actually be your superpower. Smaller, more intimate retreats often have a much deeper impact than larger events, and they’re a perfect way to dip your toes into the world of retreat hosting.

I know many of you may be worried that you don’t have enough of a following or that you’re not experienced enough to host a successful event. But I’m here to challenge that mindset. Whether you’re hosting a half-day virtual retreat or a cozy in-person gathering, you can create powerful, transformative experiences without a five-figure budget or a massive email list.

Take the first step. It doesn't have to be perfect.

I shared a client story about the Pink Creatives, who came to me with a successful business but no experience hosting their own retreats. With some guidance, they started small, and now they’re on their sixth or seventh retreat, hosting them in Round Top, Texas. The key wasn’t perfection—it was taking that first step and building momentum from there.

You don’t have to wait until everything is perfect. In fact, that’s often a trap that keeps people stuck. Instead, focus on what feels doable right now. Start with what excites you, and create a retreat that’s aligned with your current capabilities. And remember, you can start with a virtual retreat or a small gathering—both are incredibly powerful formats for connection and transformation.

Creating transformational experiences is a game-changer for your business. It’s a way to connect deeply with your audience, offer incredible value, and create a ripple effect that can change lives. It’s also a way to distinguish your brand from the noise of the online space—something that’s more important than ever as AI and automation take over much of our content-driven work.

If this episode sparked something in you, I encourage you to check out the replay of my Retreat Effect Masterclass. In it, I dive into how to design and host your own unforgettable retreat. And, if you’re ready to take the next step, my Signature Retreat System is open for enrollment through April 30th. It combines my Invite & Delight and Virtual Retreat Magic programs into one powerful system to help you create the perfect retreat experience for your audience.

The time is now—whether you’re just dreaming of your first retreat or already planning your next one. Let’s make it happen!

Listen to this episode of the Bloom & Grow Show: