I’ve learned you constantly have to adapt with what social media (and the internet) demands in order to be seen and reach new audiences. I still have big dreams for Ambitious Kitchen and the places it can go, so challenging myself to always reach out and learn from others is something I try and do often which is one of the reasons I was so excited to attend the Fresh Air Retreat.
About Fresh Air Retreat
A few weeks ago I was graciously invited to the Fresh Air Retreat in Charleston, SC by my two long-time blogging friends Liz Della Croce of The Lemon Bowl, and Lauren Grier of The Curious Plate. The Fresh Air Retreat is a place for selected bloggers to connect, learn from one another and just be open about the state of our business.
Liz and Lauren have run Fresh Air Retreat for years, in fact, this was their 13th retreat where they bring bloggers together and I can honestly say these ladies know how to be the ultimate hosts and planners. Every detail was taken care of and I felt like I was being treated like a queen. Oh and the food? Completely delicious. They brought Chef Trimell, who cooked the most phenomenal meals at the house. Amanda Kamppinen, was the photographer for the entire trip, who we got to hang out with and who took the most beautiful photos of everything.
Attendees included:
- Elizabeth Van Lierde from Everyday Elizabeth
- Liz Thomson from I Heart Vegetables
- Annie Holmes from Sweet Peas and Saffron
- Hetal Vasavada from Milk and Cardamom
- Eden Passante from Sugar and Charm
- Kyle Mazon Chambers from Cooking with Cocktail Rings
All of these women were incredibly kind and open, which I found beautifully refreshing! We were able to just relax and spend time getting to know each other while discussing business all at once.
What we ate
The weekend was filled with sessions, but first, let’s talk about the FOOD. No food blogger retreat is completely without delicious food, and so we ate. And ate. And ate some more!
Chef Trimell made the most gorgeous food styled beautifully and packed with flavor. No meal felt too heavy or too light, and there was food inspired by different cultures, which I appreciated very much. We had a beautiful Lebanese welcome dinner, an egg focused breakfast with Happy Egg and a light Thai-inspired lunch, and then finally we ended the retreat with a multiple course dinner.
We also had a few nights out, which was nice to get out and see some of Charleston (so cute btw!). We went to Frannie and the Fox, and then next day Explore Charleston treated us to lunch at Sullivan’s Seafood and Bar on Sullivan’s Island. Yum!
I loved meeting everyone on the retreat, but a highlight was having problem-solving lightning rounds where we had an opportunity to support each other and troubleshoot fellow blogger’s pain points in their business. We also had a special session with social media coach Sabrina Loyer.
I learned an increible amount in just a few short days and it wouldn’t have been possible iwthout this amazing retreat that Liz and Lauren put on. A huge thanks to the sponsors involved to help make happen: Happy Egg, Grocer’s List, and Mediavine. The retreat wouldn’t have been the same without all the learnings from you.
If you are interested in attending one of the upcoming Fresh Air Retreats (the next one is in San Diego in the fall!) you can submit an application here.
All photos courtesy of Amanda Kamppinen.
