Why did I create this business? 🤔
Hi there, I’m Anna, the founder of Healing Journey Retreats and I want to personally welcome you to the community 🙏
If we haven’t met yet, here’s a little introduction. And if we have, then a reintroduction ☺️👋🏻
In a nutshell —
My nonlinear journey
My professional journey has always been a story that needed explaining. I spent a decade working in tech, alongside a decade of traveling and hosting travellers.
My life oscillated between work-induced burnout/depression and traveling to heal.
Answering “so, what do you do?” was always tough because my job never fully defined me.
Depression taught me that it’s okay to be myself, to be passionate, to care deeply, to be authentic, and to share vulnerably. Different tools work for different people at various stages of depression.
Through my own healing journey, I’ve gathered a “tool belt” of techniques and backups. Maybe these tools can help others build their own paths.
Depression is still stigmatized, and I speak about it beyond just #BellLetsTalk or #MentalHealthDay. It’s a dark and rough road, but you’re not alone ✨
Why did I create this business?
I’ve always liked Marketing for Hippies because Tad’s approach is authentic and non-salesy. His recent Reel prompted a reflection: Out of all the businesses in the world, why did I choose this one? After some thought, this was my answer:
To create retreats and group travel experiences that are mental health friendly.
Hostels and packaged trips often cater to the party-loving, Instagram/TikTok-ing, bucket-list-checking flashpackers. I was one of them until work burnout and depression hit.
Dorm rooms and pub crawls became overwhelming, while yoga retreats felt physically and mentally demanding, and silent meditation retreats were as challenging as surfing camps.
Those who want more breaks, quiet time, and candlelit activities like Sharing Circles and paint nights, need a safe space to be themselves. To reflect, and not feel pressured to appear okay all the time. To occasionally cry and not be judged, asked questions, or needing to explain.
Also: mindful travel, both for the mind and the environment. Slow travel with eco-conscious lodging and excursions, fostering authenticity, wellness, and meaningful connections in a supportive group setting.
I'd love to hear from you 🙋🏻♀️ so if you’re willing, comment below and tell me about yourself:
What are you passionate about?
What do you hope a retreat will do for you?
What’s holding you back from attending a retreat?
If you want to elaborate or just want to say hello and get to know each other better, feel free to reach out:
With love,
Anna
