Mastering Retreat Logistics: Building Profitable and Impactful Experiences

In a recent episode of the Be Create Inspire podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kelly Tolliday, a seasoned retreat manager and host of the Transform with Travel podcast. Kelly is an expert at turning the dream of hosting retreats into a profitable and transformative reality. With her wealth of experience, Kelly shared invaluable insights into creating retreats that not only impact attendees but also support the growth of your wellness business.

The Journey to Seamless Retreat Planning

Kelly’s passion for retreats began with her love for travel and personal transformation. Over the years, she’s honed her skills to help wellness professionals overcome the logistical challenges of planning retreats, so they can focus on creating memorable, meaningful experiences for their clients.

As Kelly said, “Retreats are about creating a sacred container for connection, growth, and healing. When done right, they leave a ripple effect of transformation that extends beyond the event itself.”

Lessons in Retreat Management

During our conversation, Kelly shared key insights for wellness entrepreneurs looking to step into the retreat space:

•Start Small: Your first retreat doesn’t need to be a large-scale production. Focus on quality over quantity to build confidence and a strong foundation.

•Be Intentional: Every detail, from the location to the schedule, should align with your values and your audience’s needs.

•Plan for Profitability: Kelly emphasizes the importance of creating a budget that supports both the attendee experience and your financial goals.

Practical Takeaways for Wellness Entrepreneurs

If you’ve ever thought about hosting a retreat but felt overwhelmed by the process, Kelly’s advice is a game-changer:

1.Map Out the Basics: Define your retreat’s purpose, audience, and goals before diving into the details.

2.Leverage Local Partnerships: Build relationships with local vendors and venues to streamline logistics and enhance the attendee experience.

3.Prioritize Marketing: A well-planned retreat won’t be successful without attendees. Create a clear marketing strategy to promote your event and build excitement.

A Full Circle Moment

Having Kelly on the podcast and sharing her expertise feels like a full-circle moment for me. Retreats were a pivotal part of my journey in the wellness industry, and hearing Kelly’s insights reaffirmed the power of these experiences to transform lives and businesses alike.

Watch and Listen

Kelly’s wisdom and passion for retreats will inspire you to take action. Watch the full podcast episode here and follow Kelly on Instagram @kelly.tolliday for more tips and inspiration.

A Note of Gratitude

To all the wellness entrepreneurs dreaming of creating transformative retreats: your vision matters. By stepping into the retreat space, you’re offering your clients something truly special—an opportunity for connection, growth, and renewal. Let’s embrace 2025 with clarity, intention, and the courage to create experiences that change lives.

Awaken Your Voice: Visibility, Credibility, and Transformative Content with David Trotter

In the latest episode of the Be Create Inspire podcast, I had the honor of hosting David Trotter, a dynamic force in the world of publishing, personal development, and conscious entrepreneurship. David, co-founder of Awakened Magazine, shared his remarkable journey from being a church planter to becoming a champion of visibility and credibility for wellness entrepreneurs.

The Journey of Transformation

David’s story is one of reinvention and discovery. From his early days as a photographer and pastor, to creating powerful documentaries on humanitarian issues, his path led him to an awakening—both personal and professional. Today, through Awakened Magazine, David amplifies the voices of healers, yoga teachers, and conscious leaders by helping them build credibility and showcase their transformative work.

As David shares, “Our world desperately needs what you have to offer. If you’re a messenger of love, light, and healing, it’s your responsibility to let people know you exist. Visibility isn’t about ego—it’s about service.”

Lessons in Visibility and Credibility

David provided powerful insights into why visibility matters and how to approach it in a way that aligns with your values. Some of his key points include:

•Know Your Audience and Their Needs: Visibility begins with understanding the unique challenges and aspirations of your ideal clients.

•Content as a Service: Shift from a performance mindset to a service mindset. When you see content creation as an act of service, stress and perfectionism take a backseat.

•Consistency Over Flash: Building credibility isn’t about one viral post; it’s about showing up consistently with meaningful, aligned content.

Practical Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

David also broke down the steps to creating a killer article or podcast appearance:

1.Start with the Problem or Goal: Understand your audience’s pain points or aspirations and craft your content around them.

2.Offer a Solution: Align your solution with your unique modalities, whether it’s coaching, yoga, or energy work.

3.Call to Action: Don’t let your content end with inspiration—invite your audience to take the next step, like joining a newsletter or exploring a lead magnet.

A Full Circle Moment

Hosting David on the podcast and partnering with him for The Yoga Expo 2025 is deeply meaningful to me. His work resonates with our mission to bring wellness professionals to the forefront. David will join us in Los Angeles for live podcast recordings and to share his expertise on amplifying voices in the wellness space.

Watch and Listen

David’s journey and insights are truly transformational. Watch the full podcast episode here and follow David on Instagram @jdavidtrotter.

A Note of Gratitude

To every wellness entrepreneur reading this: your work matters. Your voice has the power to heal, inspire, and create lasting change. Let’s step into 2025 with purpose, visibility, and a commitment to service.

Purpose, Faith, and Community: Lessons from Yoga Faith

When it comes to weaving spirituality into physical practice, Michelle Thielen, founder of Yoga Faith, has paved a powerful path. On a recent episode of the Be. Create. Inspire. podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Michelle about her journey, the foundation of Yoga Faith, and the profound impact of merging faith and yoga.

From personal struggles to international influence, Michelle’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and unwavering belief. Her work with Yoga Faith has empowered countless individuals to embrace healing, deepen their connection to spirituality, and integrate faith into every facet of life.

The Transformative Power of Yoga Faith

Michelle shared her deeply personal journey of discovering Yoga Faith after a dark season in her life. It was during this time that she heard a divine calling to create a Christian yoga school. Though the road was challenging, Michelle’s consistency and belief led Yoga Faith to flourish. Today, it stands as the only Christian yoga school accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), offering over 30 courses to a global community.

Her story is a testament to how faith can guide us through adversity and inspire incredible transformation. For Michelle, yoga is more than movement—it’s worship, prayer, and connection to God in every breath and posture.

Integrating Faith and Movement

Yoga Faith uniquely blends traditional yoga practices with Christian principles. Michelle emphasizes the integration of mind, body, spirit, and soul—an approach that resonates deeply with those seeking a faith-based yoga experience. In our conversation, she highlighted how Yoga Faith classes invite the Holy Spirit into practice, making the experience both sacred and transformative.

Michelle’s advice for wellness professionals? Stay aligned with your purpose and let faith guide your path. Whether it’s through teaching, mentoring, or building your business, she encourages others to be intentional about their mission and the communities they serve.

Lessons in Leadership and Purpose

As a fellow entrepreneur and wellness advocate, I found Michelle’s insights on leadership and perseverance particularly inspiring. From teaching her first class to leading an international yoga movement, she reminded us of the importance of showing up consistently, even when the journey feels daunting.

Her journey also underscores the significance of community. Whether she’s leading a class or collaborating with other leaders in the wellness space, Michelle’s work is a reflection of her belief in the power of connection and shared purpose.

Watch the Full Episode

Michelle’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of transformation. Whether you’re a wellness professional, yoga enthusiast, or someone seeking deeper connection in your life, this episode is a must-watch.

👉 Watch the full conversation with Michelle Thielen here.

You can also follow Michelle on Instagram for more inspiration: @yogafaith.

Finding Healing Through Music and Yoga with MC Yogi

The Transformative Power of Yoga and Music

As the co-owner of The Yoga Expo, the nation’s largest yoga and wellness convention, I’ve seen firsthand the profound ways yoga and music can transform lives. This year, we’re excited to celebrate the 11th Annual Yoga Expo at the 2025 Los Angeles event—a gathering of wellness enthusiasts, yogis, and visionaries. Recently, I had the privilege of hosting renowned artist and yogi MC Yogi on my podcast, Be. Create. Inspire. His deeply personal journey of finding healing through music and yoga is a story of transformation that aligns beautifully with our mission at The Yoga Expo.

🎥 Watch the Podcast with MC Yogi

Get inspired by his incredible journey of healing and transformation. Click below to watch the full podcast episode:

Watch Now on YouTube

Listen Here:

Follow MC Yogi on Instagram: @mcyogi

Healing Through Creativity and Connection

MC Yogi’s path wasn’t always smooth. Growing up in a challenging environment, he found solace in music as a teenager. “When my parents divorced, music became my escape and my relief,” he shared. Yoga entered his life later, providing a sense of balance and connection he had been seeking. Combining these two passions, MC Yogi created a unique form of moving meditation, blending creativity and mindfulness to heal and inspire.

Today, his music and teachings remind us of the transformative power of art, movement, and self-expression. Whether it’s through creating music, practicing yoga, or engaging in another creative outlet, these tools allow us to process emotions, heal from adversity, and connect deeply with ourselves and others.

A Full-Circle Moment for The Yoga Expo

This conversation with MC Yogi holds special meaning for me. Fifteen years ago, when I was launching my yoga career, I had the honor of teaching at one of his events. Fast forward to 2025, and now, as the co-owner of The Yoga Expo, I’m thrilled to announce him as one of the headliners at this year’s Los Angeles event. This full-circle moment highlights the power of connection, community, and perseverance in the wellness industry.

Lessons for Wellness Entrepreneurs

MC Yogi’s inspiring story isn’t just for yogis—it’s packed with lessons for wellness entrepreneurs and creatives alike. Here are a few key takeaways:

1.Creativity is a Powerful Healing Tool

Whether it’s music, writing, or yoga, creativity allows us to process emotions and transform challenges into growth opportunities.

2.The Value of Community

Building a strong support network is essential for personal and professional growth. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals amplifies your purpose and impact.

3.Trust the Process

Life often comes full circle. Embrace each step of the journey and remain open to opportunities that align with your purpose.

4.Balance is Key

Harmony in life comes from focusing on what truly matters. For MC Yogi, the balance between music, yoga, and mindfulness has been transformative.

Listen, Watch, and Be Inspired

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from MC Yogi about how music and yoga have shaped his life. His story is a reminder that healing, creativity, and connection can lead to profound transformation.

🎧 Tune in Now

Watch the full podcast episode on YouTube:

Watch Here

For details on the Yoga Expo’s upcoming events, visit The Yoga Expo. Let’s come together to celebrate, connect, and transform.

Lessons From The Yoga Mat

The Magical Yoga Mat

Every-time I step on my yoga mat I learn something new. Whether it is a lesson from a teaching by my gurus or an internal realization. Today’s lesson sparked a HUGE aha.

I was practicing with Richard Freeman, an Ashtanga Yoga teacher with knowledge beyond the asana that relates to energetic qualities.

He said something that struck me and verified my purpose as a health and wealth ambassador. The word vinyasa which we use often in our classes is “a sequence to which we put order that creates the opportunity to hold space”. He said that it is an “offering that has internal and external qualities”.

Of course my creative mind grabbed my notebook at that moment and drew a chart with 2 columns – and I invite you to do this with me. And maybe sit on your yoga mat and do this so you can connect with the energy you’ve offered on your mat throughout your life as a yogi.

Internal + External Qualities

Create a column with the world internal qualities and write down all your internal gifts – the qualities that make you, you. The good and the awesome and then the ones which keep you stuck or paralyzed.

For example in this column you would write your strengths, gifts and values.

I wrote:

Creative
Quick
Smart
Energetic
Supportive
Courageous
Fearful
Analytic

Then write the external qualities. More of the physical and tangible ones.

For example I wrote:

My smile
Strong body
Flexible
Great hair
Painful left hip
Carpal tunnel

I ask you to write to good and the things to be improved (notice I didn’t write the word bad or negative) so that you can create balance and have something to look forward to working on.

Why Yoga Is So Important In This Transformation

The practice of yoga, the vinyasa aspect of it, is designed to do create a sequence in which your actions lead you to transformation. Your yoga mat is a placeholder for the offerings you give the practice. Everytime you step on the mat, you leave parts of you that are holding you back from attaining goals and partaking in that samsara (the birth and rebirth of the soul in sanskrit).

In my teachings, both as a yoga teacher and business coach, I focus on this transformation as the core of the movement from your current reality to the next aspect of you. It’s the constant evolution which moves you closer to the 8th limb of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga system, which is enlightenment.

What Your Yoga Mat Teaches You

I leave you with this invitation – everytime you step on your yoga mat, decide what your offering is. What are you leaving on the mat and what are you receiving. What lessons do the poses, the breath and the focus or dristi, teach you.

This is awareness that you’ll take off your mat and into your daily practice. It’s what is called mindfulness and can weave into everything you do.

I invite you to explore the asana beyond the physical pose and find those internal qualities that shift, bend and grow.

Write me back and let me know what you explored and what aha moments happened that created more space and freedom in your body, mind and soul.

See you soon!

Mantras for Your Enjoyment and Practice

Mantras

Feeling complete and joyful is important in your life as it creates an environment of a healthy mental and emotional state. There are so many ways you can do this and one of them which I particularly like and teach often in my classes and trainings is mantra. It’s a practice that can be done by anyone, whenever, wherever which makes it accessible to all. You’ll find enjoyment in the process!

What is mantra?

A mantra is the repetition of a word, words or sounds. Sometimes it’s as simple as a phrase in your own language repeated over and over or a more complicated sanskrit phrase or sound. We’ll delve into 3 of my favorite mantras below that will lead you to a practice you can maintain for when you need or some people start a sadhana journey which is your own practice over at least 21 days. Mantras have been used over thousands of years by spiritual guides. The rosary is even a form of mantra.

When should you repeat a mantra?

There is no perfect time to start a mantra practice, and really it should be done with a guide so that if you are doing one in sanskrit you get the right pronunciation and get the energetic effect it wants to deliver. Mantras are good for specific moments when you want to attract a certain energy to your life or create a shift. For example, I started a mantra to bring good energy for my baby’s birth coming soon.

Which mantras should I use?

Like I mentioned earlier, there are many types out there and the right one will fit what you want.

Mantra for Transformation:

Asato ma sadgamaya

Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya

Mrtyorma amritam gamaya

“Lead me from the untruth to truth, lead me from darkness to light, lead me from death to immortality.”

This is a mantra from the Upanishads circa 800 BCE which are spiritual teachings and ideas. To listen to it CLICK HERE.

Mantra for Positivity:

I am perfect. I am complete. I am everything I want to be and more.

I am beautiful. I am divine. I am powerful.

I am strong and flexible. I am a creator. I am a receiver.

I am perfect and complete.

Mantra for Peace:

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Sometimes the simplest forms of repetition can have the largest effect. This mantra means Om peace, peace, peace. Om represents sound primordial and is also spelled AUM to represent the 3 aspects of the self – body / mind / spirit.

I hope you enjoyed these mantras and choose 1 that can resonate with you now. Start with a daily practice and see what happens.

If you want more guidance, please connect with me.

Namaste!

Arianne

12 Ways to Find Joy

I had the pleasure of writing for Better Homes and Gardens about how to find joy along some amazing contributors (like one of my wellness heroes Dr Josh Axe – wow!).

We shared some great tips on maintaining joy and creating it where you might not think of. To read more CLICK HERE but I will post my excerpt for you as well.

4. Write to a Loved One

You don’t have to be Shakespeare to pen a pretty poem. And you don’t have to be in a relationship to scribble a love letter. Arianne Traverso, a holistic lifestyle and business coach, says the act of writing to someone you care about—partner, friend, or family member—helps you to slow down and focus on the here and now. What do you admire about them? What have they brought to your life? Why are you so thrilled to have met them? Think of someone you were friends with or still are but don’t get to see or speak to often. She says this creates a deeper connection as you know when that person opens the letter they will feel joy, which in turn, brings you joy, too.

There are so many ways to smile, appreciate at love life more that we often forget about because we get so busy. I would love to be a source of happiness and inspiration so please reach out or join some of my local and online events.

Joy, wellness and happiness is one om, one meditation and one healthy decision away.

I’m always here to support and guide so check out some of my free meditation resources HERE.

See you soon~

xo,

Arianne

Practical Tips for Boosting Your Yoga Practice

Practical Tips for Boosting Your Yoga Practice

If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while and have become completely comfortable in class, you’re likely at the intermediate level. While there are surely benefits to continuing your yoga practice at this level, chances are you’re finding it more difficult to stay as motivated as you once were. If this describes you, you may be ready to kick your yoga practice up a notch.

One of the great things about yoga is that there are many levels you can explore. And the more advanced your practice, the greater the benefits. However, it’s not as simple as attempting harder poses and holding them for longer periods of time. If you truly want to boost your yoga experience, you’ll need to take some other steps and maybe incorporate a few tools and some tech along the way. Here are some tips to help get you started.

Use Your Phone

You can take advantage of technology in your yoga practice by downloading a yoga app for your phone. The right apps can give you access to several features, such as workout plans and step-by-step instructions for various movements through video and audio. This makes it easy to follow along with challenging yoga sessions and learn new poses.

If you use your phone, however, it’s important to keep it in a case to protect it from sweat and water spills — whether you’re practicing to an app or have it by your side in a hot yoga class. LifeProof, for instance, offers some of the best waterproof cases because it can protect your phone while also leaving easy access to your ports, buttons, and screen. These cases also offer a one-year protection plan should your phone suffer any accidental water damage.

Find a Teacher Who Challenges You

As in any area in life, finding a great teacher can do wonders for your yoga practice. The ideal yoga teacher won’t be afraid to push you when you need it but will do so in an encouraging way. After all, yoga is supposed to be relaxing. So, while you want to be challenged, make sure you resonate with your teacher as well. Your teacher should also be dedicated and attentive, and they should check in with you before and after class to discuss any injuries, ailments, and so on.

Make Space to Practice at Home

One way to help set yourself up to practice consistently is by carving out a yoga space at home. Particularly on extra busy days, it may be more practical for you to practice at home than it is to go to class at a studio. Here are some characteristics to keep in mind for your yoga space:

Hardwood or tile floors with the appropriate mat
Natural light and soft mood lighting
Incense, essential oils or candles
Pillows (for a yoga prop and meditation cushion)
Indoor plants

Whether you set up shop in a whole room or in the corner of a room, make sure you have space to practice comfortably and try to create an area where there will be minimal traffic.

Sign Up for Workshops

While practicing at home is great, don’t limit yourself to practicing only at home. Consider going to yoga workshops that can expose you to new styles and philosophies. Teachers at workshops typically have more time to cover their material in depth, whether it’s poses, meditation, pranayama, or any other topics. Plus, you get to network with other people who love yoga.

Stepping up your yoga game will yield even greater rewards than you enjoy now. Remember to find a yoga app that works well for you, and get a good waterproof case to protect your phone. Find a solid teacher, and create a comfortable yoga space at home that has everything you need. Lastly, consider going to workshops to deepen your learning and technique. As you start to intensify your yoga experience, you’ll likely notice a fresh motivation to reach new heights.

Photo Credit: Burst

written by: Sheila Johnson – ZENthusiast – wellsheila.net

How To Master The 9 Environments

Mastering Your Inner & Outer 9 Environments

What are these 9 environments I speak of? They are basically a roadmap of your life that show you exactly where you’re at in the process of moving towards your goals in life, career, spirituality, etc…

This was created by my mentor Jim Bunch who I did one of my trainings with. When I did this exercise I was blown away at the exact picture and roadmap that existed and I wanted to create.

Maybe you’ve seen the wheel of life before? Well this to me surpasses it. I actually created a mini course on it for you! Click Here to check it out!

I use it in my coaching programs often because it’s a great assessment tool. Since I work with the 4 A Method (Assess, Align, Activation & Accountability) it’s the 1st step towards harnessing your ideal life map.

How do we do this? Click here and download the wheel and go through it with where you’re at NOW.

Put numbers (1 being low and 10 highest) of where you’re at in each section of your life.

What To Do With The 9 Environments Next

Now that you have quantified your life, don’t use this to see where you’re not excelling but what you want to choose to work towards. And life isn’t all 10’s. For example if you are single and you see the relationships area, don’t put a 2… look at ALL your relationships. Maybe you have the most amazing friends and support system out there.

Don’t go into the worst place and score yourself based on that (and you know how easy it is to do that).

Next, design a plan for what you will do to move out of the lower numbers and into the higher. Again, if you’re a 3 don’t set 10 as your next level – start with small wins!

If you want more help with this, make a moment to chat with me HERE as I know it’s nice to have an outside view. This is also something I do as part of my 1-1 coaching as I know how important it is to have your life map created with a game plan.

As always, I am here to serve and have this work be fun and exciting for you and me.

How To Stay Healthy During The Holidays

Healthy Holiday Habits

You know it’s coming. The holidays are almost here and all the emotions arise!

Parties to plan or attend, planes to catch and endless work and family gatherings. Also, lots of other emotions rise up that include joy, excitements but also sadness, grief, and loneliness.

My grandpa passed away on December 24 so it’s a time for my family to hold his presence dearly.

There are some ways though to stay in your good vibe and not letting it all get to you.

Restorative Yoga

A restorative yoga sequence typically involves only five or six poses, supported by props that allow you to completely relax and rest. Held for 5 minutes or more, restorative poses include light twists, seated forward folds, and gentle backbends. Most restorative practices are based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. As described by Yoga Journal.

This can help the nerves settle, more time to be a little gentler and slower.

Cardio

Try some good cardio to get the blood pumping, the body moving and the heart racing! This is what will help things really move inside and give you energy! I love to mix a good cardio and strength building routine with yoga. Mind and body full power!

Essential Oils

Introducing a simple lavender diffused in the air is great, but what about creating a wellness routine with DoTerra Essential Oils. The high grade of therapeutic certification allow some oils to be ingested like Frankincense (the bonus oil of the month!)

It’s soothing and beautifying properties are used to rejuvenate skin and help reduce the appearance of imperfections when applied topically. As the king of oils, Frankincense is known to support healthy cellular, immune, nervous, and digestive function when used internally.* When inhaled or diffused, Frankincense promotes feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness.

NO MORE NERVES BLEND

Inhale a drop each of Frankincense and Lavender to calm nerves, anxious feelings, and promote a calm and relaxed mood.

At the end of the day, it’s important to reflect and be super grateful for what we have. These practices support you and keep you connected to your center.

If you have to host a party (like I do this year) be happy you get to have those who love you around!

I always love hearing from you – share with me what your holiday plans are!!!

PS: If you ever have questions about these practices or have a session, please book your complementary health assessment here.

Namaste!