The Wilderness Tonic - a beautiful day retreat for small business owners
Do you find it hard to step away from the day-to-day of running of your small business and find the time and headspace to reflect on the past and plan for the future?
Chances are you love the idea of taking a step back to gain perspective and clarity … to think creatively about solutions and focus on new opportunities.
If you’re anything like me there are times when the pressure of doing pretty much everything yourself becomes overwhelming. When you have some ideas but just not enough time to properly consider or plan them, or nobody with whom you can talk these through.
You might feel lonely, longing for a safe space to connect with others on a similar path to you. To learn from them, be inspired by them and tap into their insight and energy.
If this is you, then let me tell you about The Wilderness Tonic, a day retreat that my friend Katya Willems and I have designed because we felt exactly like you.
Katya and I trying out the hammock at our retreat in January 2022. Photo by Karen Staniland-Platt.
What is The Wilderness Tonic retreat?
Image: Karen Staniland-Platt
The Wilderness Tonic retreat is magical. I don’t say that lightly.
On paper it’s a day retreat that’s all about taking time away from the day-to-day of running your business so you can reflect and gain a fresh perspective.
But it is so much more than that.
It’s a chance to spend time reconnecting with yourself, nature, and like-minded business owners in the beautiful setting of The Gathering at Edale.
And it continues afterwards with ongoing community and accountability.
Our previous attendees tell us they have experienced huge shifts and transformations during and after the day.
We’ve seen incredible growth for individuals for which they credit the retreat.
There have been firm new friendships and powerful collaborations between people who arrived in Edale as strangers.
The day is structured around different gentle, guided activities which include spending time in nature, eating good food, and sharing challenges and ideas.
People tell us they love the delicious vegan lunch, homemade cakes and snacks, laughter, and lots of really, really good conversations!
And the magic doesn’t stop when the day is over. In fact, in many ways it is just the start. Of a new approach, new friendships and a new trajectory. About a month after the retreat, we have a Zoom reunion during which we will chat about the goals we set and our progress. A lovely mix of accountability, cheerleading and an inspiration boost!
How we’ll spend the day
The Wilderness Tonic is a relaxed, informal, gentle and nurturing one-day retreat with a maximum of 12 attendees, hosted and facilitated by me, Karen Webber, and Katya Willems.
We start at 10am and finish around 5pm (in time for the 5:47 train back to Manchester).
Image: Karen Staniland-Platt
Here’s what we got up to in previous retreats:
October 2019 January 2020 October 2021 January 2022 April 2022
Join us at The Wilderness Tonic
Is it time for you to take a step back from the busy-ness and tune into your business? If you make the time (because none of us are handed time on a silver platter), you can spend it:
✓ with like-minded people
✓ doing focused activities
✓ in beautiful surroundings
✓ with a nourishing atmosphere
at the 8th Wilderness Tonic retreat!
Date: 10 October 2023
Venue: The Gathering at Edale
Spaces are limited to 11 people and tickets are non-refundable unless we have to cancel the event due to extreme weather or illness.
Free space: An additional free space is available to a business owner who has limited financial means, is underrepresented or with intersectional identities.
“What a lovely, uplifting day.
Enlightening coaching sessions, great walks in beautiful scenery and delicious, nutritious 5* food.
Thank you Katya and Karen for all the thought you have put into making such a worthwhile experience.”
“That was the best planning day I’ve ever been on.
Having done it your way, I am never going on another day with a rammed schedule.
Perfect job!”
“An incredible day spent getting the headspace from my business I rarely gift myself.
The combo of passionate women, beautiful venue, inspiring agenda and fab food was spot on.
When’s the next one?”
“Thanks for creating a haven in a time when many business owners are chasing the hamster wheel.
Great facilities, brilliant hosts, excellent food in beautiful surroundings.
Sign me up for the next retreat.”
Wilderness Tonic FAQs
How many spaces are available?
We will have 12 people maximum for the day, with one space earmarked for a business owner who is underrepresented, with intersectional identities, or with limited financial means. If this is you, please apply by getting in touch.
I have a dietary requirement, can you cater for me?
Yes, we will do everything we can to give you something delicious and nutritious!
Can I stay at The Gathering before or after the retreat?
Yes, accommodation is available at The Gathering. There is limited availability so if you are thinking of staying, get in touch with Lesley at The Gathering sooner rather than later.
Will there be a chance for wild swimming?
Unfortunately we are not able to take you wild swimming as part of the day.
What if the retreat gets cancelled?
If we have to cancel because of circumstances beyond our control (e.g. extreme weather, Covid), we will give you a full refund.