The Essence Festival is known for its vibrant celebration of African American culture, music, and empowerment. This year, attendees have the unique opportunity to elevate their festival experience with the 2nd annual Big Easy Retreat, hosted by Dr. Toscha L. Dickerson and her daughter, Kaleigh. This wellness retreat takes place on Saturday, July 6th, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Hotel Monteleone, offering a self-care sanctuary amidst the Essence Festival excitement.

Integrate Wellness into Your Essence Festival Experience

Essence Fest is a high-energy celebration filled with music, culture, and empowerment, making it one of the year’s most anticipated events. However, amidst the excitement and bustling atmosphere, it’s essential to find moments of calm and rejuvenation. The Big Easy Retreat provides the perfect balance to the festival’s dynamic environment. This wellness retreat offers attendees a chance to recharge and focus on their well-being, ensuring they can fully enjoy the festival while maintaining their mental, physical, and emotional health.

The Big Easy Retreat is strategically scheduled on Saturday, July 6th, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the iconic Hotel Monteleone. This timing allows festival-goers to integrate wellness activities into their festival schedule seamlessly. Located in the heart of New Orleans, the retreat’s venue is easily accessible from various Essence Festival events. Attendees can start their day with inspiring wellness sessions and still have plenty of time to partake in the festival’s evening concerts and activities. This seamless integration ensures that participants can experience the best of both worlds without missing out on any festival highlights.

Wellness Activities at the Big Easy Retreat

This year’s Big Easy Retreat theme, “The Power of Transformation,” aligns perfectly with the Essence Festival’s spirit of empowerment and cultural celebration. Transformation is at the heart of personal growth and self-care, and this retreat aims to guide women on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. The theme encourages participants to embrace change, harness their inner strength, and emerge empowered and rejuvenated.

The schedule features an impressive lineup of speakers, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the event. Notable figures include Tiana Von Johnson, an entrepreneur and motivational speaker, and Francheska Gwenadette, executive producer, creator, and host of The END Table Live Broadcast. Their sessions promise to inspire and empower attendees with stories of resilience, success, and personal growth.

These sessions provide practical tools and inspiration for personal transformation, aligning with the festival’s focus on empowerment. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the experiences and insights of successful women who have made significant impacts in their fields. From motivational talks to interactive workshops, the retreat offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, helping women to unlock their potential and achieve their goals.

Wellness and Confidence for Teens

A unique component of the Big Easy Retreat is dedicated to teenage girls aged 12-17, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young women’s wellness and confidence. This segment of the retreat aims to empower the next generation by promoting entrepreneurship, self-care, and self-love.

The teen sessions feature inspiring youth speakers such as Keoka Washington, MS-HRM, SHRM-CP, a Human Resources Business Partner at the University of Alabama, and Lauren Alexander, an entrepreneur. These sessions focus on building self-confidence, fostering entrepreneurship, and encouraging young women to embrace their unique qualities. Through engaging activities and motivational talks, teenage participants will learn valuable skills and gain the confidence to navigate their personal and professional lives successfully.

Event Details and Registration for the Big Easy Retreat

To join this transformative wellness experience during the Essence Festival Weekend, register for the retreat at The Big Easy Retreat. Tickets start at $50 for access to the Teen workshop and $90 for General Admission for the full day. All tickets include brunch, ensuring participants can nourish their bodies while engaging in enriching activities.

The Big Easy Retreat will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Hotel Monteleone, located at 214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. The retreat’s central location allows festival-goers to easily incorporate wellness into their busy Essence Festival schedules, providing a serene and supportive environment amidst the vibrant festival atmosphere.