The Inspiration behind ELEVATE: An Entrepreneur Retreat

I have been living the entrepreneurial lifestyle for over 27 years now with my husband, Allyn. Although this lifestyle can be challenging on many fronts, I can’t imagine life any other way. I’ll admit this life is not for the faint of heart. There are no guarantees and it’s all you every day. To some, this sound like a nightmare. To me, it’s what ignites me.

Having creative liberty over your life and knowing that the choices you make can make or break your business is what really gets my creative juices flowing. To survive in business today means to constantly be adapting and adjusting to this ever-changing world; to have the mindset of a learner.

In my first three years of business running The Pinner House, I have come to recognize and value the power of having a team of supportive creative people around me to bounce my next crazy idea off of or to help organize my thoughts to execute my vision. I cannot image doing this on my own.

One of the reasons why we recently started PH Collective Creative Studio was for community. To create a space where people could get to know one another, and the artist or small business owner. A place where we could learn from one another and feel supported. At any given workshop there are four or five different businesses or artisans coming together. From design to the coffee, we create a fun experience for the community to enjoy.

It can be an intimidating and frightening thing to lay it all out there and go for your dream. It is essential to have like minded creative people to encourage you and support you through it. Knowing that some one else has gone before you and has succeeded in creating the life of their dreams fuels you to keep moving forward.

“It can be an intimidating and frightening thing to lay it all out there and go for your dream. It is essential to have like minded creative people to encourage you and support you through it.”

Collaboration is key in the entrepreneurial life. You do not need to know how to do everything. Your business and vision will really come to life if you value and integrate the services of other talented entrepreneurs into your vision. Honestly this has been my favorite part of running The Pinner House. The network of creative people and their stories that have been interwoven into the tapestry of The Pinner House story since the beginning. Some things I love to see and admire in The Pinner House: the flowers that were hand picked at Fable Flower Farm, the candles that I was able to curate my own signature scents from VP Candleworks, and the artwork by local painter, Katie Heard Art Studio. Knowing where our products come from and the people who make them is part of our identity as a business. Many guests have shared that they “ just feel this place is “special” but are not able to put their finger on what exactly “it” is. I believe it is in part due to the intentionality that we put into everything we do that creates this energy that is tangible to the guest.

Our most popular Signature Event is our Artisan Markets held in April and December. This market enables us to showcase over 25 select artisans from the Hampton Roads area and beyond who come and bring their best work.

It is a proud moment to see each maker and to watch them grow and form relationships with other entrepreneurs and guests! We love creating an elevated experience for all who attend and for our community to take pride in all that downtown Suffolk has to offer.

Our latest venture to help entrepreneurs who would like to take a deeper dive into their business is our Entrepreneur Retreat we are launching at the end of March.

“We are so excited to be able to offer a luxurious experience to help the small business owner take a step back and focus on their goals and vision for the year.”

We are so excited to be able to offer a luxurious experience to help the small business owner take a step back and focus on their goals and vision for the year.

. We have an amazing line up of women who are true rock stars in the branding industry. We have Mia Byrd of Byrdhouse Brands, who has spent many hours helping me unravel The Pinner House’s vision and all I wanted to create here. She has been my sounding board and has brilliantly helped to put words and visual content to my vision. Mia will be giving a workshop on brand identity and strategy, and exploring all aspects from telling your story to brand design. Emily Benson of Emily Benson Consulting will be our second workshop speaker and she will be exploring the book “Chillpreneur”. Leading a round table discussion around important topics such as mindset and dealing with burn out. Mia and Emily will then assist participants in a hands-on workshop to help create the perfect flat lay or visual content for your brand.

Emily will be offering some one-on-one consultations for those who would like a bit more personalized attention. Katie Heard of Katie Heard Art Studio will be joining us for a curated, editorial branding headshot sessions. pH coffee bar will be serving up amazing specialty coffees and breakfasts. Kip from Crop Foundation has put together some creative menus in the afternoons and evenings, including an experiential communal dinner and wine pairing that will allow attendees to get to know each other and forge new friendships.

Our hope is that everyone is able to walk away feeling refreshed and inspired; having clarity and energy to move into this new era we find ourselves in. We are so grateful to be able to create this experience and to play a part in your story.