Essence Weekend Leadership Wellness Retreat
Essence Weekend Leadership Wellness Retreat
1216 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Up to 11 in group
Jul 3 - 6, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- An immersive leadership retreat experience during Essence Week in New Orleans
- A powerful space for rest, renewal, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country
- Transformational conversations focused on advancing Black maternal mental health and community solutions
- Strategic leadership sessions designed to help you expand your impact and influence
- Curated networking with birth workers, clinicians, advocates, and changemakers
- A supportive environment where leaders can recharge while continuing their mission-driven work
- Intentional moments for reflection, healing, and personal growth
- Practical tools and strategies you can take back to strengthen your organization and community
- Opportunities to build lasting partnerships and collaborations
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Kay Matthews is the Founder and Executive Director of the Shades of Blue Project and a respected leader dedicated to supporting the health, wellness, and emotional wellbeing of mothers, families, and community leaders. Through her work, Kay creates spaces where healing, rest, and personal renewal are recognized as essential parts of leadership and sustainable impact.
Her journey into this work began after the stillbirth of her daughter and her own experience navigating postpartum depression. That deeply personal experience transformed into a life’s mission to ensure that mothers and caregivers have access to compassionate support, culturally responsive care, and communities that prioritize mental and emotional wellness.
Kay’s approach blends lived experience, wellness-centered leadership, and community care. She believes that those who pour into others must also have intentional spaces to rest, reflect, and reconnect with themselves. Through retreats, training programs, and community initiatives, she helps leaders restore their energy, strengthen their purpose, and build healthier communities.
Participants who learn with Kay experience more than education—they enter a supportive environment that encourages reflection, healing, and renewed clarity. Her work invites individuals to embrace rest, prioritize wellbeing, and lead with compassion while creating meaningful change in their lives and the lives of others.
Details of this retreat
This leadership retreat offers a unique opportunity to pause, reconnect, and recharge while surrounded by a community of purpose-driven leaders during the vibrant energy of Essence Week in New Orleans.
Created by the Shades of Blue Project, this experience is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting mothers, families, and communities while also recognizing the importance of rest, wellness, and sustainable leadership. Many leaders spend their days pouring into others without taking the time to restore their own energy. This retreat was intentionally created to change that.
Over the course of several days, participants will engage in meaningful conversations, leadership development sessions, and reflective experiences that support both personal wellbeing and professional growth. The retreat blends strategy, community connection, and intentional moments for restoration so that participants leave feeling renewed and inspired.
In addition to the retreat programming, participants will have the opportunity to experience the culture, celebration, and energy of Essence Week through the included 3-day Essence Festival concert pass. This creates a powerful balance of learning, connection, joy, and cultural celebration.
Whether you are a birth worker, advocate, clinician, community leader, or someone passionate about maternal mental health and community wellbeing, this retreat offers a space to strengthen your voice, deepen your purpose, and connect with others who share a commitment to making a difference.
Participants leave with renewed clarity, expanded networks, and the tools needed to continue creating meaningful impact in their communities.
Created by the Shades of Blue Project, this experience is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting mothers, families, and communities while also recognizing the importance of rest, wellness, and sustainable leadership. Many leaders spend their days pouring into others without taking the time to restore their own energy. This retreat was intentionally created to change that.
Over the course of several days, participants will engage in meaningful conversations, leadership development sessions, and reflective experiences that support both personal wellbeing and professional growth. The retreat blends strategy, community connection, and intentional moments for restoration so that participants leave feeling renewed and inspired.
In addition to the retreat programming, participants will have the opportunity to experience the culture, celebration, and energy of Essence Week through the included 3-day Essence Festival concert pass. This creates a powerful balance of learning, connection, joy, and cultural celebration.
Whether you are a birth worker, advocate, clinician, community leader, or someone passionate about maternal mental health and community wellbeing, this retreat offers a space to strengthen your voice, deepen your purpose, and connect with others who share a commitment to making a difference.
Participants leave with renewed clarity, expanded networks, and the tools needed to continue creating meaningful impact in their communities.
Schedule
Morning reflection or grounding session to begin the day with intention
Group breakfast and informal networking with fellow retreat participants
Leadership development workshops focused on maternal health advocacy and community impact
Facilitated discussions and strategy sessions with birth workers, clinicians, and advocates
Small group conversations designed to build collaboration and meaningful connections
Lunch break and personal time to rest, reflect, or explore the Essence Festival activities
Afternoon leadership sessions focused on strategy, community building, and sustainable impact
Intentional wellness or reflection moments designed to support emotional restoration
Evening group gathering or community dinner to continue relationship building
Attendance at the Essence Festival evening concerts and cultural experiences using the included 3-day concert pass
Optional late-evening reflection or connection time with fellow participants
Group breakfast and informal networking with fellow retreat participants
Leadership development workshops focused on maternal health advocacy and community impact
Facilitated discussions and strategy sessions with birth workers, clinicians, and advocates
Small group conversations designed to build collaboration and meaningful connections
Lunch break and personal time to rest, reflect, or explore the Essence Festival activities
Afternoon leadership sessions focused on strategy, community building, and sustainable impact
Intentional wellness or reflection moments designed to support emotional restoration
Evening group gathering or community dinner to continue relationship building
Attendance at the Essence Festival evening concerts and cultural experiences using the included 3-day concert pass
Optional late-evening reflection or connection time with fellow participants
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Shades of Blue Project, 1216 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Directions
The retreat will take place at 1216 Annunciation St, New Orleans, Louisiana, located in the historic Warehouse District, just minutes from downtown and the vibrant Essence Festival activities.
Nearest International Airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the closest and most convenient airport for travelers. The airport is approximately 15 miles (about 20–30 minutes) from the retreat location depending on traffic.
Transportation from the Airport
From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), guests can reach the retreat location by:
Ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft (recommended and widely available)
Taxi service available directly outside the airport terminals
Rental car if you prefer to explore the city during your stay
Airport shuttle services that transport guests to downtown New Orleans hotels and nearby neighborhoods
Driving Directions
If you are driving, enter the address 1216 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70130 into your GPS or preferred navigation app. The location is easily accessible from Interstate 10 and is near the Convention Center and Warehouse District.
Local Transportation
Once you arrive, many restaurants, Essence Festival venues, and cultural attractions are within a short ride-share trip. Streetcars, taxis, and ride-share services are readily available throughout the city.
Nearest International Airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the closest and most convenient airport for travelers. The airport is approximately 15 miles (about 20–30 minutes) from the retreat location depending on traffic.
Transportation from the Airport
From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), guests can reach the retreat location by:
Ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft (recommended and widely available)
Taxi service available directly outside the airport terminals
Rental car if you prefer to explore the city during your stay
Airport shuttle services that transport guests to downtown New Orleans hotels and nearby neighborhoods
Driving Directions
If you are driving, enter the address 1216 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70130 into your GPS or preferred navigation app. The location is easily accessible from Interstate 10 and is near the Convention Center and Warehouse District.
Local Transportation
Once you arrive, many restaurants, Essence Festival venues, and cultural attractions are within a short ride-share trip. Streetcars, taxis, and ride-share services are readily available throughout the city.
Accommodation
Guests will stay in comfortable, well-appointed accommodations in New Orleans during the vibrant and culturally rich Essence Week celebration. Each room is designed to provide a relaxing and welcoming space where participants can unwind after a full day of retreat sessions, connection, and festival experiences. Rooms feature modern amenities, comfortable bedding, private bathrooms, and access to hotel services that support a restful stay. The accommodations are conveniently located near the heart of Essence Festival activities while still providing a peaceful environment for reflection and restoration. Participants will enjoy a balance of community and personal space, allowing time to recharge while still being immersed in the retreat experience.
July 3rd-6th Fleur Dei Lis Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
July 3rd-6th Red Room Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
July 3rd-6th Royal Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
July 3rd-6th Hollywood Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
July 3rd-5th Champagne Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
July 3rd-5th Bourbon Street Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
July 3rd-5th Jazz Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
July 3rd-5th White Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
July 3rd-5th River Suite 1 Shared Private Space: Enjoy a thoughtfully designed shared accommodation that balances comfort, privacy, and connection. This room offers individual sleeping space within a shared environment, ideal for attendees who value community while still having room to unwind, rest, and recharge after full retreat days.
July 3rd-5th River Suite 2 Shared Private Space: Enjoy a thoughtfully designed shared accommodation that balances comfort, privacy, and connection. This room offers individual sleeping space within a shared environment, ideal for attendees who value community while still having room to unwind, rest, and recharge after full retreat days.
July 3rd-5th River Suite 3 Shared Private Space: Enjoy a thoughtfully designed shared accommodation that balances comfort, privacy, and connection. This room offers individual sleeping space within a shared environment, ideal for attendees who value community while still having room to unwind, rest, and recharge after full retreat days.
Extra Night Stay- Champagne Suite . Bourbon Suite. Jazz Suite, White Suite Enhance your retreat experience by adding an extra night at the Historic Fleur De Lis Mansion. This option offers added comfort, flexibility, and unhurried rest, allowing you to fully settle in or transition out of the retreat with intention and ease. Check- Out July 6th
Extra Night Stay- River Suite 1,River Suite 2, River Suite 3 Enhance your retreat experience by adding an extra night at the Historic Fleur De Lis Mansion. This option offers added comfort, flexibility, and unhurried rest, allowing you to fully settle in or transition out of the retreat with intention and ease. Check- Out July 6th
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Details About the Venue
The retreat will take place at 1216 Annunciation Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, located in the historic and vibrant Warehouse District. This neighborhood is known for its blend of historic charm, art galleries, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal setting for both reflection and exploration.
The retreat will take place at 1216 Annunciation Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, located in the historic and vibrant Warehouse District. This neighborhood is known for its blend of historic charm, art galleries, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal setting for both reflection and exploration.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Guests will enjoy a selection of nourishing and satisfying meals designed to support both energy and wellness throughout the retreat experience. Daily breakfast and select group meals will be provided
What's Included
- Three nights of accommodation in New Orleans during Essence Week
- Daily breakfast and select group meals throughout the retreat
- Opening welcome reception and community gathering
- Guided leadership development sessions and strategy workshops
- Facilitated discussions focused on Black maternal mental health leadership and advocacy
- Intentional healing and reflection sessions designed for personal restoration
- Curated networking opportunities with birth workers, clinicians, advocates, and community leaders
- Exclusive access to retreat programming designed for leaders and changemakers
- Curated group experiences connecting participants with the culture and energy of Essence Week
- A 3-Day Essence Festival Concert Pass for access to the evening performances and festival experience
- Retreat materials and resources to support your leadership and personal growth journey
- Access to the Shades of Blue Project leadership network and continued community connections
What's Not Included
- Airfare or transportation to and from New Orleans
- Airport transfers and local transportation not specified in the retreat itinerary
- Additional meals and beverages outside of the meals listed in the retreat program
- Personal expenses such as shopping, spa services, or entertainment
- Optional activities or excursions not listed in the retreat schedule
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Hotel incidentals such as room service, minibar purchases, or additional nights of accommodation
- Gratuities for hotel staff, drivers, or service providers
- Visa fees or travel documentation required for international travelers
- Any personal expenses incurred during Essence Festival events outside of the included 3-day concert pass
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