How the eclectic Branch Out RetreatsTeam came to be...
- branchoutretreats
- Sep 8
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 9
It all started thirty-two years ago when two young gals met in Oakleigh, Melbourne, as they attended Kenpo Martial Arts. Louise hailed from the Sunraysia region of Robinvale, while Mickey reigned from the cooler climate of the Western Districts Glenormiston South.
With contrasting personalities akin to Yin and Yang, they swiftly formed a close friendship, transitioning from 'Thelma and Louise' to Mickey and Lou.
Their bond grew on a foundation of respect, love, and laughter, and they leaned on one another as they fell in love and married good men. Mickey married a Langwarrin boy - Jade, and Louise married a boy from Barooga. There was a good deal of inappropriate laughter after that chapter and then more so as they navigated the roller-coaster ride and mysterious life-altering chapter of motherhood.
Louise's family relocated from Melbourne to Barooga - and over the course of eighteen years, Louise and Mickey frequently gathered during school holidays, special events, and birthdays, despite the eight-hour drive separating Frankston and Barooga. Their children grew up as honorary cousins, and Louise became the Godmother to Mickey and Jade's two sons.
They supported each other through their children's struggles with school bullying, ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Mickey stood by Louise's challenges with domestic abuse, divorce, and becoming a single, working mother starting anew with a mortgage and raising children on her own. No matter how busy they were or the distance between them, nothing affected their ever-strengthening friendship which became a sisterhood.
For many years, while raising their children and supporting each other through life's challenges, they discussed how wonderful it would be if Louise moved back to Melbourne.
Eighteen years from the week she left Melbourne and at the onset of Covid-19, Louise sold her home in Mildura and acquired a stunning apartment in the esteemed area of South Frankston, just an eight-minute drive from where Mickey lives with Jade, and their two boys.
Their vision became a reality, and they often marveled at how wonderfully things had turned out, with both working in the same company in Mental Health and Disability. Manifestation is a real thing.
However, life has its challenges, and it did when Louise was diagnosed with breast cancer.
After undergoing breast surgery to remove a thirty-millimeter malignant tissue, Louise defiantly faced breast cancer and lived her life as a celebration throughout the grueling process. Her positive attitude and unwavering determination throughout chemotherapy, radiation, and healing, were undoubtedly her savior.
In their industry, burnout is prevalent. While Mickey and Louise found immense satisfaction in their caregiving roles, bringing joy, laughter, and purpose to others, the need to balance motherhood, writing for Mickey, and grandmother duties for Louise, their working roles had somewhat reduced the rewards they once experienced, and Mickey was determined to create a meaningful and purposeful role that would align with their passions.
It was then that Mickey considered ways to create a societal impact while cultivating a more meaningful and mindful life for herself, Louise, and their families. She aimed to share calmness, creativity, and mindfulness with others.
This inspired the vision for Branch Out Retreats: a mission to promote laughter, purpose, and a sense of belonging and community. The goal was to encourage creativity, stillness, mindfulness, peace, and joy among those around them, especially for individuals who needed to prioritize self-care. And so - it began.
The success of any event depends on the people collaborating to make them exceptional. Therefore, Louise and Mickey understood that anyone they recruited for Branch Out Retreats needed to align with the mission and possess a caring nature and a strong desire to give their retreat participants their all. The hunt began.
Mickey encountered the grounded and stunningly soulful Vikki Speller in 2023 during a Serenity Press Writer's Retreat held at the enchanting Crom Castle, nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Northern Ireland. This historic castle, surrounded by lush greenery and serene waters, provided the perfect backdrop for a gathering of creative minds, and it was here that Mickey's path crossed with Vikki's.
This experience alone would have revealed to Mickey, Vikki's extraordinary and warm personality, which radiated kindness and authenticity. Their conversations, rich with insights and shared experiences, extended beyond the confines of the retreat, reaching back to their discussions about life in Melbourne and Queensland, where Vikki resides with her family. These interactions not only showcased Vikki's depth as a person but also her ability to connect with others on a profound level.
Vikki is not just a women's intuitive healing coach, or an author; she is a creator of enchanting children's books that spark imagination and joy in young readers. Her storytelling ability reflects her understanding of childhood wonder, and each book she writes is infused with warmth and wisdom. In addition to her children's literature, Vikki has also penned meditation journals that guide individuals on their journeys toward mindfulness and self-discovery. These journals are crafted with care, offering reflective prompts and soothing exercises that encourage readers to explore their inner thoughts and emotions. Vikki's diverse body of work showcases her versatility as a writer and her commitment to fostering creativity and well-being in others.
Moreover, Vikki's passion for writing extends beyond mere words; it is a reflection of her life experiences and her desire to inspire those around her. Vikki's ability to weave her life lessons into her writing serves as a testament to her creativity and her belief in the transformative power of literature.
In essence, the encounter at Crom Castle was not just a meeting of two writers; it was a serendipitous connection that highlighted the beauty of creative collaboration and the shared journey of artistic exploration. Mickey left the retreat not only with a deeper understanding of Vikki's multifaceted talents but also with a renewed sense of inspiration and a heart full of appreciation for the connections forged through the world of writing.
The development of Jess Fowler and Mickey's relationship seemed written in the stars, as if fate had intricately woven their lives together from the very beginning. Jess, a talented artist with a unique perspective on life, married a local man from Mickey's hometown - and in close proximity to Mickey's mother's street. The two properties were separated only by lush fields and under the majestic presence of Mount Noorat.
Mickey reached out to the award-winning artist with an exciting proposal. She inquired whether Jess would be interested in designing the cover for her first novel in the Victoria Collection, titled "Soul Keepers of Glenormiston South." Jess was not only thrilled to receive such an invitation but was also captivated by the concept of the book. After reading the manuscript, she found herself deeply enamored with the story's themes and characters, which resonated with her artistic sensibilities.
Following a series of enthusiastic email exchanges filled with ideas and creative discussions, Jess and Mickey finally arranged to meet in person. This meeting marked a significant turning point in their relationship, as they quickly discovered a profound connection that extended beyond professional collaboration. Their shared passion for their love of Glenormiston South, storytelling and artistry, fostered a strong friendship, allowing them to bond over their mutual interests and creative aspirations. The synergy between them was palpable, leading to a fruitful partnership that saw them not only work on the cover of "Soul Keepers of Glenormiston South" but also collaborate on the second cover of the Victoria Collection, aptly titled "Obsidian Souls." Furthermore, Jess took on the delightful task of illustrating Mickey's first children's book, "Mindful Mila," which was inspired by themes of mindfulness and emotional well-being.
As their professional collaborations flourished, so too did their friendship, creating a supportive network that encouraged both women to explore their artistic boundaries. They often spent hours discussing their creative processes, sharing insights and techniques that enriched their work. This camaraderie not only enhanced their individual projects but also solidified their bond, as they became each other's cheerleaders in the often-challenging landscape of the creative world.
This was also Jess's debut in illustrating a children's book, a significant milestone that marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her artistic career! From the moment she received the invitation to collaborate at Branch Out Retreats, it felt as if fate had played a hand in bringing her talents to the forefront. The opportunity to be the special guest - Sip and Paint Artist was not only an honor but also a perfect platform for her to showcase her unique artistic flair. Jess's creations, characterized by vibrant colors and whimsical designs, possess a charm that captivates the hearts of all. This collaboration is not just a personal achievement for Jess, but also a chance to connect with a community that appreciates the beauty of art and storytelling. The excitement surrounding her debut and the Sip and Paint event promises to be an unforgettable experience, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend.
The entire team is ready to celebrate not only among themselves but also with every fantastic guest who attends! This moment of celebration is not just a mere gathering; it represents the culmination of hard work, dedication, and a shared vision that has brought everyone together. Each member of the team has played a crucial role in reaching this milestone, contributing their unique skills and perspectives to create something truly remarkable. As they prepare for this joyous occasion, they look forward to creating lasting memories with their guests, who have supported them throughout this journey. Their presence will add to the festive atmosphere, making the event even more special. Together, all will share laughter, stories, and heartfelt connections, celebrating achievements and relationships that have blossomed along the way.
The Branch Out Retreats Team look forward to celebrating with you.
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