T W O D A Y E V E N T

$300 Per Day - Option If You Cannot Attend Both Days

Saturday, May 2 - 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sunday, May 3 - 1:00 to 6:00 pm

Join us for a weekend of tea, tranquility, discovery, and connection—where every sip tells a story. Unwind and immerse yourself in the timeless art of tea and whole wellness at our exclusive Two-Day Retreat inspired by the book “The Way of Tea and Justice” by Becca Stevens. This unique experience blends mindfulness and creativity through rejuvenating practices that promote healing and connection with oneself, while enjoying the rich traditions of tea culture every step of the way. We will spend the retreat surrounded in peacefulness and the earth’s natural beauty as we harness our inner power and reset our energy through a series of activities. Refreshments are included.

Upon registration, you will receive an autographed copy of “The Way of Tea and Justice” by Becca Stevens to read ahead of the retreat. What started as an impossible dream - to build a cafe’ that employs women recovering from prostitution and addiction - is helping to fuel an astonishing worldwide movement.

On the first day of the retreat, you will receive a thoughtfully curated Welcome Bag filled with very special gifts. The welcome bag does more than just welcome you. It’s a cultivated collection of everything you’ll need for the weekend. And we couldn’t resist adding a few charming surprises. Here’s what you’ll discover inside the gorgeous mesh bag eco-dyed for our retreat by Carol Dee:

A Japanese style tea cup that you will use for tea tastings

Kiley’s custom retreat blend “Restoration Tea” with milk thistle to enjoy again post retreat

Hand cream from Thistle Farms as our donation to further the healing that takes place at the Cafe’
A hammered flower cotton tea cloth made by Vikki with intention
Flower seeds like butterfly pea flower to plant, nurture and enjoy the medicinal benefits
A journal and pen for your reflections during our time together
A botanical bookmark as a reminder of our connection to nature and the process of being brave
Notecards with photos from Vikki’s family farm, for writing love letters or thank you notes

Handcrafted soaps and solid perfume gifted by Carol Dee from her South Carolina home

H O S T S

Kiley Duncan @teaandtoastshop

I was initially introduced to the powers of tea through my upbringing. My mom always had a tea or herbal remedy of sorts to share with my sisters and I while we were growing up, and conversations surrounding whole wellness through the things we consume {through body and mind} was a regular topic in our home. Over the years and into my adulthood, through all of the ups, downs, changes and growth that life can bring, tea has continued to be a most true companion for me. Tea is not only a way of connecting with oneself physically, but also on a deeper level. At our Tea Retreat, I'm looking forward to celebrating traditional rituals from our ancestors surrounding tea and all the healing it can help facilitate in the mind, body and spirit. We will spend time in practice slowing down to listen to our deepest selves, while diving into the art of intuitive tea blending and holistic tincture making.

Vikki Dawn @therustedbucketproject

My intention is to teach and learn. I am new to the ritual of tea, and this retreat is an opportunity for me to deepen my understanding. Shellie and Kiley have introduced me to the finer parts of tea, and The Way of Tea and Justice has taken me even further into its meaning. The ritual of being present and intentional aligns deeply with my values, and I love digging into the idea of it, seeing how things connect, and sharing what I discover. My faith is evolving—intentionally. I believe in the power of love, forgiveness, and grace—the kind of love that is vast and impossible to fully comprehend. I see it in the miracle of nature, when my hands are deep in the dirt or when I’m out on a walk, reminded that the world keeps turning whether I get everything right or not. Being in a peaceful and beautiful place like My Garden Blooms—surrounded by creativity, connection, and the sacred—is a respite. And feels like the perfect setting to embrace this journey. What I love most is that this kind of learning, creating, and growing isn’t just for when we escape to a retreat—it’s for every day, if we’re willing to grab hold of it. I can’t wait to dig in (literally and figuratively). We will write our vision, swap ideas, and busy our hands with kokedama. (photograph credit to Claudia Carter

Shellie Ritzman @mygardenblooms

My passion for tea began 40 years ago when my mother introduced me to my first tea room, and since then, the ritual of tea has become a cherished part of my daily life. Throughout my journey, I've faced numerous painful trials, including domestic violence. In those challenging times, the solace of tea, paired with my faith, provided a comforting refuge that helped me persevere. At our on-farm events, guests often remark on how the natural surroundings and the serene beauty of the gardens bring them a profound sense of peace. Creating a retreat that offers a nurturing space for imagination, reflection, and emotional healing has always been a dream of mine. For my contribution to the retreat, I’m thrilled to incorporate cyanotype botanical art and the language of flowers— eager to witness the wellness and healing they will inspire in our guests.

Kathy Williams

I am so looking forward to meeting each of you in September. To creating a space for you to relax and let go, by using nature and Vibrational sound healing, to help you reset and return to your roots of natural wellbeing, to shift into your parasympathetic nervous system. To assist you in reconnecting with yourself and feeling well in your Spiritual body, Mental body, Emotional body, and Physical body.