Written by: Doreen Kessy
I officially launched Eden Retreat in January, and it’s been such a beautiful journey so far. I’m grateful for the many ways the vision of Eden Retreat aligns with my values, passions and skills. Working on it has stretched me, refined me, and allowed me to meet myself on a deeper level. Here are a few lessons that have stayed with me while building Eden Retreat this year:
Most people are running on empty and need supportive communities to thrive.
There’s so much happening in the world, and even more in people’s personal lives. Many are carrying health, relational, financial, or spiritual burdens, yet are having to still show up at home and at work. What’s even harder is that so many are navigating these challenges alone. We need spaces that bring people together to connect, encourage, and support one another. Communities like the one we’re building at Eden Retreat are becoming more essential than ever.
We’re a generation that needs restorative rest, not just a vacation.
Modern life leaves us restless in ways parking on the beach alone can’t fix. Vacations are wonderful, but often they’re just a pause, not true restoration. It’s like a car running out of fuel… parking it won’t refill the tank. In the same way, rest isn’t just stopping, it’s refueling physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Many people take time off but don’t actually replenish. Rest has to be intentional and we are revolutionizing it at Eden Retreat.
Clarity of vision is one of the most important foundations in building a successful business.
Our clarity of vision has helped us move intentionally instead of reactively. With clarity, I know where we’re going, why it matters, and what success looks like. Our vision guides every decision, keeps us focused, attracts the right people, and shapes our brand and storytelling. The biggest game changer for me has been partnering with God on the vision – seeking His guidance and leadership daily.
Real success takes time.
As someone who loves speed, patience has been a real challenge. But I’ve learned that patience is one of the most essential qualities in entrepreneurship. Most people underestimate how long it takes to build something stable and meaningful. Growth is rarely instant, it takes time to build a brand, earn trust, understand your market, develop systems, and nurture a growing community.
As we enter 2026, I’m taking all these lessons with me and looking forward to learning even more along this transformative journey.
Restfully yours, Doreen
