October 2nd

I went to Costa Rica with 14 strangers...

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​In March of this year, I launched my inaugural group trip. I was optimistic but also nervous. I had never done something like this before, and it was an entirely new level of vulnerability for me as a creative.

But I remembered this one thing...

I've always had a good experience meeting people who vibe with my content and work.

Seriously. Always. Every time.

I've always left those experiences feeling two things: humbled and energized. Humbled because y'all are amazing. You're pursuing your creative ventures and endeavoring to persevere. Inevitably, I hear about your projects, your passions, and your dreams. I can't help but be sucked in and become emboldened to keep going, but also grateful and humbled that you decided to have me somewhere in your purview.

Costa Rica was no different.

I mean, honestly, look at these beautiful humans 😌

14 people from 14 different lived experiences, backgrounds, and interests, but united for 7 days in a completely new country. Juntos.

Juntos is Spanish for "together."

On the first day of the trip, I guided us all through a journaling session before our welcome dinner. I wanted everyone to have something physical to document their experiences, so I put together tote bags with new journals and pens.

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At the end of each day, I would send our group a new journal prompt.

My favorite prompt was from Day 5, after we snorkeled in Cahuita National Park.

A PROMPT FOR DAY 5: A change in perspective.

Often throughout life, we look up to see what we’re missing. We look up to others in “better” careers and social standings. However, today we looked down to see a whole ecosystem. On the surface, the water was clear and calm, but then beneath it all, 🎶 a whole new world 🎶

What narratives have you told yourself that could use a change in perspective?

My biggest takeaway from this experience is that I love being the spark for all of you. I love offering y'all whatever I can to help you move forward in whatever endeavor you pursue.

During the trip, I held a group roundtable and opened it up to everyone for questions about any aspects of my creative process, content creation - anything.

However, I could tell that wasn't enough, so I orchestrated 1:1s with anyone who wanted dedicated time with me.

This provided me with the opportunity to be once again humbled and energized.

• Nicole wanted help with color correction in Adobe Premiere Pro - so I opened my laptop.
• Busayo realized she needed to revamp her artist statement. So we sat there for an hour and reworked it together.
• Helen began our session with deep breath work and a discussion on balancing the drive to create with society's perception and judgment.
• Jackie had an international shoot coming up and wanted to talk through traveling with gear and tech.

Each 1:1 was a reminder of why I started sharing my story on the internet - to connect.

And now, I'm ready to do this again.

I'm launching my next group trip to Crete, Greece. As a subscriber to my humble little corner of the internet, I wanted to give you early access to the booking page so you can explore the itinerary and get a discount on the trip before it goes live to everyone else on Friday, October 4th.

As always, please respond to this email with any questions, comments, concerns, affirmations, and motivations. I'll make sure to answer as quickly as I can.

Endeavoring to persevere,

Hallease

1579 Monroe Drive NE, Suite F PMB 185, Atlanta, GA 30324
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