My name is: Karen Joyce.

I’m known for being: I am the founder and creative director of Grace Retreats.

My personal journey allowed me to shift gears from fashion to spirit, from Gucci to Grace.

My Grace Retreats partner is Judith Johnson, known for over 30 years of international training and practice of energy work, in particular PNE (or psycho-neuro energetics).

We are hosting a retreat called: Living From the Inside Out: Tools for change and inner growth.

It’s located in: Tuscany, Italy. The small town of Impruneta is 11 km outside of Florence amidst rolling vineyards and olive groves; April 29th-May 5th, 2018.

I was drawn to this destination because: I have lived in Italy for over 20 years and this beautiful villa is a five-minute walk through the vineyards from my home. It is immersed in nature with amazing views and a very special energy. It’s the perfect place to hold people in their processes of self-understanding, healing and growth.

This retreat is special because: it offers a synergetic approach to transformation. By combining ancient disciplines with modern psychology and brain-body techniques, we access a greater understanding of our bodies, minds and spirits and align with the inner wisdom that we all possess.

One thing you can’t miss is: this opportunity to go deep inside and experience the humanness, compassion, love and grace that accompanies this process. 

Your body will thank you because: you will discover what is limiting you in life and begin to understand your past and why you act the way you do. You will leave open, connected and aligned with who you really are, complete with tools to bring into daily life.

I never retreat without bringing: For me, the most important element to bring to retreats and to daily living is self-compassion and presence—not always so easy. I also have my favorite meditation shawl and prayer beads.

Retreating is part of my process because: I find an invaluable preciousness in honest observation, inquiry, relation and silence. Giving myself the time and space to look inside and see truth is like a reset. It reminds me of what’s really important and helps me to live a more connected and authentic life.