Today we’d like to introduce you to Kourtney Lohn.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Ríe Retreats began as a dream to redefine what creativity could look like in a world that commodifies culture and glorifies the “American hustle”. As a Miami-native, I am no stranger to hustle, the fake it you make it motto, and knowing how important the daily grind is to make your creative ambitions a reality. But rest is also productive and it’s something I didn’t learn until I was 8+ years into the industry facing severe creative burnout that a quick vacation would not fix.
So I left my dream job as a Creative Producer, in what was my dream city, London, to return home.
But prior to that, London had became the bridge between my two great loves: travel and art. I often found myself exploring new corners of the world because it was so accessible at the time. I was in what I like to call my ‘Bourdain-era’, learning, eating, creating, and collaborating with people from all of the world.
One weekend I’d find a $90 flight to Morocco, book it on a whim, and end up talking to shop owners in Marrakech’s souks, learning how to speak Darija and making mint tea. The next month I’d end up on a houseboat in Amsterdam, hitchhiking in Italy, arguing about communism in Istanbul over Turkish coffee. And to this day, even after 44 countries, my family still panics just as I announce where I’m going next.
Built out of a desire to heal from creative burnout, Ríe is my love letter to heritage, community connection, and creative freedom.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Working as a young woman in the creative industries, similar to many industries, it was and still is a very male-dominated field. I always felt I had something to prove, whether it was to work harder, stay on set longer, or lift heavier just to earn respect. Despite having the qualifications, the skillset, and the drive to keep going, the demand to prove my worth, began to weigh on me. I knew my worth, I was just in the wrong rooms.
And while traveling the world fuelled my creativity, working in the fast-paced creative industry drained it. That same burnout and endless grind left me craving something more… the joy, connection, and creativity without the pressure. That’s why I created Ríe Retreats, a place where creative women can rediscover their passions, connect and collaborate with one another, and explore new ideas in breathtaking locations around the world.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ríe Retreats?
Ríe Retreats was created to help young creatives break free from the pressures of hustle culture and reconnect with their passion for art and exploration. We invite creatives from all over the world to rediscover their craft through global creative retreats, multidisciplinary workshops, and a supportive community of creative women.
Now in our second official year since launch, Ríe is working towards creative scholarships to provide more accessibility through grants, brand partnerships and donors that align with the heritage of each destination. Plus adopting more sustainable practices to support the communities that protect the land we visit.
But so far we have…
hosted 4 international creative retreats across 4 different countries
gathered 155+ creatives through our pop-up events across Miami, London and Medellín
secured 20+ brand partnerships & collaborations
donated $2,875 to local non-profits
and we’ve only just started…
Whether it’s learning pottery in Greece, jiu-jitsu and capoeira in Rio, or sharing stories with like-minded creatives over a tea in Miami, every moment is designed to spark inspiration and connection. Ríe, which means “laugh” in Spanish, embodies our philosophy, that life is never that serious and that there is no singular way to heal. Wellness doesn’t always have to mean hot yoga, run clubs, matcha and pilates,,, it can also look like samba dancing, colada shots, and figure drawing with friends,
Now in our second official year, Ríe is working towards creative scholarships to provide more accessibility through grants, brand partnerships and donors that align with the heritage of each destination. Plus adopting more sustainable practices to support the communities and protect the land we visit.
Ríe is not a tour company, and it’s not your average wellness retreat. We’re a community of creatives from all over the world, and communities grow because people inside them say yes to sharing, to connecting, to spotlighting and supporting one another. This is the community I wish I had during my most challenging moments… a space to create, connect, and explore the world with an open heart. I can’t wait to meet you and share these incredible experiences together.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
In my first month, with zero sign ups, I thought the world was ending because I just spent seven thousand of my personal savings on a villa with money I did not have…
But I went on to go against every opinion, and hosted 4 retreats across 4 countries in my first year, when everyone kept telling me I should niche down and get good at one product. I made a commitment to pour money back into each community, even when I’ve not yet made a profit.
Everything about starting your own business feels like a risk and you are constantly betting on yourself to figure it out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rieretreats.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rieretreats/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/@rieretreats
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rieretreats
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rieretreats
- Other: http://buymeacoffee.com/rieretreats
