Hey there, retreat leaders (and aspiring ones)! It’s Shannon here, coming to you with a little dose of real talk about finding your sweet spot as a retreat leader. If you’ve been in the game for a while—or if you’re just dipping your toes in—you’ve probably faced this question: What does the market actually need, and how do I line that up with what I love and what I’m good at?

This question isn’t just a brainstorming exercise; it’s the foundation of a sustainable, fulfilling retreat business. And let me tell you, I’ve learned this the hard way—through trial, error, and a couple of eyebrow-raising “what-was-I-thinking” moments. Let me share my story with you, and hopefully, it’ll help you find that perfect intersection of market demand, personal passion, and your unique abilities.

When I Tried to Do What the Market Wanted (But It Wasn’t Me)

Several years ago, I noticed that silent retreats were gaining popularity. They were popping up everywhere, with people raving about the power of disconnecting from the noise and embracing stillness. I thought, Hey, this is what the market wants. I should give it a shot!

So, I did. I planned a silent retreat, marketed it as this peaceful, introspective experience, and crossed my fingers. But here’s the problem: silence isn’t my vibe. I’m a talker, a connector, and someone who thrives on meaningful conversations and shared laughter.

Guess what? The retreat, though financially was sound, was a flop in my book. Not because people weren’t interested in silence, but because I wasn’t interested in silence. I couldn’t authentically lead something that didn’t light me up, and my energy—or lack thereof. That was my first big lesson: you can’t force yourself to fit into a mold just because it’s trending or seems profitable. Also- people can feel when your heart isn’t in it.

When I Focused Only on What I Wanted (But the Market Wasn’t There)

Now let’s swing to the other end of the spectrum. There was a time when I decided to host a full-on camping retreat. I’m talking tents, campfires, no-frills outdoor living. I LOVE being in nature, and I thought, This is going to be amazing!

But here’s the thing: my audience didn’t love it. My demographic tends to lean more toward “glamping” than “roughing it,” and while I was all about the simplicity and grounding experience of camping, my audience was not thrilled about the lack of comfort.

The retreat didn’t sell as well as my others, and the people who did attend weren’t really my primary demographic that I usually work with.  And you know what? That’s okay. It taught me another critical lesson: just because I love something doesn’t mean my audience will.

The Sweet Spot: Aligning Market Needs with Your Passion and Strengths

So, where does that leave us? Somewhere in the middle, my friends. The magic happens when you can identify what the market needs (what your ideal clients are craving) and align it with what you’re good at and what you genuinely enjoy doing.

For me, that sweet spot is retreats that combine stress relief, yoga, fun, and yes, a little bit of wine. My audience loves experiences that balance wellness with connection, laughter, and lighthearted joy. And guess what? That’s exactly what I love to deliver. It’s where I feel authentic, energized, and in my element.

When you hit that sweet spot, everything shifts. Your retreats feel effortless (not easy, but aligned), your attendees resonate with your energy, and your business grows in a way that feels sustainable and joyful.

How to Find Your Sweet Spot

If you’re wondering how to identify your sweet spot, here are a few questions to get you started:

• What is your audience asking for? Pay attention to the questions people ask you, the feedback you get from past retreats, and the trends in your niche. What’s resonating with your ideal clients?
• What lights you up? Think about the types of retreats you’d be excited to lead, the activities that bring you joy, and the energy you want to bring into your business.
• What are you really good at? This is where your unique strengths come into play. Maybe you’re amazing at creating community, facilitating deep emotional work, or organizing creative workshops. Lean into those strengths.
• Where do these things overlap? Look for the intersection of market demand, your passion, and your skills. That’s your sweet spot.

Why Balance Matters

The biggest takeaway from my journey is this: balance is key. If you’re only chasing what the market wants, you risk losing your authenticity and burning out. If you’re only doing what you love without considering your audience, you’ll struggle to fill your retreats.

It’s about blending the two—creating experiences that your clients need while staying true to who you are. When you strike that balance, your retreats will feel like an extension of yourself, and your business will grow in a way that feels aligned and fulfilling.

Final Thoughts

Listen, you’re not going to get it perfect every time. I sure didn’t! But each retreat, each misstep, and each success is a stepping stone toward building the retreat business you’ve always dreamed of.

So, take the time to reflect on your sweet spot. Get clear on what you bring to the table and what your audience is hungry for. And most importantly, remember that when you’re aligned with your passion and purpose, the right people will be drawn to you.

Here’s to creating retreats that are as fulfilling for you as they are transformative for your guests. Keep going, and don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe along the way—you’ve got this! 

PS- did you know that our Retreat Leader Memberships include LIVE coaching and support for an entire year!? It is THE place to be if you are wanting to skyrocket your retreat business!