Pivoting during a pandemic... En Soleil goes Virtual

Hard to believe it’s September 1st…

It’s been a while since my last post, at which time I was determined to go “full speed ahead” with the in person launch of En Soleil at Refinery Hotel. None of us could have imagined the toll it would take on life as we knew it back at the beginning of April. Inevitably, we had to postpone our launch, and after years of ideating around this business idea, and finally taking steps to turn a dream into reality, I felt extremely disappointed, deflated, and unsure about the future.

After all of the planning, fundraising, pitching, and anticipation, we (along with the rest of the world) were brought to a screeching halt, but thanks to the creativity and suggestions of a few of my fellow boss women entrepreneurs, several phone calls, brainstorming sessions, and emails later, the idea to pivot and create virtual En Soleil experiences was born!

With the partnership of some amazing women owned brands, we created a giveaway that we promoted on social media. The giveaway included all of the items you would need to create your own self care retreat at home, including:

🕯Small- batch, hand poured warm spice and ginger peel candles from BEDLOVE

💃🏾Indulgent loungewear set from CHLOEKRISTYN

🌹 Intoxicating pocket fragrance from Maya Njie- courtesy of MUSE_EXPERIENCES

🍵All natural matcha energy drink mix from AILA, a delicious, jitter-free alternative to coffee 

💄 Glam panels from LEOPARA giving makeup-wearers the power to transform any mirror into a glamour haven 

🍸Cocktail-gram from the wonderfully crafted, delightfully aromatic gin liqueur POMPANDWHIMSY

🏝 The “Love and Protest” issue of VIOLETSUMMERZINE an urban literary magazine that includes personal essays, fashion, entertainment, and travel features

On June 20, 2020 (the Summer Solstice and planned date of our original launch party) the lucky winners and our brand partners came together for our virtual retreat via Zoom and discussed the products, participated in a cocktail making class with Pomp & Whimsy, and networked with other amazing women! Melissa from Violet Summer 'Zine read us a short (and steamy) story, and we were also given some makeup tips from Leopara. It was a wonderful #GirlsNightIn!

With all of the uncertainty and unrest in the world, we wanted to think of new ways to help people take a break and unwind, at home, which is why we are now launching “INDULGE” a limited edition, curated box of our favorite brands that you can use to re-create your own luxurious “spa day” at home. Purchase one for yourself or that special someone HERE

We hope you continue to practice self-care, whether that means going for a brisk walk or taking a long bath, it’s vital to our mental and physical health. We will keep you posted on future virtual and “in a box” offerings as we evolve, but in the meantime, stay safe and take care.

-Stephanie, Founder of En Soleil