Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Loretta Windsor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Loretta, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Sista Soul Fest was birthed during the 2020 pandemic. I had been practicing and teaching meditation for about 3 to 4 years. When the ” end of the world” my reference of COVID. It truly was the end of the World we once knew. Just about everything changed.
In the middle of June 2020, I was in one of my favorite parks meditating and I was shown a vision. It was a vision of multiple tents and lots of people. I then heard you’re gonna have a fest! As usual I said, WHAT? When that happens, the bigger picture is then given, it’s like my spirit team has jokes. Lol! To be honest I was nervous, I had never planned or even thought about creating or hosting a fest! I didn’t have a clue. Yes, my spirit team clearly has jokes. The details begin to be revealed.
- I was first told only women and girl’s (especially Women and Girls of color) businesses could participate.
- Second, the date will always be the last Sunday of August, and it will be in the park that we were doing meditation in which was Union Park. However, don’t get excited, this is the first and only year it will be held at Union Park. You will move your event to the Evelyn K. Davis ( EKD) park. The EKD park is beautiful and located in the center of our city which happens to be the black and brown community. I was fine with that.
- Third, the logo needs to represent women of all backgrounds along with the heart and flame being present in the logo. The name was given as well, Sista Soul Fest!.
Later I was told it would be an annual festival! At the time I had four other sistar friends that I knew would be the team to help plan, manage and make this “Creator” given fest manifest. I shared my thoughts with them, and it was game on. I was still a bit apprehensive because of the time frame. It was mid-June, and the event was supposed to happen at the end of August.
We did it!. We prayed, meditated, asked for guidance on everything, even down to the weather, and it happened! It was the first and one of a kind! 53 women and young girl businesses showed up debuting 23 brand new businesses. Absolutely, magical! We made local news, we made people happy, we embodied black girl Magic giving hope to other Sistas that had been sitting on an idea or dream.
We brought light to the community during a time of uncertainty! The vibe the entire atmosphere was of UNITY, LOVE, PEACE AND JUST FUN! We started a movement. A movement of woman ( especially Women of Color) entrepreneurship/ ownership. What we were blessed to do is still amazing, making an impact within our communities. 2023 is our 4th year, it is epic, and the best is yet to come!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I begin meditating as a form of mental therapy. In 2016, I was working in the corporate world, and it was awful! I wasn’t feeling valued at all. I tried posting out to other departments but wasn’t successful. I knew I reached a crossroads, for my health and sanity it was time to go. It was the best decision I could have made for myself. My message is Invest in yourself! You can do, be and have what you want if you believe and do the work! Stay the course!
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of how consistent I have been and that I never gave up! I’ve taken several hard blows and experienced more disappointments than can be imagined. Last year 2022 we expanded to North Carolina and back again this September, I am super proud of our expansion and hope to expand to other states.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Hosting Sista Soul Fest allowed me to truly understand resiliency quickly. The biggest hardship was and still is funding. We ended our first year in the red. The next year I told myself I am not having a fest. In fact, every year I have told my family and close friends, I am done! It gets to be too much work, we need more funds, more resources, etc. However, I can’t quit, it truly is not an option! I collect the lessons learned along the journey, soldier up and focus on continuing provide an opportunity for women and girls of color to showcase their unique businesses enhancing and enriching our community.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I wouldn’t say I had to unlearn, I had to remember that everyone and everything isn’t for you. Starting one way doesn’t mean it always has to stay that way. Our initial team and supp
Oh, my goodness, I was so wrong! Wrong as two left feet. Resulted in a horrible experience but great lessons remembered and learned. Do extensive research, ask hell of questions and check for referrals. If they are seeking you, do your research and check them out. Make sure they are who they say they are and that they have experience that supports your vision and brings value to the collaboration.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sistasoulfest.com
- Instagram: Sistasoulfest
- Facebook: Sistasoulfest
Image Credits
Sista Soul Fest