Essence Weekend Leadership Wellness Retreat

With Kay Matthews

July 3 - 6, 2026

Address: 1216 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Contact: Sierra McClain
INFO@shadesofblueproject.org
8329196805

$4,950.00 – July 3rd-6th Fleur Dei Lis Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
$4,950.00 – July 3rd-6th Red Room Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
$4,950.00 – July 3rd-6th Royal Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
$4,950.00 – July 3rd-6th Hollywood Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
$3,950.00 – July 3rd-5th Champagne Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
$3,950.00 – July 3rd-5th Bourbon Street Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
$3,950.00 – July 3rd-5th Jazz Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
$3,950.00 – July 3rd-5th White Suite: This private space is intentionally designed for leaders who value comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted rest. Offering a serene and restorative environment, it provides the space needed to decompress, reflect, and prepare for each day of high impact leadership programming.
$1,950.00 – July 3rd-5th River Suite 1 Shared Private Space: Enjoy a thoughtfully designed shared accommodation that balances comfort, privacy, and connection. This room offers individual sleeping space within a shared environment, ideal for attendees who value community while still having room to unwind, rest, and recharge after full retreat days.
$1,950.00 – July 3rd-5th River Suite 2 Shared Private Space: Enjoy a thoughtfully designed shared accommodation that balances comfort, privacy, and connection. This room offers individual sleeping space within a shared environment, ideal for attendees who value community while still having room to unwind, rest, and recharge after full retreat days.
$1,950.00 – July 3rd-5th River Suite 3 Shared Private Space: Enjoy a thoughtfully designed shared accommodation that balances comfort, privacy, and connection. This room offers individual sleeping space within a shared environment, ideal for attendees who value community while still having room to unwind, rest, and recharge after full retreat days.
$500.00 – Extra Night Stay- Champagne Suite . Bourbon Suite. Jazz Suite, White Suite Enhance your retreat experience by adding an extra night at the Historic Fleur De Lis Mansion. This option offers added comfort, flexibility, and unhurried rest, allowing you to fully settle in or transition out of the retreat with intention and ease. Check- Out July 6th
$400.00 – Extra Night Stay- River Suite 1,River Suite 2, River Suite 3 Enhance your retreat experience by adding an extra night at the Historic Fleur De Lis Mansion. This option offers added comfort, flexibility, and unhurried rest, allowing you to fully settle in or transition out of the retreat with intention and ease. Check- Out July 6th

This leadership retreat offers a unique opportunity to pause, reconnect, and recharge while surrounded by a community of purpose-driven leaders during the vibrant energy of Essence Week in New Orleans.

Created by the Shades of Blue Project, this experience is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting mothers, families, and communities while also recognizing the importance of rest, wellness, and sustainable leadership. Many leaders spend their days pouring into others without taking the time to restore their own energy. This retreat was intentionally created to change that.

Over the course of several days, participants will engage in meaningful conversations, leadership development sessions, and reflective experiences that support both personal wellbeing and professional growth. The retreat blends strategy, community connection, and intentional moments for restoration so that participants leave feeling renewed and inspired.

In addition to the retreat programming, participants will have the opportunity to experience the culture, celebration, and energy of Essence Week through the included 3-day Essence Festival concert pass. This creates a powerful balance of learning, connection, joy, and cultural celebration.

Whether you are a birth worker, advocate, clinician, community leader, or someone passionate about maternal mental health and community wellbeing, this retreat offers a space to strengthen your voice, deepen your purpose, and connect with others who share a commitment to making a difference.

Participants leave with renewed clarity, expanded networks, and the tools needed to continue creating meaningful impact in their communities.

About the Leader

Kay Matthews

Kay Matthews is the Founder and Executive Director of the Shades of Blue Project and a respected leader dedicated to supporting the health, wellness, and emotional wellbeing of mothers, families, and community leaders. Through her work, Kay creates spaces where healing, rest, and personal renewal are recognized as essential parts of leadership and sustainable impact. […]

Learn more about Kay Matthews