Toyin Ajayi, founder of Outdoorsy Black Women, is gearing up for the third edition of “Wellness and Waterfalls,” a retreat held in Blairsville, Georgia, designed to foster rest, sisterhood, and healing through nature. What began as a way to help Black women reconnect with the outdoors has evolved into a wellness-centered experience featuring new activities, vendors, and a partnership with Nissan to debut a “Wellness & Wifi” lounge. The retreat mirrors the growth of a now 8,000-member community, offering expanded access through day passes and inclusive programming.
As DEI rollbacks and online attacks pose new challenges, Ajayi remains focused on visibility and empowerment. From the inclusion of resilience workshops to campfire discussions on pressing social issues, the event reflects Outdoorsy Black Women’s mission to create safe, affirming spaces. Ajayi hopes to continue expanding nationally, building a network where more Black women can connect, recharge, and thrive in the healing power of nature.
What inspired the creation of the “Wellness and Waterfalls” retreat, and how has it evolved since its first edition?
The inspiration for the Wellness and Waterfalls retreat stems from Outdoorsy Black Women’s commitment to helping us find solace and healing through nature. This retreat extends that mission by providing a space for Black women to come together in sisterhood, have fun, and leave feeling healed and rejuvenated. Over time, the focus has shifted more toward wellness, reflecting our collective need for self-care in these challenging times.
This year’s retreat in Blairsville marks the third installment. What can attendees expect that’s new or different from previous years?
This year, we’re excited to offer more engaging wellness stations, vendors, and activities. One standout feature is our Wellness & Wifi experience, sponsored by Nissan. Additionally, we’re introducing a fun Cowgirl costume competition, a nod to my Cowgirl Carter fans! Recognizing that not everyone prefers camping overnight, we are also providing day passes for attendees this year.
Outdoorsy Black Women now has a community of over 8,000 members. How does this retreat reflect the growth and spirit of that community?
The growth of our community is truly inspiring, especially in witnessing women who previously felt uncomfortable in outdoor settings joining us. This reflects the importance of representation and shows that we are indeed thriving outdoors when we have a supportive and safe environment.
You’ve partnered with Nissan for this year’s event. How does this collaboration support the mission of empowerment and wellness for Black women?
Partnering with Nissan has been an enjoyable experience and aligns perfectly with the Wellness and Waterfalls mission. I’ve tested various vehicles in their fleet, and they resonate with our members in numerous ways, whether for off-roading, camping, or tailgating. A key highlight of this partnership was test-driving the Nissan Murano, which features massaging seats and ambient lighting, creating a calming experience, especially for those of us who may feel anxious while driving. This spa-like experience on wheels fits seamlessly into our wellness theme, and I can’t wait to see the Wellness & Wifi experience come to life!
The retreat comes at a time when DEI initiatives are being rolled back across the country. How is Outdoorsy Black Women responding, and what role does this retreat play in that conversation?
Our primary response is to persevere and push forward! The rollback of DEI initiatives challenges communities and organizations like ours, affecting our funding and sponsorship opportunities. These rollbacks are a form of erasure, and our best response is to remain visible and affirm that “we’re not going back.” It’s disheartening to see some companies revealing their true stances, but I appreciate transparency in our partnerships. During the retreat, we’ll have campfire discussions, and we intend to address this crucial topic.
Recent cyberattacks by MAGA supporters have targeted your platform. How have these incidents impacted your work, and what message do you have for those attempting to silence your mission?
Dealing with these attacks has been incredibly challenging. A common misconception is that we operate as a large team; in reality, Outdoorsy Black Women primarily relies on me for day-to-day operations, aside from occasional volunteers. These incidents have increased my workload and led to the removal of our app for security and manageability. My message is unequivocal: we will not be silenced!
You’ve introduced new workshops this year focused on resilience and navigating social and political pressures. What led to this decision, and what outcomes do you hope to see?
Each year, we strive to adapt to the cultural climate and the evolving needs of our members. Given the current circumstances, it was essential to ensure our participants receive support in these vital areas.
Wellness often means different things to different people. How does the retreat approach mental, emotional, and physical wellness holistically?
At Wellness and Waterfalls, we embrace wellness from mental, physical, emotional, and social perspectives. We recognize that laughter and enjoyment are as healing as activities like sound baths, journaling, or hiking, so we aim to provide a comprehensive experience.
Can you speak to the significance of hosting this event in a natural setting like Blairsville, and how the environment contributes to the retreat experience?
Nature itself is a powerful healer, and selecting a location where attendees can truly exhale is crucial. This year’s site was chosen to facilitate immersive healing experiences, whether through wellness activities, meditation, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.
Looking beyond this retreat, what’s next for Outdoorsy Black Women and your broader mission of building community through nature and wellness?
We aim to expand our team and establish ambassadorships in additional states. Our goal is to reach more Black women and provide more opportunities for outdoor experiences, continuing to foster a strong sense of community.
Be’n Original
