Welcome to the blog of Shaunae Teske photographer, educator, & writer

RTS Leaders’ Retreat | San Fransisco, CA

For Creatives, Rising Tide Society

January 27, 2017

This weekend I drove two hours south, shot a wedding all day Saturday, drove two hours home in the scariest fog I had ever witnessed, found out my flight to San Fransisco that morning was cancelled, frantically booked a new flight two hours away in Milwaukee, desperately called around for a ride, was saved by my friend, drove two more hours back in the fog, finally boarded, and made it to California in six hours. In total, I was up for over 40 hours straight while fighting a nasty cold. What could have possibly been worth all the hassle? Why didn’t I just stay home and rest? Because this week was a week I had been anxiously waiting for months for! The Second Annual Rising Tide Society Leaders’ Retreat!

Over 100 Rising Tide Society leaders from around the world gathered together for two days in San Fransisco. We discussed our struggles, our new ideas, our hope and dreams, and everything that came with leading an RTS group. I reunited with old friends and met so many more new leaders who had just started. We listened to brave speakers share their emotional stories, broke off into groups to brainstorm for the future, and even made time to get a little creative. I cried way more than I expected too, laughed until it hurt with my roommates, and danced one of the nights away to the great music of the ’80s. This retreat was more than anything I could have ever hoped for and I’m beyond happy that I didn’t miss it.

The biggest thing I took away from the retreat this year was that we may not have all the answers but our goal hasn’t changed. We want to help and inspire creatives from around the world thrive in the spirit of Community Over Competition. We never want any creative, small business owner, or entrepreneur to feel isolated. Our goal is that they know we are all in this together and we are here to raise each other up! It’s so important and I’m proud to be a part of it.

To all those amazing RTS leaders out there: Wow! I’m SO impressed and inspired by all that you do! You have motivated me more than you know. Each and every one of you is amazing and I feel so lucky to call you my friends! The dedication, love, guidance, and compassion you pour into your communities is astounding. What you are doing matters and I hope you never forget that. You are making the world a better place just by being in it! I’m so proud of you all and I can’t wait to keep making waves together!

For today’s Fresh Brewed Friday, I’m sharing a recap of this life-changing retreat! Special thanks to Laura & Rachel for photographing the retreat and letting me share some of their images (mixed in with a few of my iPhone photos!) You ladies seriously rocked it, thank you for all your hard work and dedication!

HoneyBook headquarters was incredible! I wish I could work there every single day!

My roommate friends! These ladies inspire me beyond words! I love their sincerity and their heart for others!

Northeast Wisconsin representing!! Green Bay and Appleton ready to rock!

Turn on some Madonna and Michael Jackson because it’s 1980’s Party Time! Special thanks to my amazing mom for lending me her awesome glasses that she actually wore in the ’80s. I’m pretty sure I belong in this decade.