Outdoorsy Black Women Create Space for Healing and Connection at the Wellness and Waterfalls Retreat

Jasmine Hawkins
Sep 1
3 min read

Updated: Oct 8

For Toyin Ajayi, founder of Outdoorsy Black Women, creating a space where Black women can feel safe, seen, and celebrated in nature isn’t just an idea; it’s a calling. And this September, that calling takes shape in the most breathtaking way.

From September 4–7, 2025, the Wellness and Waterfalls Weekend Retreat returns to Blairsville, Georgia. Four days. Three nights. And one powerful opportunity to reconnect, recharge, and revel in the beauty of sisterhood.

This year’s retreat comes with intention. After taking a year off to restructure, Ajayi and her team chose to scale back in size, not as a setback, but as an offering.

“We made the intentional choice to downsize in order to create a more personal atmosphere,” Ajayi shares. “This way, women can build deeper relationships and leave with bonds that last beyond the weekend.”

Photo credit: Valerie Jones

The Beauty of Black Women in Nature

The retreat offers a mix of DIY tent camping and luxury glamping, giving every woman the freedom to choose how she wants to experience the outdoors. Each day is filled with both serenity and sparkle: guided hikes, wellness stations with massages and mini-makeovers, fireside chats, wine tastings, and even a Cowgirl Costume Contest.

And because wellness is never one-size-fits-all, the retreat blends self-care with skill-building, practical outdoor lessons alongside soulful paint parties and sisterhood circles.

The backdrop? Cascading waterfalls, mountain trails, and the kind of fresh air that feels like a reset button.

Photo credit: Valerie Jones

Three Black women pose outdoors in casual and athletic wear, smiling and enjoying the sun during the Wellness and Waterfalls Retreat in Blairsville, GA.

Photo credit: Valerie Jones

More Than a Getaway

For many, this retreat is more than a weekend escape, it’s a reminder that Black women belong in outdoor spaces. It’s proof that self-care can look like hiking boots and laughter under the stars. And it’s an invitation to step away from the noise of daily life and lean into healing, joy, and community.

Women standing and talking to prepare for a hike

Photo credit: Valerie Jones

Thanks to the support of sponsors like Nissan, Huzzy, and Black Girl Group Inc., Ajayi and her team are able to keep this vision alive, even in the face of budget cuts.

“We’re incredibly thankful,” Ajayi says. “This retreat was created to nurture women and remind them of their own inner outdoorswoman.”

A Call to the Sisterhood

With limited overnight spots remaining and day passes still available, the Wellness and Waterfalls Weekend Retreat is set to be an unforgettable gathering of strength, beauty, and balance.

Because sometimes, healing looks like this: A circle of women by the fire. A hike that ends with waterfalls. And a reminder that when Black women gather, connection happens.

Women sitting on workout mats with notebooks

Photo credit: Valerie Jones

“Wellness and Waterfalls is truly a space that we see transformations. The heart and focus of the event is always on our attendees. We always aim to create a safe space for us as Black women to connect, be vulnerable and find healing. This year was amazing to see and hear women say they came feeling heavy and left feeling lighter, made new friends and felt ready to tackle their lives. There are no words that can truly describe what it feels like to be able to provide a space like this. I’m honored that the members of Outdoorsy Black Women trust me with their vulnerability and feel comfortable enough to try new things.”

-Oluwatoyin Ajayi (from the Founder)

Two women share laughter and joy while sitting around a warm campfire at the Wellness and Waterfalls Retreat, wearing Outdoorsy Black Women shirts and name badges.

Photo credit: Valerie Jones

📍 Wellness and Waterfalls Retreat | September 4–7, 2025 | Blairsville, GA

🔗 https://www.outdoorsyblackwomen.com

Women taking a picture together in cowgirl outfits

Photo credit: Valerie Jones

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