Meet Jennifer Carmel | Retreat CEO and Wellness Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Carmel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I believe that Zen Again Wellness Retreats LLC creates a positive ripple effect throughout the community and the world by supporting and partnering with local businesses and organic farms wherever we travel. By integrating experiences such as visits to local spas, national parks, and organic sustainable farms into our retreats, we not only enhance the wellness journey of our participants but also contribute to the local economy. Our retreats are uniquely designed to elevate participants’ health, mind, body, and spirit, providing transformative experiences and valuable tools that guests can incorporate into their daily lives. This approach also fosters a deeper connection to both the local community and sustainable practices, enriching the lives of participants while strengthening the community’s economy and visibility.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey began as an artist, where my passion for color and creativity sort of naturally extended and began to flow into my food and catering. I began crafting one-of-a-kind mandala art cakes and dishes that were visually stunning and extremely unique.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, this passion evolved into a new vision: integrating my colorful, healthy cuisine into wellness retreats. This idea led me to develop unique, curated retreats around the world. While navigating the challenges of organizing and implementing these global events in an oversaturated market has been challenging and extremely demanding to say the least, my commitment to meticulous detail and thoughtful curation sets me apart from the main stream I do believe. Each retreat reflects my dedication to excellence, from selecting exceptional facilitators to designing impactful and fun activities. The glowing feedback and repeat customers I receive affirm that this dedication resonates deeply with my clients and those that take the wellness Journey with me ,and this is what keeps me moving forward and on this path. And it is all ,may I add, a complete labor of Love. love for the planet and love for my fellow human beings.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is no shortage of fun and amazing things to do and see in San Diego and North county areas. when I have friends visiting for a week, I like to start our adventure with a whale watching tour with @gonewhalewatching, where Captain Dominic provides an unforgettable experience during the right seasons. Usually December through April, but he seems to have luck all year round ..It’s an incredible activity for photography buffs, and whale and dolphin lovers alike. We then can head out to explore the cultural richness of Balboa Park, home to beautiful gardens, world-class museums, and the renowned San Diego Zoo. For dining, I like to take people to local favorites like Juniper & Ivy for a memorable fine dining experience or Herb And Sea up in Encinitas, one of my all-time favorites. A visit to San Diego would also be incomplete without a day at the famous Murrieta Hot Springs, where you can unwind and soak in over 50 of the newly renovated mineral pools. They also have a cold plunge tub and mud bath pit. super fun! You can also book an array of different classes and spa treatments. They have a wonderful restaurant on site and a bar for those mimosas poolside. Murrieta Hot Springs also offers a very great discount for locals if you live within a 50 mile radius! Those would be my suggestions for fun things to do in San Diego area.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Alice Waters, whose pioneering work in the farm-to-table movement has profoundly inspired me. Her dedication to sourcing beautiful, organic ingredients and creating exquisite, healthy meals while practicing ethical methods has been a guiding light for my own journey. Her approach not only showcases the simplicity and beauty of organic farming but also highlights the importance of sustainability in nourishing our planet. Additionally, I owe a deep debt of gratitude to my parents, who instilled in me the belief that “nothing is impossible” and encouraged me to pursue my dreams relentlessly. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been the foundation of my journey in creating Zen Again Wellness Retreats LLC.

Website: https://www.zenagainwellnessretreats.com

Instagram: @zenagaincatering

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