Since my first trip to France in 2010, I always knew I wanted to return. Having spent 3 years as a professional travel blogger, and another year and a half as a travel agent, the various regions of France really piqued my interest. I jumped at the opportunity to visit Provence and stay in La Peetch, the summer cottage built by Julia and Paul Child. I had the absolute pleasure of playing student and offering destination retreat photography for the Master Your Mission retreat for female entrepreneurs last year.
What is Master Your Mission?
The 2016 edition of Master Your Mission – the retreat’s sophomore year – was attended by four female entrepreneurs (myself included). The retreat was hosted by the lovely Jacqueline Boone of 6 Months to Live & Boone Consulting, and Elisabeth Cardiello of Caffe Unimatic & Legacy Out Loud. Between the two women, they have three TEDx talks under their belts, a United Nations talk, and contracts with some of the world’s biggest companies!
What was it like?
Together we spent the better part of the week learning how to be the best entrepreneurs we could be. We spent time defining our individual brand identities, learning marketing strategies, and tips for attracting ideal clients. This was all done whilst sipping on some of the world’s finest rosé and eating incredible French cuisine in JULIA CHILD’S summer cottage!
The picturesque countryside setting was perfect, the cottage was more quaint than could even be imagined and the company was inspiring. There were outings to the Commanderie de Peyrassol winery and we enjoyed Bastille day celebrations in the charming old-world town of Valbonne. From a photographer’s standpoint – it was an absolute dream. It was my first time dabbling in destination retreat photography but I feel the resulting images truly tell the tale of our week. Working as the official photographer while taking in all the knowledge that was being bestowed upon me was a balancing act – but one well worth it!
I wrote more about the experience on my travel blog, The Mellyboo Project – so if you would like to read more about it, you may do so here.
Without further ado, enjoy some memories of an incredible week with motivational women in an inspirational setting…
* * * * * * * * * * *
Follow me on Instagram for bonus posts + a behind the scenes peek into my personal + work life!! -> @melissashearerphotography
Toronto Lifestyle & Travel Photographer
Specializing in business lifestyle portrait photography, newborn photography, couples and engagement photography, family photography, fur family photography, pet photography, event photography, retreat photography, travel photography
Serving the GTA, Toronto, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Markham, Whitby, Muskoka, Parry Sound District, York Region, Halton Region, Durham Region, Worldwide, International, Destination