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Where it began ...
Hi I'm Ruth - thank you for checking out the person behind the brand - I launched Gin & Yin in 2018, whilst I still can't touch my toes and don't distill my own gin (yet), I do know how to create meaningful and memorable experiences for everyone, which life is all about right?
Looking back, I have been organising mini escapes for friends and family for many years, however, it was after organising a really special retreat to Marrakech in 2011 (see photo below) that I recognised first-hand the true value of stepping out of life as we know it for just a few days, with like-minded people. "Ruth, that was so much more than just a weekend away" ladies would say. So much so, the retreats became an annual fixture, different countries, different adventures but always the same wonderful experience, combining wellness, curiosity, culture and deliciousness.
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On a personal level, having the time and space to properly disconnect was hugely beneficial for me too (and my family for that matter). These short breaks helped me reassess my health and wellbeing priorities as well as my work-life balance, whilst also really enjoying myself and putting myself first.
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In 2018, when the value and importance of self-care started to gain momentum, the time was right to take this from side hustle, to small business and other than Covid slowing things down, I haven't looked back - I love organising retreats and events that are out of the ordinary equally as much as I love a well-crafted G&T, so the two were joined together and Gin & Yin became a thing. I have created some magical retreat experiences and welcomed and connected some incredible women (and men on my events) over the years, many of which return year on year - either side of Covid! It would be great to welcome you on board too.
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If you’re still with me ...
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Over the past 30 years I've gone from power suits and high heals in corner offices running over 120 conferences a year (those were the days), to perching on a too cool for school stool in an open plan music filled events agency, to dressing in vintage tennis gear for the 2012 Olympic Games (don’t ask), to hot-desking in my clients offices, to now enjoying my own little plant and book filled oasis (aka spare bedroom).
Agility, creativity and adaptability are my middle name. Whether I’m running a Gin & Yin retreat or event, or helping my clients to create stand out conferences and events, my objective is always to exceed expectations and create experiences they'll remember for years – life is too short for boring events and G&Ts served with rationed ice cubes! Thanks for reading to the last sip of a word!
Never underestimate the value of a
‘pause with a purpose’ to recalibrate - even a short pause now and then doing something you enjoy is enough to make a lasting difference.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
