Christine Founder Lotus Sojourns — Christine Winebrenner Irick, Lotus Sojourns Founder

Reflecting Back…

When I first decided to launch Lotus Sojourns at the International Women’s Summit on International Women’s Day in 2019, I had a clear vision of how things would go.

I would reach out to the strong, empowered communities of women already in my circle. They’d travel with me. And we’d cultivate an outstanding bond, as Lotus Sojourns would begin growing into a social impact business for the ages.

I was chock-full of hope, inspiration, and joy.

And then…life.

A global pandemic.
The seemingly permanent pause of travel as we knew it.
Financial stress.
Lost connections.

My community and I suddenly retreated, and my grand vision for what Lotus Sojourns would become was shattered. I spent the spring of 2020 like many others, safely tucked away into my home, grieving the loss of things-that-couldn’t-be. I considered giving up on Lotus Sojourns, getting a “real” job, and putting my new–my true–identity on hold forever.

But something told me, Hold On. It’s always darkest before the dawn. To birth something new, you must enter this womb-space, the deep void of the unknown, the darkness. Stay here. Keep going.

So I listened, and I held on. I lovingly selected business partners that believed in what I wanted to create. I began nurturing all the parts of me that were grieving. I allowed myself to deeply feel each moment of sadness and loss. I acknowledged the fear for the safety and wellbeing of our global community. I forged connections with women (like YOU!) who stood by my side, believing that we are the answer.

“There is no place so awake as the edge of becoming.”

— Sue Monk Kidd

Creating from the Void

From the unknown of launching, re-launching, and re-re-launching a women’s only travel company, I had to get creative about making the impact I was out to make–without stepping foot on a plane.

Soul of Travel

I launched my travel podcast, Soul of Travel, to create the Sojourn experience through soulful conversations with thought leaders and empowered women in travel and social impact roles. We were nominated for the Wanderful Bessie Award for “A brand that has gone above and beyond to support, empower, and represent women in the past year.” This year’s lineup is packed with inspiring interviews that elevate the Soul of Travel to the next level.

The Lotus Book Sojourn

I led a group of women through a year-long inner and collective journey of reflection, discovery, and transformation. Together, we created a safe and nurturing–yet challenging–space. We worked through different authors’ teachings, including Gloria Steinem, Kate Northrup, Sue Monk Kidd, and Robin Wall Kimmerer. We recently launched the 2022 Book Sojourn, designed to nurture an even deeper level of reflection and transformation.

Journey to the Mountain: A Colorado Sojourn

I climbed a mountain, and I didn’t do it alone. In the spring and summer of 2021, Lotus Sojourns partnered with Becki Rupp of Trailblazer Wellness to create a comprehensive pre-trip physical, mental, and emotional training program that would lead six women to summit Mount Cameron in the Colorado wilderness. It was GLORIOUS.

Lotus CommuniTees

I created a social impact T-shirt brand called Lotus CommuniTees; we partnered with social impact groups to create T-shirt campaigns that gave back. The fair trade tees were a hit with adults and kids alike. While limited prints of Lotus CommuniTees are still available, new designs will be launching once the fair trade supply chain is reestablished in a way that doesn’t delay printing and shipments to our customers.

International Sojourns

I cultivated partnerships with social impact groups and cooperatives in Guatemala, Jordan, and Peru, planning and re-planning each Sojourn down to the letter. While each of these international Sojourns had to be postponed to 2022-2023, these journeys–and more–are HAPPENING!

Looking Ahead: Meet the NEW Lotus Sojourns

In the women’s travel sphere, we are constantly discovering what it means to travel as we mean it.

What would be possible if travel created sustainable, positive partnerships with local communities and guides?
What would the economic impact be if we acknowledged and celebrated our global travel partners rather than hiding them behind a white-washed travel experience?
How can travel hold space for and nurture women’s relationships to create a more compassionate and empathetic future?

Introducing our Impact Partners

Lotus Sojourns creates mindful travel experiences built on partnerships with local social impact projects.

With our upcoming Sojourns, I have committed to sharing more about our Impact Partners, who are the groups, individuals, organizations, and cooperatives I hand-select to be a part of our journey. When choosing these partners, I consider:

Women-led businesses and social impact projects
Local artisan cooperatives
Fairtrade practices
Environmental impacts and commitment to eco-tourism
Sustainable travel and regenerative travel

Each of our upcoming US-based and international Sojourns has been designed around what’s most important to me: travel that connects, explores, and transforms ALL of us.

Inside and out.

Locally AND globally.

A Slumber Party for Our Souls

As we prepare to re-launch Lotus Sojourns with a renewed sense of JOY, wonder, excitement, and purpose, I am committing to remember it all. The dark days. The quarantines. The moments of awakening. The messages from the universe. The gift of becoming a woman who does not give up on her dream of a more connected world.

I commit to celebrating the fact that I get to end all (well, nearly all) my work calls with, “I LOVE YOU!” Who gets to DO that?

Lotus Sojourns is the place where we can stay up late, tapping into those deep, deep belly laughs that touch every inch of our bodies, cackling with laughter from the wildest part of ourselves.