About Us
Wondering about the people behind Now & Zen Collective? That’s us - Mackenzie and Michelle! Two long-time friends on a mission to bring some more ‘zen’ to your life!
Where it All Began
Even though we both call Peterborough home, we actually met in the summer of 2001 when we first crossed paths at Camp Olympia in Huntsville. It was summer heading into grade 8 and despite going to different schools from then through to university, we stayed connected and have been friends for over 20 years. Our shared interests in yoga, nature, being silly and having a good time brought us closer and closer together. We even lived together as roommates for a few years and will always cherish those memories. Being friends through some of the most formative years of adulthood has really created a bond of unconditional love and everlasting friendship.
Our Love For Community, Connection and Retreats
Our deep bonded friendship built on mutual love for things like yoga, nature, and personal growth paired with our own powerful retreat experiences led us to the idea of creating our own retreat weekend filled with all things that we would love to do. So it all began with a simple desire to create an experience we ourselves would cherish.
As we hosted that first event, surrounded by laughter, love, and furry friends, (our venue was a BnB & animal sanctuary) something clicked. We felt it in our bones: This was magical! The power of connection, palpable in every shared laugh, heartfelt conversation, and moment of quiet reflection, reaffirmed our belief in the transformative potential of human connection. So, we kept the ball rolling, planning retreats that speak to our hearts and souls.
However, it's more than just about having a good time for us. We're deeply committed to authenticity and giving back. That's why we diligently strive to minimize our costs, ensuring that our retreats remain accessible to as many people as possible. Additionally, part of our commitment to giving back involves aiming to select locations that align with causes we care about.
Through the journey of hosting numerous retreats, we've witnessed the profound power of community and collaboration firsthand. It's been a transformative experience for us, reinforcing our belief in the magic of coming together. Another driving force behind our mission is the opportunity to unite incredible individuals, each bringing their unique gifts and talents to the table. We're passionate about creating spaces where these amazing humans can connect, inspire one another, and collectively create something truly extraordinary.
Each gathering is a love letter to nature, community, and the joy of simply being together. We pour our hearts into every detail, creating experiences we'd jump at the chance to join ourselves.
The Retreat Life
The retreat life chose us, honestly. We’ve hosted our fair share of retreats, and have no plan in stopping now! Here are some of our many retreats we’ve hosted.
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Our second year at Camp Kawartha was one to remember! With nearly half of our guests returning, the retreat became a sacred space for reunion and mutual support, highlighting the power of collaboration and shared learning. Guests curated their experiences from various sessions and rejuvenating activities. The weekend was equally nourishing and inspiring, brimming with laughter and unforgettable moments. This winter camp was definitely one for the books!
See our Blog post where we dive into the details of what made this retreat so sweet.
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What an unforgettable autumn weekend retreat it was! With a mix of 8 full weekend guests, 10 day passes, 6 providers, and 3 dedicated Now & Zen hosts, the atmosphere was alive with empowerment, connection, courage, and community spirit. From illuminating photography sessions to soul-nourishing nature walks, and the exhilarating cold plunge & sauna experiences, every moment was a testament to the power of self-discovery and growth. Workshops sparked inspiration, while the irresistible Pies by Zach - pizza added a delicious touch to our culinary journey. But above all, it was the unwavering support and collaboration among all participants that truly made this weekend a resounding success. With hearts full of gratitude, we carry with us the cherished memories of this transformative retreat experience.
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Now & Zen Summer Bliss at The Abbey Retreat Centre in Haliburton was a radiant gathering filled with sunshine, laughter, and deep connections. The bond formed among the supportive women was profound and genuine, infused with a special energy from the very beginning. We enjoyed exploring nature trails, lounging on the porch and adventuring to a lake close by to try some Stand Up Paddle Boarding! Throughout the weekend, we navigated delightful moments, gained insightful wisdom, and even encountered unexpected surprises, all while flowing gracefully together. This heartwarming and unforgettable experience left an everlasting impact, fostering gratitude and appreciation for the beautiful souls who shared in this journey. From our hearts to yours, a heartfelt thank you for making this weekend everything and more.
Live music, adorable ponies, SUP Yoga
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Our first Now & Zen Winter Camp Retreat was nothing short of extraordinary as 40 incredible women gathered for a transformative experience beyond imagination. Laughter, tears, and adventures in the snow filled air as we embraced moments of rest, connection, surrender, and moonlit howls. We have so much appreciation for our guest instructors and service providers whose gifts enriched the retreat's success. We will forever be grateful for our amazing guests whose presence brought such warmth and light. The nostalgic rustic camp vibes and cozy cabins surrounded by serene nature (even in extremely cold temperatures) created the perfect atmosphere for a rejuvenating weekend getaway. For our first large retreat event, we were truly amazed and overwhelmed with how much support and love we felt throughout the weekend.
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The weekend experiences at the rustic Bed Yoga Breakfast farmhouse in Northumberland County were truly lovely. Guests indulged in gourmet vegan meals, rejuvenating yoga, meditation, immersive sound experiences and got to experience the power of animal therapy. The serene countryside provided a blissful escape from everyday chaos, offering moments of joy, laughter, connection, and deep relaxation. It was a harmonious blend of self-discovery, meaningful connections, and embracing the present moment, leaving hearts full and spirits uplifted.
A Passion for People, Nature, and Relaxation
We’re drawn to creating a space for you to feel re-centred, relaxed, and rejuvenated. Nature, movement, play, creativity, connection and relaxation are all common elements we like to weave into our experiences. When we make time for ourselves in a nourishing way we can grow, build strength and reconnect with our true selves. We’re so glad you’re here with us, and hope to see you at a retreat, yoga class, or course, soon! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Join Us for a Retreat!
With all of this retreat talk, perhaps it’s time you join us for the next one!