Inspired Conference | Samantha Shepard
Tags:During my research, I came across a conference called Inspired. The retreat style conference for creative entrepreneurs is run by Nashville wedding planner, Amber Housley. Intrigued by both the topics and the setting, I reached out to Amber with an offer to help in any way I could. I was prepared to have her ask me to stuff goodie bags or even donate a giveaway. I was not prepared for Amber to ask me to speak about the Studio Calico story.

The conference was a 4 day retreat in the beautiful hills of Tennessee, just outside Nashville. Designed to attract creative entrepreneurs, the small size and rustic setting was the perfect way for women to step away from their busy lives and strategize about their businesses.
I wanted to share a few highlights and a lot of pictures. Plus, of course, a small giveaway from me.





All of the photos in this post were shot by the incredibly talented Callie Pitts of Nancy Ray Photography.
At the close of the conference, I was so sad to say goodbye to all the women. I did not do the event justice. It was incredible. Every single detail was carefully planned and executed by the talented team of Amber Housley. I am considering having a party just so I can make Amber plan it. She worked incredibly hard, and at the end of the day, I witnessed each woman walk away invigorated and inspired to conquer the world.

As promised, here's my GIVEAWAY:
I have a tote bag full of things from the conference. Comment below and we’ll select one lucky winner this week and announce it on Friday.
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165 comments
lovely conference and of course shoes
Replies to drciri
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Wow what a wonderful experience - thank you so much for sharing it with us! I loved looking at the photos too. it looks like such an amazing, inspiring opportunity. I love entrepreneurship too. My mom started her own business 6-7 years ago. Everyday her hard work and passion inspires me! Her business does abuse prevention for child and youth serving organizations - I am daily amazed at how she pushes forward even though starting your own business can be so challenging. Although her business isn't in the creative world I'm sure all women entrepreneurs have things in common - a love for what they are doing, a desire to make the world better, a deep passion, and a strong work ethic. I love hearing about the SC experience - it totally inspires me like my mom. What a great example to young girls that women are powerful and can do anything! I also really loved hearing about doing crafting with newbies - and the light in their eyes. Seriously what a fun experience. This is one of those times when I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to see what was going on...or maybe in the future you'll want a scrapbooking caddie (like in golf) - and I'll hold your bag and run and get you things you need. lol. Thanks so much for sharing. I love these personal blog posts!
Replies to toribissell
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looks like lots of fun there :)
Replies to serenacraft
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What an incredible opportunity. I would love to experience something of this nature. The setting and everything looks awesome! Thank you for sharing your experience.
Replies to melinda12289
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I really enjoyed reading about this conference and thank you for sharing. My daughter has recently started to follow her passion and startup a business and I can appreciate the support and direction that is out there to help women follow their dreams. The whole event looked fantastic, and recharging for all. Thanks for giving so much to those young women to help them keep going~
Replies to Brinkleyboy
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What a fantastic retreat, thanks for sharing your experiences with us. Owning my own business is something that I've always dreamed of, but it's just not in the cards right now. Thanks for the inspiration though it's giving me some food for thought.
Replies to paperandflair
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It looks like everyone had a blast. What a fun-filled four days.
Replies to mom2nick
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This looks like a lot of fun!! I would love to attend a conference like this. And you shared scrapbooking with the ladies! How awesome! There's nothing more rewarding than introducing someone to scrapbooking. ;)
Replies to photochic17
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Wow, awesome photos and it looks like an awesome time! Would be fun to attend something like that. Thanks for sharing!
Replies to scraplea
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What a fabulous opportunity to share your passion and be inspired by the passion of others. There's nothing like it to get your wheels moving. Thanks for sharing!
Replies to clarkwith4
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How exciting! Loved reading every detail of this.
Replies to TaraElias
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Sounds like an amazing experience!
Replies to jjobst
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I loved reading your post. There is something wonderful about a room of successful women.
Replies to khartwell
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inspired.... by you!!!!
Replies to lynda_berg
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Thanks for the beautiful post and sharing your story.
Replies to hannal
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What an awesome experience. So great to see success! And...what fun to introduce such a great hobby to great people :). Acrylic blocks, go figure. Our secrets are getting out. Hope this will spread the word about Studio Calico. Now I'm off to find out about tieks:)!
Replies to 1Djc
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Sounds like a fantastic time! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Replies to imxfer
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Great story! I almost forgot about the confetti fiasco!
Replies to pinksoup
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That sounds like an amazing experience. And I will definitely be checking out may books!
Replies to juliee
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