Coastal Soul & Self: A Morning of Healing, Connection, and Community
On Saturday morning, something beautiful unfolded on the Space Coast.
While college move-ins and back-to-school routines could have easily pulled people away, nearly 40 souls gathered together for Coastal Soul & Self: A Coastal Wellness Gathering — and the result was pure magic.
This wasn’t just another community event. It was an intentional space carved out to slow down, breathe, connect, and remember the power of taking care of ourselves — body, mind, and spirit.
The Heart Behind Coastal Soul & Self
When I first envisioned this event, I wasn’t sure who would show up. Would people make time for themselves in the middle of one of the busiest weekends of the year? Would vendors want to pause their work to pour into others?
The answer was a resounding yes.
Because this was never about numbers — it was about impact. About bringing helpers and healers together. About reminding people that in a world that often feels heavy, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.
My heart behind Coastal Soul & Self is deeply personal. Like so many families, ours has walked through the ups and downs of mental health. We’ve seen firsthand the importance of having resources, community, and safe spaces to talk about the hard things. Hosting this event was my way of saying: you are not alone, and there is help, hope, and healing here in Brevard County
Who Was There
We were blessed with an incredible lineup of local vendors, healers, and organizations who shared their expertise, their resources, and most importantly — their hearts.
Some of the highlights included:
Beachside Recovery — providing resources and support for addiction recovery in our community.
To Write Love on Her Arms (@twloha) — a nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, reminding us that hope is real and help is available.
Eden, A Homemade Juicery is a locally beloved café offering cold-pressed juices, smoothies, wellness shots, flavorful salads, sandwiches, and more—all made with organic, carefully selected ingredients. Be sure to stop by and say hello.
Local wellness practitioners offering yoga, movement, bodywork, and conversations about caring for our whole selves.
Each vendor showed up not just to promote their work, but to be part of something bigger — a morning of collective healing and community care.
And the gratitude went both ways. I heard from so many vendors afterward who told me how refreshing it was to be poured into themselves — not just the other way around.
The Energy in the Room (and Outside It)
With about 30 attendees plus 10 vendors, the energy was intimate yet vibrant. It wasn’t about filling a stadium. It was about creating a circle — a safe, welcoming space where conversations flowed, people lingered, and connections sparked.
Yes, there were some logistical hiccups (like a neighbor who wasn’t thrilled about the parking and music — so much so that the police were called 🙈). But even that couldn’t take away from the beauty of the day.
Instead, it became a reminder: when you bring light into the world, sometimes it disrupts the usual rhythm. And that’s okay. Because every single person who came left lighter, encouraged, and reminded that we belong to one another.
The Ripple Effect
What struck me most after Coastal Soul & Self wasn’t just the turnout, but the messages that poured in afterward. Attendees wrote to me saying things like:
✨ “Thank you for creating a space where I could breathe and just be.”
✨ “I didn’t know how much I needed this morning until I experienced it.”
✨ “Please host more events like this. Our community needs it.”
That right there is why I’ll keep doing this. Because the ripple effect goes beyond one Saturday morning. It’s in the conversations that were started, the resources shared, the friendships formed.
Lessons Learned (and What’s Next)
Every event is a teacher. Here’s what I’ll carry forward from Coastal Soul & Self:
Self-care is contagious. When vendors themselves said they felt refreshed, I knew we were onto something bigger than just “hosting a wellness fair.”
Community is hungry for connection. Even with competing events, people showed up. That tells me we’re craving these spaces now more than ever.
And yes — there will be a next time. I’m already dreaming about a November event that blends community connection with a holiday donation drive. Imagine gathering again, but this time also filling boxes with gifts, food, and essentials for families in need. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for our neighbors while continuing to nourish our own mental and emotional health.
Why Mental Health + Community Matters
As a Realtor, my career centers around helping people make big moves — literally. But for me, it’s never been just about houses. It’s about life moments, relationships, and community.
The truth is, none of us can show up fully — for our families, our careers, or our dreams — if we’re running on empty. Mental health isn’t a side issue. It’s the foundation for everything else.
That’s why events like Coastal Soul & Self matter. They remind us to pause, reconnect, and lean into the strength of community. Because sometimes the most important move you can make isn’t buying or selling a home — it’s choosing to care for yourself and those around you.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community Partners
One of the most beautiful parts of Coastal Soul & Self was the way our vendors and community partners showed up—not just with their services, but with their hearts. Each one brought something truly special to the gathering, reminding us how powerful it is when helpers and healers come together.
Beachside Recovery Interventions + Consulting (@bricthestigma)
Beachside Recovery offers an incredible range of specialized services, from outpatient counseling and trauma-focused DBT programs to expert witness services, interventions, and critical incident response. Their work is rooted in compassion, clinical expertise, and a deep commitment to mental and emotional well-being. We were honored to have their team with us, sharing knowledge and support that touched so many lives.
Queen Pilates (@queen_pilates)
Founded by Fernanda Costa and Crystal Leslie, Queen Pilates was built on a passion for movement, strength, and community. Their boutique studio celebrates alignment, connection, and empowerment through every class they teach. At Coastal Soul & Self, they reminded us that mindful movement is not only about fitness—it’s about feeling strong and supported at every stage of the journey.
Nina Elise – Human Design Specialist (@ninaeliseh)
With over a decade in the wellness space, Nina Elise has guided countless people through yoga, coaching, and breathwork. At Soul & Self, she introduced attendees to Human Design—an incredible blend of astrology, the I Ching, chakras, and quantum physics that feels like the user manual you wish you had at birth. Her mini readings helped participants gain clarity, understand their energy type, and discover how to make decisions that align with who they truly are.
Bodhi TCM Acupuncture (@bodhitcm)
With more than 20,000 treatments performed, Bodhi TCM Acupuncture has become a trusted name in Melbourne, FL. Their approach blends the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern, science-backed therapies to treat the root cause of pain, stress, and chronic conditions. Their compassionate presence at our event was a beautiful reminder of the body’s ability to heal itself naturally.
Eden, A Homemade Juicery (@gardenofedenjuicery)
From vibrant cold-pressed juices to nourishing salads and sandwiches, Eden brought a taste of wellness to the morning. Every item is made with organic, carefully selected ingredients, and their team pours so much love into everything they do. Attendees loved the fresh, flavorful boost Eden provided—it was the perfect complement to a day focused on health and connection.
Samantha Schmuck – Revived Living | @vibewithsamschmuck
A very special thank you goes to Samantha Schmuck, the creator of VIBE & Embodiment®. Her signature method blends movement, mindset, and somatic healing to reconnect people with joy, self-compassion, and presence. With her background in health coaching, yoga, energy work, and even Argentine tango, Samantha brings a unique, transformative energy to every space she enters. At Coastal Soul & Self, her VIBE session helped attendees release what no longer served them and reconnect with themselves on a deeper level. Samantha’s gift is helping people leave not just refreshed—but revived.
Our Event Sponsors
Finally, a special thank you goes out to the incredible sponsors who helped make Coastal Soul & Self possible.
✨ Elizabeth Cassidy (@enlistelizabeth) – Elizabeth with Edge Home Finance NMLS brought her signature creativity and warmth to the event with thoughtfully crafted beverages that kept our guests refreshed and energized throughout the morning. Her attention to detail and heart for service added such a meaningful touch to the gathering.
✨ Prestige Title Brevard – Catering (@prestigetitlebrevard) – The Prestige Title team went above and beyond to ensure our community was cared for with delicious catering. Their generosity and commitment to supporting local wellness made the morning feel even more special.
Both Elizabeth and the Prestige Title Brevard team are true champions of community connection, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership in bringing this vision to life.
Your presence, generosity, and heart made Coastal Soul & Self what it was. I am so grateful to walk alongside such incredible helpers and healers in our community.
And thank you to every attendee who showed up, shared their story, or simply took a morning to breathe. You are the reason this matters.
Final Thoughts
The Coastal Soul & Self event was more than a gathering. It was a reminder of what’s possible when we come together with open hearts and a shared purpose: to take care of ourselves and each other.
My hope is that everyone who came walked away feeling lighter, seen, and connected. And I hope it inspires you — whether you were there or not — to make time for your own self-care and to keep reaching out to your neighbors, friends, and community.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all in this together. And when we show up for one another, amazing things happen.
📸 Did you attend Coastal Soul & Self?
I’d love to see your photos and hear your reflections. Tag me @theshannonlynch and let’s keep this conversation going.
And if you’re interested in being part of the next Coastal Soul & Self gathering, sign up for my newsletter so you’ll be the first to know when details drop.
Until then, take care of your soul, give yourself permission to rest, and know that you are never alone. 💙