Welcome to Solara Sanctuary

Six months ago, we stepped onto raw, undeveloped land in the mountains of East Tennessee with a vision we could feel—but not yet fully see. Since then, we’ve been building, learning, listening, and letting the land guide what Solara Sanctuary is becoming.

Solara Sanctuary is not a finished destination. It’s a living, breathing place—shaped by nature, intention, and the people who feel called here.

What We’re Building (and Why)

Our retreats are not “escapes.” They are returns ... to the earth, to your body, to your heart, to the part of you that’s been waiting to exhale.

Here, healing isn’t forced. Growth isn’t rushed, it expands naturally, the same way plants grow — in good soil, with sunlight, water, and safety.

Imagine waking up to the soft glow of sunrise filtering through the trees. Bare feet in cool morning grass right outside your home away from home. The smell of firewood and coffee. A slow, present breath. A day guided not by schedules, but by rhythm. This is where healing begins —not in effort, but in allowing.

Tucked into the Appalachian Mountains, Solara is being created as a walkable, car-free sanctuary where paths lead you through trees, creativity, shared meals, animals, and moments of real connection. No rush. No pressure. Just presence.

We believe healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community, in shared experiences, and in spaces that feel safe, grounded, and alive.

🌱 What You’ll Experience Here

Every retreat we host is from the same intention: to help you remember who you are, and reconnect you to what truly matters.

You may find yourself:

• Digging your hands into living soil, learning how to grow real food.

• Moving your body gently and intentionally as emotions release.

• Sitting in circle with others who are seeking the same belonging you are.

• Telling stories.

• Sitting in silence.

• Creating art, music, expression — letting your soul speak.

• Resting in a way you haven’t in years.

Everything is simple, grounded, human, and real. Nothing is performative. Nothing is forced. Nothing is rushed.

Just you, reconnecting to your breath, your truth, your aliveness.

🔥 Why Solara Sanctuary Is Different

We’re not a business trying to “scale” (we've been there already and it wasn't our path). We’re two humans building a place by hand — with dirt under our fingernails and fire in our hearts — because we believe the world needs more places of belonging.

Solara Sanctuary is a living homestead, not a manufactured retreat center. We grow food. We build with our hands. We raise animals. We create community. We teach skills that matter. And we hold space for healing that lasts.

We’re also building:

• A future skills camp for adults and youth

• A place for families to reconnect

• A hub for sustainability + self-sufficiency

• A sanctuary for animals

• A community of humans who care

This isn’t just a retreat —it’s a movement. It's a membership. It's a safe place for your soul to land.

Sustainability isn’t a feature here—it’s a foundation. From eco-conscious building practices to growing food, caring for animals, and honoring the natural rhythms of the land, Solara Sanctuary is designed to exist in harmony with nature, not on top of it.

As the sanctuary grows, it will include a mix of rustic and creative accommodations, communal spaces, workshops, and experiences that support both personal and collective well-being.

🌻 How to Begin Your Journey With Us

Solara Sanctuary is for:

• Those seeking rest, reflection, and renewal

• Creatives longing for space to make and express

• People who value meaningful connection over constant noise

• Anyone who feels called to healing—whether personal, communal, or creative

You don’t need to arrive “fixed” or with a goal. You just need to arrive as you are. If you feel the pull to be here, trust it. No one ends up at Solara Sanctuary by accident.

Right now, Solara Sanctuary is in its early stages—being built by hand, heart, and hope. We invite you to follow along as the vision unfolds.

Whether you visit in the future, support from afar, share the story, or simply hold this vision with us, you are part of the ripple.

Healing is not a solo path. It grows through connection, care, and shared space.

If you feel drawn to this vision and would like to learn more or connect, reach out to us at solaarasanctuarytn@gmail.com.

🤎Melissa & Jesse

Solara Sanctuary