Some gatherings leave a mark. Not just on your schedule, but on something deeper — the way you see your work, your colleagues, and the shared purpose that brings you together. The Stories Connect retreat in Tallinn was exactly that kind of gathering.
A city that tells its own story
Tallinn has a way of drawing you in. Its cobblestoned Old Town, medieval towers, and quiet courtyards feel like a place where history and possibility exist side by side — a fitting backdrop for a retreat built around the power of stories. Walking those streets together, sketchbooks in hand, was more than a creative exercise. It was a reminder that inspiration lives in the details, if you’re willing to slow down and look.
Learning, laughter, and deep connection
Across coffee-fuelled mornings and thoughtful workshops, something quietly remarkable happened: people opened up. Ideas were exchanged. Perspectives shifted. The kind of conversations that usually take months to arrive had naturally surfaced within days. That’s what intentional community looks like in practice and it’s at the heart of everything EVP stands for.
The Estonian hosts and facilitators brought something rare to the table: a grounded generosity, weaving local wisdom together with global inspiration. They reminded us that meaningful exchange doesn’t start with a slide deck. It starts with bringing people together.
The people who made it possible
Behind every meaningful retreat is a group of people who pour themselves into the details, long before anyone else arrives. For Stories Connect, that group was Kati Orav, Ulvi Salundo, Epp Reedik, Maarja Jõe and Pille Tell.
Their thoughtful planning and creative energy shaped a space where learning could florisch, laughter could flow and genuine connection could take root. They didn’t just organise an event, they crafted an experience. And if you were there, you felt the difference.
To them: thank you. The care you brought to every element of this retreat reflects the values we aspire to live by: curiosity, warmth, and a deep belief in the transformative power of human connection.
The story continues
EVP exists to strengthen the communities and organisations that make a difference in the world. Retreats like Stories Connect are living proof of why that work matters. They show us what’s possible when people come together with openness, intention, and a willingness to be changed by the encounter.
We left Tallinn with full notebooks, new friendships, and the kind of quiet energy that takes weeks to fully process. And yes, the sock ceremony was part of this.
