Beyond Technique: South Africa’s First Creative Retreat for Hair Artists

South Africa is about to experience a new era of education, one that doesn’t just teach techniques, but transforms the way hairdressers think, create, and connect.

This March, internationally awarded artist and trend forecaster Candice McKay brings The Creative Retreat to Stellenbosch, offering a groundbreaking two-day experience designed to reignite artistic energy, deepen creative confidence, and reshape how stylists approach their craft. More than a workshop, this retreat is where future creative leaders are formed, where ideas take shape, and where hair professionals rediscover the purpose and passion behind their work.

A Revolutionary Approach to Creative Education

The Creative Retreat moves far beyond traditional education. Instead of focusing on formulas or trends to copy, it focuses on how artists think, how ideas develop, and how creative identity is built.

Over two immersive days, stylists will explore:

• Creativity-boosting workshops

• Mastering the art of collection shoots

• Trend forecasting and social media storytelling

• Hands-on creative activities, moodboarding, sketching and   idea development

• Live cutting & styling demonstrations led by Candice.

This is not technique for the sake of technique: it’s mindset, process, and artistic expansion.

Why This Retreat Matters

The retreat represents a shift in our industry:

Technical skill alone is no longer enough.

The stylists shaping the future are the ones who think differently, who create with purpose, and who know how to bring an idea from concept to execution.

The retreat strengthens exactly that: creative agility, confidence, storytelling, and the ability to translate inspiration into real-world work.

All attendees will walk away with:

• A blueprint for planning and executing shoots

• A renewed sense of purpose

• Artistic confidence

• A network of like-minded creatives

• Tools to elevate both their creative and professional journey

What Stylists Around the World Are Saying about the Creative Retreat:

The Creative Retreat has already made a global impact, with South Africa being the second country to host it. These testimonials from the first retreat in London speak louder than anything else:

**“The best 2 days spent with beautiful people…

The Creative Retreat was everything I didn’t know I needed. From mindset, energy, learning and unlearning, creativity, support and more… The past 2 days has definitely opened something up in me and I’m excited to explore it more.”

– Naomi Brooks

“These two days were not about techniques, but about understanding how to develop creative processes. Before, I had no idea how to bring down to earth all those ideas that kept spinning in my head. Today, I feel very confident in myself to create and develop ideas I once thought would remain only as dreams.”

– Marco Parra

“Great two days, getting inspiration from a powerhouse allowing us hairstylists a break and enjoy the creative that goes behind the process.”

– Jessica Hau

**“I’ve been in this industry for 35 years, and it’s rare to find something that truly wakes up my creativity.

These days, I find inspiration in deeper, more meaningful places – travel, nature, human connection, fashion, architecture… and somehow this retreat brought all of that together.

It gave me answers I didn’t know I needed, asked the right questions, reminded me that others share the same struggles, and created beautiful new connections. Candice and Jordanna shared every insight openly – from creativity to photo to social media.

I highly recommend these two days as a gift for yourself… to yourself.”**

– Iva Vrdoljak

The Setting: Creativity in Nature

The retreat takes place at The Salene in Stellenbosch, www.salene.co.za 

and is a dynamic, light-filled collaborative space in nature designed to spark innovation and creativity.

Inspired by Selene, meaning moon, this Stellenbosch boutique hotel harnesses the beauty of nature that is nurturing, secluded, simplistic and abundant.

Accommodation for Sunday night, all meals, snacks, teas, coffees and water are fully included.

Two Days of Immersion & Expansion

Day 1 – Creative Discovery (Sunday, 8 March 2026)

• Introduction to creative thinking

• Storytelling and concept development

• Group brainstorming

• Moodboarding

• Visual research

• Evening braai at The Salene (included)

Day 2 – Execution & Inspiration (Monday, 9 March 2026)

• Live cutting & styling demonstration

• Translating creative ideas into real work

• Reflection, refinement, and implementation

• Building long-term creative tools

This is where ideas turn into action.

Pricing & What’s Included

R17 500 Standard

R16 000 Early Bird (until 31 December)

Your ticket includes:

• All retreat sessions

• All materials

• Meals, snacks, teas, coffees, water

• Overnight accommodation

• Workbook, journal and templates

• Certificate of Achievement

• WhatsApp creative community

• Post-retreat support

• Priority access to future retreats

BOOK YOUR SEAT

Early Bird pricing is available until 31 December and there are very limited seats.

Secure your place with a 20% deposit, and we will tailor a flexible payment plan of up to four months, with the final payment due at the end of April 2026.

There is truly no reason you can’t join us, we are committed to making this retreat as accessible and affordable as possible for every stylist who wants to reignite their creativity.

To reserve your place:

Email: kevintabilo@icloud.com

WhatsApp: 082 560 9688