Meet Rakita Lillard-Brown

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rakita Lillard-Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rakita, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I don’t know if I ever truly found my purpose—it feels more like my purpose has always been quietly present, like an innate compass guiding me, even when I wasn’t fully aware of it. There’s always been this inner knowing, a deep instinct that nudges me in the right direction. It’s not loud or forceful; it’s like a steady hum, reassuring me that I’m on the right path.

The clearest confirmation of this comes in the moments I witness transformation. When a client has a breakthrough during a session, or when a retreat or event attendee experiences a shift so profound that it lights up their face, I feel it too—this warm, tingling sensation in my chest, like my heart is expanding. It’s a mix of pride, gratitude, and pure joy, almost like a sacred acknowledgment that I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to do.

There have also been pivotal moments in my life that I can only describe as divine alignment. These weren’t situations I sought out—they found me. Like the day I stumbled into my first business, almost by accident. A coworker walked into my office and asked me to help her plan her wedding. I remember laughing and saying, “Oh, I don’t do weddings!” But she just smiled knowingly and said, “No, you do weddings.” That one simple statement, said with such certainty, planted a seed that grew into my wedding and events business. It was as if the universe whispered, This is yours to explore.

Over time, my work has shifted and evolved into something so much larger than I could have imagined. Today, I have the immense honor of creating spaces for Black Women to connect with their own purpose, to experience their own “ah-ha” moments. My role feels like a bridge—a way to guide others back to themselves and help them see the beauty and power that has always been within them. That’s where my purpose lives: in these moments of connection, clarity, and transformation. It’s not just something I do; it’s who I am.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story! I am a Black Queer Wellness Practitioner, and Luxury Retreat Curator. At the heart of everything I do is a mission to create transformative spaces where Black Women can reconnect with themselves, embrace joy, and prioritize their well-being unapologetically. Through my business, Holistree, I offer luxury retreats, curated events, and soulful coaching that center radical self-care and spiritual alignment.

What makes my work truly special is the intention behind it. Every retreat, event, and product I offer is infused with love, care, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and triumphs we face as Black Women. From designing experiences that feel like a sanctuary to offering coaching frameworks that help my clients align with their personal version of sweetness, I aim to provide more than just moments of escape—I want to create opportunities for transformation.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is seeing how these experiences ripple out into the lives of the women I serve. Whether it’s the warmth and connection of a circle at one of my retreats, the breakthroughs that happen during coaching sessions, or even the small rituals I include in my products, everything is designed to remind us of our inherent worthiness and capacity for joy.

Currently, I’m focused on expanding our offerings in a few exciting ways. We’re introducing a series of Me Season Quarterly Retreats. These retreats are designed to help women embrace the “Year of Me” by prioritizing serious self-care, intentional planning, and personal empowerment. Each experience offers attendees the opportunity to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with their purpose in a transformative way.

I’m also excited to grow the Sweet Life Wellness Travel Group, which creates opportunities for Black Women to explore destinations that inspire rest, joy, and cultural connection. These curated journeys are designed to blend luxury, wellness, and community, offering experiences that leave travelers feeling both refreshed and inspired.

Beyond that, I’m thrilled to be planning Holistree’s first Wellness Summit, planned for 2025. This summit will be a larger-scale gathering of wellness practitioners, creatives, and changemakers from across the country, all dedicated to inspiring Black and Brown communities to live lives rooted in sweetness. It’s a space where we can learn, connect, and deepen our collective commitment to well-being and self-care.

Ultimately, everything I do is about creating spaces—both physical and spiritual—where we can breathe deeply, feel seen, and take up space. My hope is that everyone who engages with my brand, whether it’s through a retreat, a product, or a conversation, walks away feeling empowered to embrace their own version of a sweet life.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities and skills have been absolutely transformative in my journey: intuition, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Intuition
I’ve always trusted my inner guide, that quiet voice that nudges me toward opportunities and decisions aligned with my purpose. Learning to listen to and trust my intuition has helped me navigate challenges and recognize moments of divine alignment, even when they didn’t look like I expected. For those just starting out, my advice is to create space to get quiet—whether through meditation, journaling, or simply sitting with your thoughts. Building that relationship with yourself and your inner voice is invaluable.

Adaptability
Change has been a constant companion on my journey. From pivoting my business focus to meeting new needs, adaptability has allowed me to grow without losing sight of my mission. I’ve learned to view unexpected detours not as setbacks but as opportunities to evolve. For those early in their journey, I encourage you to remain flexible and open. The path ahead may not always look how you envisioned, but if you approach it with curiosity and courage, it might lead to something even better.

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
I’ve always sought out opportunities to learn—whether through books, mentorship, or simply observing the world around me. Knowledge has fueled my ability to innovate and connect more deeply with the people I serve. My advice is to stay curious and proactive about your growth. Invest in yourself by learning from others, taking courses, and reflecting on your experiences. You don’t need to have all the answers right away, but a mindset of growth will help you find them.

Ultimately, your journey will be shaped by how deeply you trust yourself, how willing you are to adapt, and how committed you are to growing. Give yourself permission to start imperfectly and to embrace the lessons that come along the way. Each step is part of the bigger picture, even if you can’t see it clearly yet.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! Collaboration is at the heart of what I do, and I’m always open to partnering with individuals and organizations that align with my mission of creating transformative spaces for Black Women to prioritize wellness, self-care, and joy.

I’m particularly interested in collaborating with:

Wellness Practitioners: Healers, therapists, coaches, and other experts who can bring their unique skills and perspectives to retreats, events, and community gatherings.

Creatives and Artists: Poets, musicians, visual artists, and storytellers who are passionate about sharing their gifts in ways that inspire, uplift, and connect.

Brands and Businesses: Companies that share my commitment to intentionality, community, and inclusivity, especially those in wellness, travel, or lifestyle spaces.

Event Sponsors: Organizations looking to invest in meaningful, impactful experiences for Black and Brown communities.

If someone is interested and feel that our missions align, I’d love to hear from them! They can connect with me by visiting my website- www.holistree.com and/or following me on Instagram (@undertheholistree or @thesweetlyfemaven), or sending an email directly to [email protected].

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.holistree.com
• Instagram: @undertheholistree
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolistreeInc

Image Credits

Photographer: Robin Kenyetta and Zalanka JA