03/07/2025
Dear Soulsational Family and Community,
With a heavy heart, I must share some important news.
As I write this, I am filled with love and reflection. The Soulsational Festival has been an incredible journey for me—a vibrant tapestry woven from our shared commitment to health, happiness, and harmony. It has been a gathering place for families, a safe haven for exploration, and a platform to uplift small businesses. Each of you is deeply valued, and together we have created something truly unique, infused with genuine heart. I am immensely proud of what we’ve built over the past 15 years.
However, as time has passed, it has become evident that our small team has outgrown its capacity, and the original vision has expanded beyond our expectations. The festival has always represented more than just an event; it has been a movement—a circus of creativity and activity filled with art, music, and free events and workshops, all fueled by the love of our local Jersey Shore community. Despite dramatic increases in costs—tripling and even quadrupling—we have never raised our vendor prices or charged for tickets. I have dedicated countless all volunteer hours and personal resources to this passion project because I genuinely care about each participant’s experience and the growth of their small businesses. Orchestrating an event of this magnitude requires immense effort, and my heart has always been committed to serving your best interests. And this endeavor has involved sacrifices from many.
Now, I find myself at a crossroads. It is with both sadness and a sense of exciting possibility that I announce the decision to pause the Soulsational Festival for the 2025 season. This is a restorative pause, coming from a place of love—for myself and the potential that lies ahead. I want to take this time to heal, organize my life, nurture my garden, celebrate my family, and explore new passions and business opportunities and adventures, that have long awaited my attention.
This pause is not an end but a chance for growth and renewal. It offers an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and to reconsider the future of Soulsational. I am honored to have connected with so many like-minded individuals who share our collective intentions of honesty and integrity. Your support throughout this journey has meant the world to me. The value of Soulsational has been immeasurable, arising from a genuine place of goodness. And our goodness shined! While I process the sadness of this decision, I am also excited to see where this path of letting go will lead. I trust that a greater energy is guiding us.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible experience. Thank you for your loyalty. Thank you for your love. Together, we have created something beautiful and truly unique, and I look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.
With love, peace, and heartfelt gratitude.
“I aspire for my life to reflect love, kindness, and the positive impact that one can create; where there's a lack of these, that's where I see my purpose.” Michelle Leonard ❤️🙏🏼❤️
If you wish to be involved in 2026, please reach out! Soulsational.info
