Cultivate: Creativity & Connection
A Seeds of Exchange Gathering to Connect, Ignite, & Inspire Creatives of All Kinds
What a day it was.
On April 26, 2025, we gathered in Denver for Cultivate: Creativity & Connection — a Seeds of Exchange gathering rooted in a simple, powerful belief:
Every single person is creative.
Yes—you.
You are a creator. A beauty-maker. Someone uniquely and wonderfully wired to bring something into the world that only you can.
This gathering wasn’t about performance or perfection. It was about planting seeds—seeds of creativity, courage, and community. It was about remembering that life itself is a work of art… and that beauty is cultivated through connection, belonging, and being woven together.
We began our time with a PoP — a Place of Pause — to breathe, reflect, and simply arrive.
Then, one by one, ELEVEN extraordinary storytellers invited us into their lives. From visual artists and authors to social workers, entrepreneurs, metalworkers, and mamas navigating unimaginable loss — these voices were bold, tender, wise, and real.
Together, they reminded us that creativity isn’t limited to canvas or craft.
It’s in how we love.
How we listen.
How we build.
How we share our stories.
How we begin again.
Meet Our Storytellers
Ryann Dominguez – Creativity Consultant
A self-proclaimed daydreamer turned doer, Ryann shared how art and reflection helped her transform loss into healing. Her 45-day guide offers a soulful path to creativity, mindfulness, and the art of becoming. Explore her guide | Ryann’s Instagram
Lisa Sharpe – Creativity in Work
From fashion to social work, Lisa’s path blends beauty and justice. She brings a creative lens to advocacy and healing, showing how artistry can restore dignity in others.
Astrid Koch – Dots & Pebbles
A bright and exuberant voice, Astrid believes creativity is a powerful, untapped resource available to all. She led us through a two-part creative reset, helping us reconnect with our inner creative. britely
Nadja & Jon de Sá Van Diest – Forged Together
This dynamic duo is forging a life marked by beauty and community. Jon’s passion for blacksmithing and metalwork (@ Jon’s Instagram) meets Nadja’s artistry in jewelry and podcasting, showing how creativity shapes both relationship and vocation. (Pass the Torch Podcast: Instagram, Apple, Spotify, YouTube)
Erin Efaw Frank – Global Citizenship
A storyteller shaped by teaching in Africa, helping refugees resettle in Colorado, and foster parenting unaccompanied minors. Erin cultivates local community through neighborhood food and friendship.
Sue “Momma Sue” Davison – Hospitality
With her warm, open-hearted welcome, Momma Sue reminded us that hospitality is less about perfect homes and more about wholehearted presence. Her story invited us to see hosting as a sacred act of love.
Amy K Wright – Photography & Entrepreneurship
Amy has woven her gifts — photography, collaboration, and purpose — into a business rooted in storytelling and soulful connection. Her creativity breathes life into meaningful work. Amy K Wright
A huge thank you to Amy for the featured photos for this blog post and the jaw-dropping gallery of photos from the day! Be sure to check out the full collection HERE to relive the beauty and joy of Cultivate.
Kat Vigil – Unstoppable Hope
Kat offered a glimpse into how she has navigated heartbreak with resilient hope. Her story is a testimony to the power of saying “yes” to life, even in the wake of loss.
Polly Letofsky – Writing & Publishing
Polly reminded us that every story is worth telling. Her expertise and enthusiasm for self-publishing inspired us to believe in the importance of our voices. My Word Publishing
️ Donna Mazzitelli – Writing Coach & Editor
With grace and wisdom, Donna equips writers to refine their voice and take their next bold steps. She encouraged us to begin — even when we don’t feel ready. Writing With Donna
Your Invitation: Pause. Reflect. Create.
Throughout our time together, we moved gently between stories and spacious moments to breathe, reflect, and take in what was stirring within us. These intentional pauses gave us space to listen more deeply—to our own hearts, to each other, and to the invitations rising from within.
As you read about these extraordinary storytellers, maybe one or two sparked something in you — a curiosity, a connection, a “me too.”
Reach out. Follow the nudge.
Connect with the storyteller who spoke to your heart. (And if you’d like to connect with someone whose contact info isn’t listed, just email me — I’d be LOVE to help make that connection.)
Or maybe this is simply your moment to pause…
to soak in the inspiration…
and to be gently, powerfully encouraged to cultivate your own unique creativity and connection in your everyday life — right here, right now.
You don’t need a stage or a spotlight.
You just need your story, your presence, and your yes.
✨ The world needs what only you can bring.
Let’s keep cultivating — together.
Reflections & Replays
Read Rose Oduho’s Reflection: A nearly 30-year soul sister of mine, Rose wrote a deeply moving reflection capturing the essence of the gathering — from grief and hospitality to the transformative power of creativity. Read on the Seeds Blog
She wrote:
“This evening was more than a gathering — it was a sacred encounter. A time of joy, healing, energy, and deep upliftment. It reminded me of the beauty of human connection, the importance of sharing our stories, and the power of love and community. I carry the lessons and love from that night with me — forever grateful.”
Read Tracy Payne’s Reflection:
Another sister, Tracy, who attended Cultivate, shared her beautiful reflections on her personal blog. Read her full reflection on Tracy’s Blog
She wrote:
“A series of synchronicities happened in the last few days. It is defined as ‘not knowing what is going to transpire.’ I woke on my last day of respite with joy and peace after being on the mountaintop. But I was returning home to Kat the cat, even though I wanted to stay in the presence of the moment. Sipping my coffee, I reflected that the weekend gave me resolve and courage.”
Replay the Gathering:
Couldn’t make it? Or want to rewatch and soak it in again? You can catch the full* replay here. Watch on Facebook | Watch Part 2 (Astrid Koch’s story) | Watch on YouTube
Held at the jaw-droppingly beautyFULL space of Avodah Collective, with food crafted with love by the sisters of Safe Places for Women (our current Seeds fundraising partner — check out this AWEsomeness right HERE), the layers of LOVE, JUSTICE, CREATIVITY, and CONNECTION were stacked from the get-go!
Alongside with HER Campaign, these powerhouse organizations form a survivor campus rooted in passion, presence, and purpose—fighting against human trafficking and for freedom and flourishing for all.
Thank you for BEing part of this extraordinary day — whether in person, online, or through the stories shared here. We’re so grateful for you. Keep creating. Keep connecting. And remember: you are never alone on this journey.
With so much love,
Sarah Davison-Tracy
Founder, Seeds of Exchange
