Why I Am Writing This
I hesitated for a while about whether I should write this.
Sharing a personal story and allowing yourself to be seen makes you vulnerable. And in a “business world”, that is not always appreciated.
For years, I was mainly focused on my company: S&D.
Working hard.
Carrying responsibilities.
Growing.
And let me be clear: I am not leaving S&D behind. It will always remain a part of who I am.
But deep down, there was always a little voice whispering:
“Ine, there is more…”
So I feel that the time has come to show a part of myself that I have always kept hidden.
When I was 17…
…I was certain.
I wanted to make people feel better.
My dream?
To study biomedical sciences and one day open my own pharmacy.
But there was one problem.
The little girl inside me didn’t want to leave home.
So I chose to study chemical engineering in Antwerp.
So I could always return home in the evening.
A sensible choice. Stability. Opportunities. Potential.
And that’s exactly what it became.
It brought me to where I am today, and I am genuinely proud of that.
It took blood, sweat, and tears.
Focus.
Willpower.
Hard work.
And sacrifices.
I learned so much from it.
Professionally.
But my heart kept pulling me towards something else all those years.
Towards herbs.
Towards nature.
Towards the pure and the simple.
And you can ignore your heart for a very long time…
but sooner or later, you have to listen.
The Power of Plants
I collected more than 40 essential oils.
I created my own blends.
And whenever I was ill, I always tried something natural first. If I truly didn’t get better, only then would I see a doctor.
In my garden, I planted basil, parsley, mint, lavender, thyme, and rosemary.
And time and time again, I noticed how much peace it brought me.
Mowing the grass.
Feeling the earth beneath my hands…
It quieted the noise in my mind.
Just like writing still does today.
I followed workshops and courses about herbs, breathwork, essential oils, healing, and reflexology.
Everything that brought me closer to my feelings.
But my work and responsibilities always came first.
Until now.
At 42…
…I felt it was time.
Time to move from my head to my heart.
From running and organising everything, to creating from a place of calm.
From always “doing” to simply “being” more.
To pause.
And from that space, Árbol de la Vida was born.
What Is Árbol de la Vida?
The name means “tree of life”.
It symbolises putting down roots and growing.
Standing firmly while also being able to bloom.
A place where you are allowed to arrive.
Without pressure.
Without expectations.
From June 2026, I will start hosting small-scale retreats in Calpe.
Days filled with softness and silence.
With herbal rituals, tea, writing, breathwork, and walks.
A magical 10 km hike and an unforgettable canyoning experience where you truly push your boundaries.
Time for yourself, combined with gentle connection.
And so much more…
And we, because I will never carry Árbol de la Vida alone.
The retreats will not only be carried by me.
Together, you can create so much more than you ever could alone.
More about that will become clear later.
In addition, I rent out the house to other retreat hosts who resonate with the same values: peace, respect, and simplicity.
Because this is not a holiday home for noise or parties.
It is a place that asks for silence.
And what you give, you receive.
More Than a Place
Árbol de la Vida is also my creative space.
Not only in Calpe, but also here in Belgium.
Everything I create is infused with intention:
- Herbal pillows for relaxation, sleep, energy, and much more…
- Authentic wooden cutting boards and wooden creations with meaning
- Herbal teas, oil blends, and botanical creations
Everything grows slowly.
With care.
No mass production.
No rush.
Why This Feels Exciting and Scary
Because this is truly my story.
It is personal.
And you are opening your heart.
Maybe S&D clients will read this too.
Maybe they will wonder why I am doing this.
The answer is clear.
Because I feel that I – that we – need more than just constantly pushing forward.
We need moments to pause.
To breathe.
To connect.
With ourselves.
With nature.
And yes…
also with others.
Would you like to stay updated about the first retreats?
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