LOVETRAILS '25.
- Jul 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 19
LDN to Swansea
This trip was definitely one for the books. Harriet and Olimata were booked to speak at Love Trails Festival, so we made a trip of it. The four of us: Harriet, Oli, George and me.
A little context on the crew. Harriet and Oli are Nike coaches working in the women's and wellness space, two women who are deeply passionate about the work they do and the communities they build. George and I come from the commercial advertising world. Different lanes, same energy.
Oli and Harriet both had speaking engagements and panel talks to deliver on this trip, so half work, half play. Together we make a great team.
Not long back from our last adventure to Paris for Fête de la Musique, a celebration of all things music and culture, I had a good feeling about this one. Fresh air, sunshine, sea and that unbeatable energy that only comes from being with your people. We were buzzing, especially with the forecast looking so good.
The Road Trip
Harriet, George and I hit the road late Thursday afternoon, after we wrestled our stuff into the car. GPS locked in, tunes blasting, good energy flowing, catch ups in full swing and long stretches of blissful silence. Just being present. Inhale. Exhale. There were even a few cheeky Teams meetings squeezed in because, well, life.
We soaked it all in. The sound of the wind rushing past, the sun dipping below the horizon, the road stretching endlessly ahead. Ultimate road trip energy. The classics played one after the other. Time felt like it was standing still and flying by at the same time. The space feeling liminal.
Service station coffee stops. Camera in hand. Damn, it was good.
Arrival and Festival Feels
We arrived buzzing, eager to freshen up and see what was happening at the festival. Harriet and I, the divas we are, got ourselves an Airbnb. Oli and George embraced the wilderness. Feeling fresh and excited, we headed over to the festival, just a ten minute walk away.
The energy was already great. We ran into familiar faces, explored every corner of the site, including the talent only area because of course we did, and soaked it all in. At one point we had to dash back to help Oli pitch her tent. Teamwork.
Later we caught the Running Room crew over a well prepared BBQ. It was a good moment. Tents pitched, goodbyes said. We called it a night with full hearts.
Bring on tomorrow.
Panels, Passion and Powerful Conversations
Day one and day two brought something special. The girls had their talks and panels. Harriet on menstrual cycles and Oli on body image. Both were deeply engaging, passionate, full of wisdom and transparency. There is something magic about watching your friends speak their truth, fully in their power. And it is a beautiful thing that our practices are in cohesion with one another, all focused on honouring the body and its depth, strength and beauty.
The audience tuned in deeply, responding with thoughtful questions and open conversation.
I felt proud, inspired and grounded. It is a beautiful thing to sit in awe of the greatness you are surrounded by. The talent, the drive, the energy. It feels like home. There is real comfort in being around like minded people, all working hard to share messages that matter. Messages that might change someone's perspective, plant a seed, or simply open a mind to new ways of thinking about wellbeing. That is completely in alignment with everything I stand for when it comes to honouring the body, the self and the collective.
Hikes and Healing Waters
Oli also led a hike with Wild Luna Collective, which had an amazing turnout. On a separate mission, we ventured to Rhossili Bay, noted as one of the best beaches in the UK. Of course I brought my DSLR. I am a water baby through and through, there was no way I was missing an opportunity to capture.
There is something about water that calls to me. So powerful, yet humble. It lets you play, dive, float and feel free, but carries a force that demands respect. Being able to swim, laugh and capture memories with my friends in that space, while also feeling the quiet strength of nature, was something really moving. There is an honour in feeling safe within something so wild and powerful.
Photographer's Notes: The Dad Cam
So, the dad cam. I love it and let me tell you why.
The first time I used it I instantly felt like part of the shot rather than separate from it. It has this casual, unofficial energy that makes everything feel more present. Everyone stays natural around it. I like to think I have that effect too, but this camera brings it out even more.
The DSLR can feel intimidating, especially for people who are not used to it. Even for those who are, it still carries a sense of pressure. When someone points one at you, it almost demands performance. You become a little more animated, a little less yourself.
The dad cam is different. People stay true to how they feel. There is a softness to it. A rawness. Something real.
What I love most is how it allows space for imperfection. It captures the fun, the emotion, the in between moments. You can probably tell from the footage that I had a lot of fun with the zoom.
When it came to editing I went full cheesy mode. Nostalgic cuts, free experimentation, nothing polished, nothing overdone. Just vibes. This camera feels less like work and more like play. And that is exactly the energy I am here for.
For now, signing off.
Love, Leonie x
