Today we’d like to introduce you to Kennedy Gallimore.
Hi Kennedy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It was a, “late in life”, career change that caused us to look into creating something that was more aligned with our lifestyle, and not just a business for monetary value… Christina and I had both worked in the corporate world most of our lives. We had been regularly vacationing at a house in Bokeelia, FL, which we found on Craigslist, and the owner had mentioned that he has been buying homes and renting them as vacation homes to people like us. We weren’t interested, at the time, because we were just there temporarily, to unwind and enjoy… It wasn’t until years later, in 2013, when faced with a career change, we had to figure out where we were going from here. We had both been in Real Estate Brokerage, Investing and Finance basically all of our adult lives, to that point. That’s what we knew how to do. At this point in our lives, we weren’t interested in building an empire or flipping houses anymore. In an effort to start a new career, we were determined that this would be a step towards becoming more authentic, purposeful and focused… After deliberating for several weeks, we decided that travel and hospitality were things that Christina and I enjoyed and could be good at without having to just work a job or run a business…. We originally bought into a travel agency offering retail packages online, but the commissions were slim and that really didn’t get us into the hospitality business, so we remembered how much we loved our vacations in Bokeelia, FL and how we could also develop a place for people to retreat or vacation at. Back then we didn’t have AirBNB, VRBO or any other short term or vacation rental companies, like we do today. After-all, we found the lovely waterfront home that we had been vacationing at, on Craigslist…. With a new sense of direction, we set out to find a place where we could offer our unique style of hospitality and create space for others to visit and enjoy…. When we found the property that would become, “Runaway Bay Lodge”, we knew it was right for our intention, even though the house had been completely stripped (no cabinets, fixtures, toilets, doors, etc,) we cut our way through the overgrowth in the front yard and we both felt strongly about the energy and character that the property had, even though it was badly damaged and had been vacant for over years. After almost a year of repair and renovations, we were ready to open our doors for business. At first we were happy to host anyone, but not everyone appreciated our whimsical style and our openness about smoking marijuana and public nudity…. We had no algorithms, marketing platforms, etc. and being in a rural location, we didn’t have anyone just passing by and staying. Over the first few years we learned the type of guests that really appreciate what we’re doing and those that are less likely to enjoy what we’re have to offer. So, we created a safe space for people who were open minded, marginalized and often end up sitting in parking lots of hotels smoking a joint in their car. We worked to carve out a niche and Runaway Bay Lodge has organically evolved from a typical fish camp with no real intention, into a clothing optional, 420 friendly and LGBTQ+ inclusive retreat space that has become a sanctuary of healing for so many people. We now offer privately curated all inclusive retreats with private chef meals, holistic services, experiences and even ceremonies, such as, plant medicine retreats, yoga retreats, couples retreats and solo -self love retreats that are fully customizable to the guests needs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We purchased the property in 2015 and spent nearly a year renovating it. In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew devastated us by destroying an entire two-bedroom house. A few years later, another storm claimed a 44-foot houseboat. We’ve been flooded multiple times, forcing us to close the property for several months at a time to wait for the floodwaters to recede and for necessary repairs. Despite these challenges, we’ve consistently reinvented and improved the space. While we acknowledge that hurricanes are a natural occurrence in Florida, particularly in waterfront areas, the positive aspects of life—healing, finding renewal, reconnecting, rekindling love, and reconnecting with nature—far outweigh the challenges posed by natural disasters.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Our holistic services encompass a range of treatments, including Thai Yoga, Assisted Stretching, Massage, Reiki, Moxibustion, Bio-Resonance, and Sound and Vibrational Therapies. We blend various holistic practices with private chef meals, meditation, and ceremonies to harmonize the mind and body, creating an environment where your soul can flourish.
Each session is tailored to the individual or couple we serve, ensuring an intuitive and personalized experience.
In addition to our services, we offer one on one coaching, as well as, a selection of books, such as “Relationship Maintenance Strategies for Busy Couples,” “The Yoga Guidebook,” “The Beginners Guide to Meditation,” and our highly popular book, “Naked Reiki.”
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is subjective and varies from person to person. I used to define it as material possessions and financial stability. However, I’ve come to realize that true success lies in the journey we embark on to become our authentic selves. It’s about self-discovery, self-love, and radiating that love to others, which in turn brings us the rewards of loving relationships, abundance, and fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://RunawayBayLodge.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/RunawayBayLodge
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/RunawayBayLodge
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/RunawayBayLodge
