Rising Stars: Meet Staci Smith & Kara Boo of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Staci Smith & Kara Boo.

Hi Staci Smith & Kara Boo, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Day Tripping Retreats with Staci & Kara was born from our shared passion for yoga, nature, and the belief that wellness should be accessible, flexible, and deeply rooted in the present moment. While traditional multi-day retreats offer beautiful experiences, they can also be expensive, time-consuming, and out of reach for many. We wanted to create something different—something grounded, approachable, and powerfully restorative, all within a single day.

Our retreats are designed to offer a meaningful pause—a chance to step out of the busy pace of everyday life and into the natural world. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Middle Tennessee, each retreat becomes a space to breathe deeply, move intentionally, and reconnect with yourself through guided yoga practices and mindful time outdoors. Whether flowing through sun salutations beneath a canopy of trees, meditating beside a quiet stream, or hiking along winding trails with birdsong overhead, nature is not just a setting—it’s an active participant in the experience.

We believe that the combination of movement and stillness, of grounding your feet on the earth while expanding your breath to the sky, can bring profound clarity and calm. Day Tripping Retreats is our way of helping others tap into that sense of balance and presence—without needing to travel far or take a week off work. Just one day. One trail. One breath at a time.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Two of our main challenges include finding a suitable space for yoga sessions and ensuring access to an accessible hiking trail. Another consideration is securing a venue at a responsible price point to prevent costs from being passed down to participants. We are committed to keeping the cost of our retreats affordable, making these experiences accessible to everyone.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Meet the faces behind Day Tripping Retreats:

We’re Kara and Staci—two friends who love yoga, nature, community, and meaningful connections. Through our own journeys, we’ve found healing in these practices and want to share that experience with the world.

Staci, E-RYT 200, Reiki Practitioner
Staci is a true Nashville native who loves all things outdoors and being connected to this magical place called Earth. Her first encounter with yoga was during high school gym class, where she fell in love with how it made her feel both physically and mentally. Staci received her 200-hour teacher certification in 2020 and has been teaching ever since. Yoga has saved her life in many ways. She is also a certified yin instructor, reiki practitioner, and photographer. When she’s not practicing yoga, Staci can be found spending time with her family and friends, most likely exploring the outdoors, attending a concert, or photographing life’s magical moments.

Kara, E-RYT 500, YACEP Standup Paddle board- Level 1
Kara’s love for yoga took her by surprise. She was first introduced to yoga in 2009 after complications from a surgery which caused severe damage to her inner ear. Doesn’t seem like much, but when your inner ear is destroyed, your equilibrium is also destroyed. Through yoga she was able to re-train her brain into creating balance, and then realized yoga was not only powerful and strong, but spiritual practice. It wasn’t until a couple years later she realized what she was learning on the mat was flowing into her everyday life. Yoga has taught her balance, both figuratively and literally. Kara completed her initial 200hr teacher training in 2015, and completed her 500hr in 2023. She is certified in Vinyasa, Power yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Yin Yoga, Chair Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Restorative yoga, Adaptive yoga and Prenatal Yoga. In addition, she is certified as a Stand Up Paddleboard instructor, level 1 and SUP yoga.
Kara’s intention is to create a space for those to explore and challenge themselves both physically and mentally in hopes of establishing a balance they can carry with them on and off the mat. Outside of yoga, Kara runs a couple of small businesses with her husband. She is a free- spirit, that is continuously learning and trying new adventures.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Our success comes from working together. We have an incredible relationship, both personally and professionally, and our understanding of each other allows us to collaborate seamlessly. This synergy carries through all our adventures, where we’re building a sense of community, helping people forge lasting connections, and supporting healing through nature.

Pricing:

• Accessible & Affordable mini Yoga Retreats

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ghostsportsandwellness.com/day-tripping-retreats/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daytrippingretreats
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563173193784