Kriss Ward Photography

08/17/2026

Hello! My name is Kriss. I’m a professional photographer and I specialize in modern beauty and transformational experiences. Through my photography work I have gained a profound understanding for the power of human connection, witnessing, story, and coaching. All of which led me to building a business coaching woman through the identity work that comes with maturing into wise women. If you want to be supported by a group of woman who want to see you thrive in authenticity, while honoring the previous versions of you, this could be the space for you! This retreat offers many of the usual wellness activities with some truly unique experiences as well, including a one of a kind photoshoot in a cenote. Please DM to learn more. ☮️

08/17/2026

Sophia isn’t a retreat from your life.

It’s five nights of intentionally slowing down enough to hear yourself again — and practicing a different way of being long enough that you can actually take it home with you.

Movement. Breathwork. Nervous system regulation. Reflection. Play. Connection. Ritual. Coaching. Photography. Rest.

Not because you need five more days of information.

Because knowing something and living it are two very different things.

Urgency is the enemy of embodiment.

So we’re not rushing this.

The Sophia Retreat is May 6–11, 2027 in Tulum, Mexico, at Kaaba Luum, a private estate tucked into the Mayan jungle.

And right now, Early Birds save $444 through September 30.

If something in you keeps whispering I want this…

DM me SOPHIA and I’ll send you the details. ✨

https://www.maximize-the-moment.com/the-sophia-retreat/

08/15/2026

Everybody’s a comedian in this house!

08/15/2026

When I detached myself from the outcome and focused on the experience, the momentum built itself.

I stopped exercising because I needed my body to look different.

I started moving because I love the way it makes me feel.

More energy.
More strength.
More clarity.
More connection to myself.

Like I’m doing something good with my body instead of letting its potential go to waste because of some idea of what a body that exercises is supposed to look like.

And somewhere along the way, something funny happened:

I stopped having to force myself to exercise.

Actually, kind of the opposite.

I have to choose to rest.

Because when the experience itself becomes the reward, you don’t need the outcome to keep you going.

Maybe the question isn’t, “Will this change my body?”

Maybe it’s simply:

“Could this change how I feel?”

08/14/2026

Just around the corner!

Join Our Holiday Marketplace!

Vendor applications are now open for the 27th Annual A Dickens Holiday in Downtown Fayetteville.

We're looking for talented artisans, makers, food trucks, specialty food vendors, and merchants offering distinctive holiday gifts, décor, and seasonal merchandise to help create an unforgettable Victorian Christmas marketplace.

Since 2000, A Dickens Holiday has welcomed thousands of visitors to Downtown Fayetteville for one of North Carolina's most beloved holiday traditions.

Whether you're a returning favorite or joining us for the first time, we'd love to have you be part of the magic.

Apply today:
bit.ly/joinusvendor

Tag your favorite artisan, food truck, or small business that should join us this year!

A Dickens Holiday is produced by Spark Downtown in partnership with Downtown Alliance and the generosity and support of our many sponsors and donors. This year's event is co-presented by Cape Fear Valley Health and Dream Finders Homes - Fayetteville, NC

08/12/2026

08/03/2026

Sometimes the rides pick me. 😂

“Can you be determined AND detached?”

Determined to do the climb.
Detached from judging yourself based on the numbers.

And willing to sit in the discomfort when it shows up instead of trying to escape it or trying to make it look like what you think it should look like.

Well damn. Apparently I got on the bike for cardio and ended up in one of my own coaching sessions. 😂

This is the work.

You can be deeply committed to where you’re going without making your worth, your peace, or your experience dependent on the outcome.

Determined doesn’t have to mean desperate.
Committed doesn’t have to mean attached.
And wanting something doesn’t mean you have to suffer your way there.

Choose the destination. Stay open-minded about the route.

Sometimes the rides pick me. 😎