The Lorca: The Nature Space Decolonizing the Meaning of Retreats

Whether you want a view of snowcapped mountains or to be surrounded by green trees, The Lorca is a perfect escape into nature any season. Breaking generational barriers, the root and conception of the space was to create a space that is inclusive and accessible to everyone and put land back in the hands of Black people whose ancestors were systematically denied land ownership. This powerful form of decolonization not only creates a safe space, but it is a great way to reconnect with nature and find peace in the Catskills or Adirondacks.

Check out our interview with founders Coco & Breezy:

When and why did you start Lorca?

We wanted to team up with our friends to own property. Our family hasn’t owned property historically and creating a space that our community could go to and tap into nature is very important to us. We didn’t have camping and hiking opportunities growing up. We want to change that narrative.

How do you define sustainability?

You are always working toward sustainability, from your personal development and relationships to what you build and create. Systems and supply chains are never simple and require dialogue and improvement over time. With our Teva collection, for instance, we were able to create sandals where most of the elements were made of sustainable materials, but we weren’t guaranteed about the buckles. It’s a daily process and practice.

Is there any ancestral or historical relevance tied to your idea for Lorca?

Being in nature, the media didn’t show diversity, but nature is in our ancestry. Indigenous wisdom and mountain access for women of color is very important to us. After feeling what nature means to us personally upstate and developing this project, we’ve become huge nature lovers and hikers ourselves to keep tapping into our ancestral wisdom–it’s been a big shift for us on a personal level.

In what ways is the community of NY engaged in your spaces?

Our community really wants to have the chance to get into nature. We try to tell stories that provide a welcoming place and people make it their own, from retreats to family weekends.

What are the greatest challenges you’ve faced in founding your company? Biggest rewards?

Our biggest challenge has been that real estate development is new to us, and we’ve had to learn as we go. We’ve been grateful for our business partners, who’ve provided an example that while experience and planning are important, business people are always learning and creating a new blueprint–nobody knows everything.

How does working together influence your work?

The biggest reward is seeing people share their experiences–it’s very rewarding, because we remember building the spaces from the ground up and sleeping on the floor when the walls were down.