Iulia Iacob is a creator of experiences, a visionary with a warm heart and an eye for beauty.

As the founder of ZOFretreats, she designs harmonious and inviting spaces where people can connect, relax, and create lasting memories. Her retreats are not just events – they are carefully crafted environments where creativity and well-being flourish.

A deeply empathetic and inspired soul, Iulia is known for her generosity, always surprising guests with thoughtful gifts and touching gestures. Her designs are stunning, blending creativity, coherence, and beauty in ways that never fail to amaze. She is attentive to every detail, ensuring nothing is overlooked, and works tirelessly to create spaces that feel safe and effortless, whether it’s a wedding, a workshop, or a retreat.

Iulia’s passion extends to the art of table design and styling.

For her, setting the table is more than just decoration – it’s an act of care, intention, and creativity. Every detail, from the placement of a plate to the choice of centerpieces, is carefully chosen to create an atmosphere of harmony and warmth. Preparing a table or decorating a space is her way of inviting people to feel seen, cherished, and at ease.

Decorating is at the heart of Iulia’s mission to craft beauty and create spaces where others can feel inspired and connected. Whether it’s a workshop, a wedding, or a simple gathering, she ensures every element reflects her care and attention to detail. For Iulia, these thoughtful touches transform an event into a memorable experience, bringing people together in a setting that feels both magical and personal.

Ioana’s passion for cooking stems from its ability to express love and bring people closer together.

She delights in surprising her guests with carefully crafted dishes, always keeping their preferences in mind. Cooking is her way of saying “thank you” for their presence in her life.

Her recent journey on Chefi la cuțite was a heartfelt tribute to her childhood. She prepared a dessert from her early years, inspired by her grandmother, aiming to transport the chefs back to their own childhood memories. Together with Iulia, they created an atmosphere filled with warmth and storytelling, inviting the chefs to reflect on their own cherished moments from their childhood.

For Ioana, sweets hold a special kind of magic. For over 15 years, she has baked cookies every Christmas to gift to her friends, as a token of gratitude for their presence in her life. This tradition has become a symbol of connection and care, and it inspired this workshop – an opportunity to share the tradition with others.

Inviting others to cook together is, for Ioana, an invitation to connect, to share stories, and to celebrate the simple joy of creating something with love. She believes in the power of gathering around the table – a space where differences dissolve, and simple exchanges, like a smile for a story or laughter for a shared dish, build deeper connections.

Through her project Eat to Connect, Ioana has fostered a community where good vibes, authenticity, and mutual respect are at the heart of every interaction. Whether crafting sweets or curating meaningful conversations, her philosophy remains the same: Eat to connect.