Hello, Beauties🌸 Today’s post is a replay of how we celebrated our journeys on International Women’s Day at Athleta.
For the last four weeks, I have excitedly bombarded my social media platforms to get the word out about attending my first Harrisburg MeetUp. Friday, March 8, amidst the threat of snow, weather permitting, it happened. I’m thankful for the 25 local women who braved the elements to support a sisterhood event.
This event occurred when I shopped at my local Athleta store for a blog post idea: to run up the Philadelphia Art Museum steps inspired by the film Rocky. However, due to the Women’s March in Philadelphia around the museum steps, I could not run up the steps. Instead, I headed to the Rodin Museum on the Parkway for a more laid-back photo shoot.
I shared my vision with Sara, the Harrisburg Athleta Community Leader, who embraced my fashion sense by suggesting I incorporate yellow (I never wear yellow) in my sports outfit.
Further discussions with Sara, I shared my organizing the Athleta Forever Fierce event in NYC in September 2018. With just one meeting and lots of emails, the date set, Sara and I began to plan the fun and exciting International Women’s Day event. How about that customized event planning invite created with SplashThat by Sara?
All my friends and the models wore Athleta fashions. They are a great example of women supporting women. Sandee, Peggy, Kenya, and Carla showed up by bringing their friends to see their informal modeling, join in on the forum, and have fun. Sandee garnered enough votes to win her Athleta outfit.
The brands represented were Rhonda Herd Carver and Neora ™, a premium age-fighting skincare and wellness company founded with the mission to make people better. Cynthia, 2chicdesigns handbags, The Colonial Park Ulta Beauty brow bar team, and Ann Peyton Photography provided free professional headshots.
How about the lite bites? Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar provided infused water, seasonal organic hummus, pita bread, local farms cheese board, crudité, and a light, low-calorie dessert.
It makes sense that Athleta sponsored this women’s event. Check out their mission statement, “We believe being active opens doors to a bigger life. And that unleashing the power of your body can translate into mastery of your mind and serenity in your soul, too”. Their objective ties in nicely with the group discussion, Are You Vital, Visible, and Vibrant?
Now, onto the meat of the matter: the sharing circle led by April Swann Jackson. April is a long-time friend from the pharmaceutical industry. She is also the founder of SISTAHS and a certified John Maxwell Speaker, Coach, and Trainer.
The conversation, Are You Vital, Vibrant, and Visible? The topic is so appropriate as the majority of ladies attending, over the age of 50, represent life journeys. However, I love that one younger attendee, Rebecca, mentioned the importance of being active in the mind, body, and spirit. And the critical connections with older women are vital.
Did you know Athleta offers free Yoga classes? These group classes can transform the mind and body, as Zoe and Rita, both Athleta Yoga instructors, mentioned. Nancy shared how yoga improves her mental awareness and keeps her vibrant daily.
Only so much can be said in the time allotted; everyone attending needed to have an opportunity to share something about themselves as we are similar in many of life’s journeys.
The celebration of women didn’t end with the conversation; I captured a few of the moments here celebrating sisterhood and the power of us with great fun. Oh, the fun and silly me. I hope you saw our Boomerangs on Instagram Stories.
I started reading Michelle Obama’s book Becoming Michelle Obama. I haven’t finished reading it yet, but I did want to share a quote.
Aren’t we all just becoming and never a finished product? Every day, each event is another chapter in life’s journey to strive toward our goals. It never ends. We never get there alone. A special thank you to the Harrisburg Athleta store, not just Sara, because you all came to my aid to make Women’s International Day a tremendous success.
Another big thank you to April, Neora Products, Ulta Beauty, 2Chic Designs, Ann Peyton Photography, and Harvest Seasonal Grill. Last but not least, all the fabulous ladies. I know we will meet again.
As always, thank you for reading. Have a fabulous week.
