International Women's Day 2025

International Women’s Day | March 8, 2025
 
As many are celebrating International Women’s Day today, I want to acknowledge some amazing women who have lifted me up while I’ve been hunkered down:

First and foremost, my Mom – I noted in my cancer update all she’s done over the past week to help support us, but she also kept my sweet mother-in-law, Liz, updated while I was in the hospital. We called her together and had a nice chat, as it had been about a month since she had heard my voice while only getting updates from Mike. How often do you get to experience your parents taking such great care of you in your time of need as a forty-something adult? I feel so fortunate to have both of my parents with me and available for chats and to help when we need it. I relished the experience, and we had a lovely visit despite the circumstances. She even took a few outfits home that need zippers installed, so her seamstress magic will be put to work. Soon I’ll be able to strut my stuff at networking events in cute jumpsuits that are much easier to get in and out of. Thanks, Mom! 😉

Eva Harris and Ginny Ball of KEVA + Created By – My best clients/teammates who have provided a wonderfully flexible working environment for me from the start, only made more important this past month. Retail is hard, y’all, and it never sleeps. They have continued to grow our team, provided me with support, and given me the space and grace I need to heal. I cannot wait to get back to hosting events that showcase our amazing community organizations and artists. See below for an upcoming event you can enjoy with me. Future studio events linked here.

Kim Harris & Emily Oyan – My two besties who have been covering ALL THE SLACK! Emily was behind us setting up the meal train, which has been a lifesaver this past month. We also received a huge amount of support via Door Dash gift cards through this website, and that has continued to help us get through the busy weeks when we simply don’t know what to cook, how to balance the timing between work and sports, and/or can’t imagine washing one more dish (I’m still on “light duty” and can’t help much). These two have brought us delicious food and transported Sophia all over town when she needed a ride, or a fun place to crash for the evening. Being with close friends who love her has meant so much to Sophia and me. The fact that I have these two moms to lean on and provide this kind of comfort and support has been a true saving grace.

Meg Eastman and the Midlothian Service Unit of Girl Scouts – Meg heads up the Midlothian Service Unit made up of all the Girl Scout troops in our area. She’s also a track/cross country mom, and a photographer by trade. She sends me photos and videos of Sophia’s meets when I can’t be there. Missing my baby cross the finish line at her first track meet this week really got to me, but Meg captured it for me and loudly cheered her on! She also took the time to honor my breast cancer journey at a recent Girl Scout Thinking Day event. She created pamphlets that highlighted The Pink Chair Project (the organization that donated a recliner to me for my recovery) and took up a donation in my name. She also created “SWAPS” with pink ribbons reminding leaders to schedule their mammograms and conduct their self-exams on a regular basis. She then baked delicious zucchini muffins and had all the troop leaders sign a card for me. It’s a testament to how supportive women can be, even when we’re not as involved or present as we used to be with certain circles or organizations. My past efforts with the Service Unit have not been forgotten, and that means so much!

Megan Seagram – I was expressing to Mike that I’m at a certain age where my mentors and biggest supporters are mostly younger than me now, and I’m okay with that. Megan and I decided to be accountability buddies at some point last year and have been consistent with sending check-in emails to share goals and to-do’s, big initiatives, and business growth efforts. She is always sending business my way and looking for opportunities to share. She has hired me and believed in my voiceover pursuits from the beginning, and that has meant the world. She’s also an amazing gift giver and has been checking on me constantly, which I’ve loved!

Brittany Rice – She’s a hospitality industry colleague and breast cancer warrior who started her journey back in the fall, and we’ve been in constant communication since. She inspired my “open letter to the newly diagnosed” post back in October when I was acknowledging the anniversary of my first surgery and her recent diagnosis. Little did I know that two months later, I would be back in the hot seat needing to lean on her for tips and tricks while planning for a procedure like the one she had just undergone. She’s also the one who encouraged me to set up my wish list on Amazon. That alone was amazing advice because my village purchased everything I requested within a 24-hr. period! The items she recommended have been so helpful and it took a lot of the guesswork out of recovery preparation. I’m so glad we stocked up because I had to start my recovery process all over again this past week. Please send good vibes her way as she continues to heal, heads back to work, and becomes a thriver vs. survivor – continuing to inspire others experiencing what we’ve been through. She’s a gem! Book a meeting in Williamsburg in her honor!

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I’m so proud of my village and community of amazing women (and a few good men) who have sent notes of encouragement, business referrals, and networking event invites. I’m so ready to get back out there, and I’m looking forward to seeing you at the following events:

Wednesday, March 12th - Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon featuring Katherine O’Donnell, CEO of Richmond Region Tourism. I’m looking forward to supporting Katherine and her team while enjoying all the “gentle” hugs and catch ups. It’s been too long!

Saturday, March 15th - Channing Gibb Art – Coaster Collection Launch at the KEVA Studio. You may be familiar with Channing’s art from the prints and originals she’s had on display at the KEVA Studio, along with her beautiful greeting cards that double as frameable art – but you haven’t seen anything yet! Now, as an official Created By collaborating artist, we’ve applied her artwork to coasters that are not only beautiful, but useful, too! Choose from her “Bubbly Time” or “So Chic” designs and enjoy double-sided art on microfiber leather. The stitching detail brings each set together along with the convenient branded holder, ensuring authenticity when it comes to each Created By product. I’ll be there from 11-5 pm for shopping hours, and you can meet and greet Channing from 2-5 pm that day. We’ll be raffling off a few coaster sets, too, but you need to be there to win! 1811 Huguenot Road, #304, Midlothian, VA 23113. Look for the green door!

The Social Ginger’s 10th Anniversary Party. I’m excited to celebrate this milestone with my friend, Shannon Loy, and her team. It’s not a public invitation, but IYKYK. I hope to see you there!

Saturday, March 22nd – Nobody’s Poet (band) at Omega Bar & Grill in Hopewell. Come out and hear Mike and his band mates rock hits from the 80s, 90s and beyond. It’s a bit of a drive, but so worth it for a great night out. It’s been too long since I’ve seen my man on stage, so come help me dance the night away! Downbeat at 8 pm.