Have you ever gathered with a group of 170 women who supported you before you knew them? You can find these gatherings, and in my experience, they’re called women’s circles. Professional coach and community builder Jess Clark of The Connected Co. created the ultimate women's circle in our backyard.
This fall, I attended The Gathering, and it overflowed my cup. It didn’t fill me up in the self-love woo-woo yoga Goddess way, but in the soul-journey life-purpose Queen way.
On a foggy Saturday morning, after grabbing coffee from Village Coffee’s truck parked outside Girls Inc. in Carpinteria, I was greeted by a colorful DIY “Bloom Bar” by Dirt Botanicals and round tables with white tassel umbrellas on a lawn. No one was seated at the tables. I was late, but I had my croissant and coffee and shook it off, excited for a day for myself.
I met up with Melissa, publisher of this publication, and we attended our first workshop with business attorney Natalie Puglisi. After minutes, I wondered, should I turn my writing business into an LLC? Why hadn’t I considered myself worthy of turning my talents into more than a byline?
Next up: parenting coach Dr. Judy Osterhage, early childhood specialist, whose workshop about how to get out the door more efficiently with kids had me taking voracious notes.
Fearless and friendly, Jess Clark appeared before us during lunch, sharing her enthusiasm for connection. Her passion for a deeper participation in life is palpable. It’s her second year throwing The Gathering and her intention is to create an experience where we learn from other driven women how to show up, professionally or personally, often intertwined.
Guest speaker, author, and professional coach Karen Laos leads a confidence-building exercise where we approach fear playfully and encourages us to overcome self-doubt through communication. I’m listening to her while making a bouquet of dahlias. I pause to take in the scene of women strengthening each other.
After lunch, I attend career coach Shannon Searer’s workshop. A tireless creator, I’m interested in her approach to solving problems with creativity. Shannon taught us a mind-mapping exercise, and I developed a new idea the two women sitting next to me thought was good. Que a confidence boost.
My next boost: a high-dose Vitamin C and B-complex IV infusion from registered nurse Abbie Olson, founder of Flow Mobile IV. We end up talking about our personal lives, and she reassures me that my current lemon can be turned into lemonade. I’m reminded of women’s natural ability to support each other in unexpected situations. Abbie gives me a great hug and a greater sense of peace.
“We know our village will support us, but where do we find a bigger pool that will challenge us to do better?” Jess’s closing remark reminds me that it’s not just about surrounding yourself with “yes” people. Finding people who encourage you to take a chance can be harder to find, and that’s who you could find at The Gathering.
If you missed The Gathering, you can join a Connected Collab group led by Jess Clark. This supportive space is designed for driven women who want to take their businesses to the next level. @the_connected_co