On a normal afternoon in St. Augustine, Florida, a group of amazing people got together at a local restaurant for one reason: to celebrate their achievements, share ideas, and support each other while eating.
People from all walks of life came for their weekly Friday lunch: parents and real estate agents, mortgage brokers and doctor's assistants, life coaches and people who worked in flower shops. Many of them showed off their own businesses, like making jewellery, business coaching, spas, and health clubs. No matter where they were from, they were all there to help each other and spend an hour together.
Women Celebrations sponsors these weekly luncheons in five other cities, where both men and women attend. Founder Sheryl Lynn says that each luncheon has a theme that shows how everyone wants to be independent and successful. Themes like "magnificence," "confidence," and "work" have been used. At a party with the theme "applause," each person told the others why they should be cheered.
Members talked about moving from out of state and changing careers, as well as about business successes and personal joys. When each speaker took a moment to "stand in their power," Lynn's term for people's ability to find success and power within themselves, the crowd cheered wildly.
Lynn got the idea for Women Celebrations from the need to celebrate everyday things. Even though she was successful as a mother of three and a business owner, she felt tired and down at the end of the day.
"I wasn't giving myself a pat on the back when I finished these great things. No one else was either, "Lynn said.
By making Women Celebrations, she made a place where support and encouragement were very important.
Today, Women Celebrations has a strong presence in northern Florida, and more chapters, or "loops," are popping up all over the country. Anyone who wants to celebrate their lives, share their experiences with others in a positive way, and build a sense of community can join the group.
