Rooted & Rising: An Evening for Women Who Want More

Friday night at Press Market was one for the books. A full house of exceptional women came together, not just to fill a room but to fill it with connection, curiosity and the kind of energy you wish you could bottle and keep on a shelf.

We eased in with glasses in hand (thank you Georgian Hills Vineyard for the delicious wines and ciders) and set our dreams on fire. Conversations started easily, laughs came quickly and you could feel everyone starting to exhale after a long week.

It all started with speaker Suzanne F. Stevens who brought her own magic to the evening with a session that encouraged us to dig deeper into who we are and what we want more of in our lives. Her warmth, passion and captivating insights had us looking at our own patterns and choices in a new way, sparking conversations that carried on well after her talk ended.

Penny Light took us on a journey from corporate burnout to the wild beauty of the African bush, reminding us that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is choose what is true for you over what is expected of you. The kind of talk that makes you rethink your own “shoulds” and maybe plot your own great escape.

Make up artist and founder Taylor Savage of Taylor Savage Beauty had us all leaning in and taking notes with her quick-fire 5 minute face demo. Tips for looking pulled together between meetings, in the car or in the parking lot before walking in somewhere important. She made it look so easy that a few of us might be feeling bold enough to give her tips a go.

And of course, the cameras came out. We stepped in front of the lens with award winning photographer Leah Den Bok for photos that actually felt like us. No awkward poses, no forced smiles, just genuine, confident, ready to be seen faces.

It was a night of learning, laughing, playing with a little colour and saying yes to being seen in new ways.

The room was full but more importantly, so were we.

Until next time, here is to more connection, more courage and more women rising together.