“Wow” was the only word my mind could conjure at the close of the YFE-Los Angeles event this past Wednesday. Although the event was slated to end at 9:00 many of us were still left connecting, exchanging laughter, sharing stories and taking silly photos with Janet Satanonchai of Love Janet Photography well beyond 10:00pm (sign of a good time, right?). Our very first YFE event was in May and the momentum continues to build with each month, making it even more clear that women from all industries are craving connection as they work toward the goals of owning a business or launching it to the next tier of success.
This July was exactly the kind of event I had in mind when I asked Jenn about creating a live event – there was a blend of structure between speaking and networking, mingling and eating and just the right size to allow everyone to get to know everyone. The events are feel intimate because of the size, allowing people to meet all of their peers in the room. The things shared by our speakers – such as Sophie Jaffe of Philosophie sharing her accounts of tough business lessons and her journey toward working with major players in the food industry, or Soraya Khineche and Scarlet Garcia of Launch|Haus sharing their passion for giving small businesses exactly what they need for success – were shared with an ease that only comes when you are surrounded and supported by your peers.
In addition to our talented speakers and photographers we had two sponsors that made the evening incredible. The space for our event was provided and coordinated by Virginie Delavaud (an adorable native of France) of Shelter Half, a very hip space specializing in small, U.S.-made artisan wares and goods. The open, relaxed feeling set the tone. In addition to the space we had food! Oh so much food! Monica Kristiansen of Supper Sack, a fellow female entrepreneur provided homemade hummus, pita and a chopped salad that had us coming back for second and third servings.
After the July event, I’m taking a few weeks to breathe, but not too long because September will be here soon. I want you to mark your calendars! We will be in downtown Los Angeles, from 7:00-9:00 (okay… maybe more like 10:00pm) and I promise to do my best to keep the caliber of the event on par or better with what you’ve experienced to date. I’m adding 10 more tickets (40 ladies + speakers and sponsors). If July was any indication, buy your ticket early (all the info goes out 3 weeks in advance via Facebook and Twitter #YFELA). We had a waitlist of 14+ people by the day of the event.
For September, I’m looking for a photographer, speakers and sponsors. I have a few ideas, but I’m always open to hearing from you (I read the comments posted here and will reply to you!). If you want to be involved, let me know. If you have ideas for improving the event – I’m all ears! Join the conversation on our Facebook group. YFEs, this is your event. I’m here to organize, orchestrate and keep the momentum going as we all work toward our big goals in business and life.
All photos courtesy of LoveJanet.com
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