TAKEAWAYS FROM THE SISTERHOOD SUMMIT

Last weekend, I ventured to Puerto Rico to attend the first annual Sisterhood Summit hosted by travel blogger, business woman and all around badass, Gloria Atanmo.

I met Glo 2 years ago when she spoke at the Women’s Travel Fest in New York City and I was instantly drawn to her bubbly personality, openness and our shared struggle of growing up with a Nigerian parent.

I admired her ability to connect with those around her – both the online community she built and those she met throughout her travels. The fact that she’s successfully turned her passion for travel into a thriving business is a true inspiration.

She pours her heart into her work and brings so much value to her audience, so I knew her summit would be a huge success.

But truth be told, up until a week before the event, I wasn’t sure I was going to go. I had already purchased my ticket months ago, but I hadn’t booked a hotel or found an outfit that met the color scheme (more on that below). I was procrastinating because I had a nagging feeling of unworthiness that I could not shake. 

I convinced myself that I didn’t belong in that room, that I wasn’t a real entrepreneur, that I had noting to contribute and that I had no business being in the presence of so many accomplished women. 

Sadly, I almost allowed those lies and limiting beliefs keep me from attending what turned out to be an uplifting, affirming and truly transformative event.

I ended up finding a room in the heart of old San Juan and a four minute walk from the venue, the Antiguo Casino. I also found the PERFECT dress. (Thanks Rent the Runway!)

With a room booked and a dress on the way, I had no more excuses. I flew into San Juan the day before the event, which gave me some time to explore, settle in and calm my nerves before the big day. I’m quite an introvert so mixing and mingling with strangers gives me major anxiety!

The morning of the summit, I woke up early to watch the sunrise, snap some photos and switch rooms. (My original room didn’t have running water, so they upgraded me to a room at their their sister property for the night!) 

On my way back to my original room, which thankfully now had water, I bumped into a girl I had met at a travel conference last year. Seeing her instantly put me at ease. I quickly dropped of my bags, touched up my makeup, put on my dress and headed to the conference!

As soon as I arrived I realized how silly I had been for not wanting to go. The room was filled with smiles, positive energy, openness and love. Everyone looked so beautiful and was so friendly. There were just such good vibes and I knew I was in the right place. 

I grabbed some breakfast and found a seat next to Cynthya of Things I Wander. We chatted for a bit until the beat from Afro B’s song Drogba drowned out the room. Cheers and applause followed as the woman of the hour danced her way into the crowd causing pure joy to overtake the room. As the music faded, Glo made her way to the stage to kickoff the day!

THE THEME

The theme of the summit was transformation. Each of the speakers tailored their talks to that and shared knowledge and insights to help us make 2020 our best year!

THE SPEAKERS

All the speakers were great and brought so much knowledge, actionable tips and loads of inspo!

Kev on Stage & Mrs Kev on Stage – Comedian & host of The Love Hour podcast 

Kellee Edwards – The first black female host on the Travel Channel

Donye Taylor – Creative consultant and marketing guru

Maya Elious – Branding strategist 

Jo Franco – YouTuber and CEO of Shut Up and Go

Alyson Stoner – Dancer, actress and motivational speaker 

THE DETAILS 

Glo requested that attendees where one of the 3 colors:

Although sticking to this color scheme was not required, it was a fun way to make everyone feel a part of the event while still expressing their own style and personality. 

WORDS OF WISDOM

There were SO many good nuggets shared throughout the day. Here are some that really stood out to me!

• Don’t allow perfection to be a paralyzing excuse.

• Being aggressively genuine is what attracts people to you.
  
• Your integrity is worth more than any brand deal.

• Create content for the audience you want.
  
• Create content that adds value. There is a difference between “Look at me” and “Learn from me.”

• Always ask yourself if you’re adding value or if you’re adding noise.

• Success comes when you’re aligned with your calling.
  
• Your purpose is becoming the person you wish you had when you were struggling.

• Our stories create connections between us and who we’re meant to serve.
  
• Lack of confidence, execution and discipline is why the most qualified people are still on the sidelines while the less qualified succeed. (Ummm, hello!)

Such good stuff, right?!

THE GIVEAWAYS

At the end of the event, there was a drawing for prizes and no, I’m not talking about t-shirts! Glo gave away a laptop, 2 GoPros, 4 $1000 checks and 2 tickets to next year’s summit (which I won)! It was BEYOND and such a fun way to end the day. 

THE AFTER PARTIES

At the conclusion of the event, we all joined in for a champagne toast followed by a cocktail party in the garden. 

Later in the evening, we reconvened for the Sisterhood Soirée at the El San Juan Hotel and danced the night away!

SISTERHOOD SUMMIT 2020

I’m so glad I attended this event and didn’t let my insecurities get the best of me. And since I won the two tickets, I have no excuse for next year! Glo announced that she has already locked in Puerto Rico as the location for the summit for the next four years! More details will come as the event gets closer, but in the meantime you can check here!

If this event sounds like something you would like to be a part of, I hope you’ll consider attending next year! In guarantee you will leave feeling uplifted and inspired. Hope to see you there!

If you have any more questions, drop them in the comments below. Or feel free to DM me on Insta or shoot me an email!