The Self-Love Experience: an empowering, transformative event designed by women for women

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

How often do we as women truly allow ourselves: to be seen, to be heard, to be held in the embrace of unwavering support? In the fast pace of life, women often carry unseen burdens—unresolved traumas, self-doubt, and the pressure to meet societal expectations. On February 15^th, 2025, from 5pm to 10pm a safe, supportive space was created for a group of beautiful women where they could: reflect, heal, and connect with others on the path to self-discovery and empowerment.

Love Galore: The Self-Love Experience was an empowering, transformative event designed by women, for women. In a world that often asks women to give of themselves, Love Galore invited their guests to take a step back and focus solely on them. This was a moment to: rediscover their inner strength, celebrate their worth, and embrace the journey of self-empowerment. Through a series of thoughtfully curated workshops, engaging activities, dinner, and uplifting discussions, attendees explored the depths of self-love in its many forms.

This year the powerful theme of the event was Release and Restoration. The event was designed for women to let go of what no longer serves them, whether it was: fear, pain, doubt, or the need to release the chains of the past, making space for healing, renewal, and self-discovery.

At Love Galore, guests embarked on a transformative journey through a diverse array of workshops designed to foster emotional release and self-discovery. From the introspective “Whispers of Restoration” breathwork and calming meditation activities, to the cathartic “Freedom Scream” and “Pieces of Peace” plate smashing, attendees were encouraged to physically and emotionally shed burdens.

“We have to pour back into people.”

The “Dissolve to Evolve” activity offered a gentle path to self-forgiveness, while “Canvas of the Heart” allowed for creative expression of inner desires. The powerful “Flame Circle” strengthened sisterhood and self-affirmation, and “Flames of Freedom” used sparklers to symbolize personal empowerment and positive manifestation.

Through these varied experiences, participants were invited to explore their inner landscapes, release past traumas, and embrace a path of healing and self-love.

Naturally, I took the opportunity to speak with co-hosts Princess Sobrinho, and Sandra Anin. They openly shared the importance of this event, and the need for more like it.

“We as women go through a lot, and at times we get lost,” shared Princess.

“We all have different experiences,” Sandra expresses, “And we don’t know we share the same experiences as other women who may not be navigating it as well. We have to pour back into people.”

Princess took the time to walk me through the night. “Each year we have themes, and this year we set workshops up around our theme. We had breathwork exercises. We had a meditation section, which helped us prepare ourselves for the night. Pieces of Peace was a Greek activity that allows you to release. We also had a section to smash things, which was an active activity, and then a circle where we could tell our stories (Flames of Freedom). We had a chance to declare that we were blessed.”

“Evolve to Dissolve was very powerful; the ladies were able to do this together. They watched their words dissolve in the water. It was a very powerful, reflective experience. It gave people time to think.”

As with everything, these beautiful souls faced some challenges.

“No funding,” Princess tells me. “In the beginning it is bringing the vision to life and then it is about the expenses. We do what we can out of pocket.”

“What was your goal when cultivating this experience?’

“Majority of the attendees were Black women,” Sandra explains, “And sometimes we don’t have spaces to feel safe. We are unable to release the things that we are going through. It was a very love filled atmosphere. Very peaceful!”

“Do you plan to host similar events in the future? If so, what are your aspirations for future iterations?”

“I want to grow from this,” Princess shares. “I want to push myself. Love Galore happens every year, and I want to do a summer event. There have been requests for a retreat, and then also a monthly social gathering. It doesn’t have to be a big event, just something that women can come to. I am thinking of doing something also for mothers and children.”                                                                

Love Galore is more than just an event—it’s a movement. It’s a call to celebrate the incredible women we are, as individuals and as a collective. Together, let’s lift each other up, honor our stories, and embrace the limitless potential that exists within us all. Join us for an unforgettable experience, and let’s celebrate the beauty of self-love.

Welcome, to the beginning of something truly transformative.