Real Conversations, Real Community, Real Love | SWFL Event Recap

Ladies Lifestyle Network SWFL February Event Recap -

"Real Love: The Care & Keeping of You" | Hopsized Brewing Co.

As we approach our March event, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to pause and reflect on the incredibly special night February brought us.

Some events are full of inspiration from a stage. Others are built around the conversations that happen in the room. February was the latter — and it reminded me exactly why Ladies Lifestyle Network exists.

This night allowed me to sit down with some of our community regulars and some incredible new friends and truly get to know them better — not just what they do in business, but what their wins and struggles have been in life, health, and leadership.

I had the honor of co-hosting the evening with our very pregnant friend and previous LLN speaker, Holly Overcashier. Holly has become not only a repeat voice in our community but also a dear friend. Together we shared some of our own personal experiences to open the floor and help everyone feel comfortable enough to join the conversation.

We talked about the doubts that come with building something meaningful, the moments when we’ve second-guessed decisions we knew deep down were right, and the worries about how others perceive the seasons we are in.

Because the truth is — every woman in that room has felt that at some point.

As the evening unfolded, the conversation deepened in the most beautiful way. We talked about how connections within this community have created some of the most incredible collaborations — past, present, and future. Women shared how these relationships have supported them, expanded their reach, and helped them grow not just individually but mutually.

One of the most emotional moments for me personally came when some of our original LLN ladies shared how much this community has impacted them. Hearing their gratitude — and their kind words directed toward me — brought me to tears. I truly cannot express how much that meant to me.

Moments like that remind me why this space matters so much.

The conversation also opened the door to topics we don’t always talk about openly — being a woman, navigating hormones, and how those realities impact the way we lead, build businesses, and live our lives. What I loved most was how the women in the room immediately began sharing resources and experiences with one another. It was collaboration in its most genuine form.

Our featured vendor and Ladies Lifestyle Listing Member, AniLyn Boutique, was also able to be part of the session while her assistant helped run her boutique setup. It was wonderful seeing her participate in the conversation while still bringing beautiful pieces for the ladies to shop.

We were also honored to have Tiana founder of Women Veteran Warriors, our featured non-profit, share her story. She spoke personally and powerfully about why she started the organization and the gap that exists when it comes to resources specifically for female veterans. While many programs support our male veterans — which are incredibly important — she reminded us that female veterans often lack visibility and support tailored to their unique experiences.

Her message was impactful and inspiring.

And of course, we cannot talk about the night without mentioning our venue.

Hopsized Brewing Company continues to be one of our favorite partners. Their flexibility, generosity, and helpfulness make hosting events there such a joy. It certainly doesn’t hurt that their lavender sangria is on tap either.

This time we were able to gather in their beautiful Beer Garden, which transforms into a magical connecting space at night. The setting created the perfect intimate environment for deeper conversations and meaningful connection. With both indoor and outdoor options, the Hopsized Team always works with us depending on weather and guest count, and we are so grateful for their continued support.

And this event had an extra treat — South Pizza Co. happened to be there the same night, providing some incredible pizza for the evening.

If you haven’t experienced Hopsized yet, it is truly one of those bright, open, airy spaces that makes the perfect venue for gatherings like this.

Another huge thank you goes to Brenda Cruz from Aubrenix, who captured the evening through photo and video. Brenda even mic’d Holly and I up so we could capture some of the incredible conversations that unfolded throughout the night.

I absolutely love that every woman in the room was able to be part of this night in such an intricate and meaningful way.

My own business, Kayla Parkinson Coaching, was represented as a vendor as well. I always love being able to intertwine who I am with what I do — and now who I get to collaborate with in this growing community of incredible women.

LLN and KP Coaching also sponsored some very special swag bags this month, and I had so much fun putting them together with a personal touch for the ladies attending.

We also had amazing giveaway contributions from our vendors including Elderwise Organics and LottaFunCoco, offering free products, coaching sessions, delicious bonbons, event tickets, and more.

It truly was an incredibly special evening.

To every woman who was present — and every woman who has attended an LLN event before — thank you.

Thank you for trusting me with your time.

Thank you for helping create a safe space.

Thank you for contributing to an environment that is always intentionally curated for growth and connection.

You are the reason LLN exists.

And as we get closer to entering year two of Ladies Lifestyle Network SWFL, I could not be more grateful for the community we are building together. @hopsizedbrewingco @aubrenix @Elderwiseorganics @anilynboutique

@lottafuncoco

@krpcoaching

@southpizzaco @womenveteranwarriors