Starting Over: When the Plan Changes, the Purpose Doesn’t

Feb 19
4 min read

January was the month of pivots.

Not just on stage — but behind the scenes.

Our theme, Starting Over: When the Plan Changes, the Purpose Doesn’t, couldn’t have been more aligned with what unfolded leading up to our first Ladies Lifestyle Network event of 2026.

The week of the event brought constant shifts. Small changes. Moving pieces. Adjustments that come with hosting live gatherings — but this time, a little more than usual.

And then the topper.

The morning of the event, our speaker Monica Nagy, Founder and CEO of F.U.S.E., woke up very sick.

If you’ve ever hosted an event, you know that moment. The deep breath. The quick recalculating. The decision-making.

But what happened next was leadership in action.

Monica wanted to show up — for you, for this community, for the mission. While also protecting the room from germs. That’s integrity. That’s discernment. That’s care.

And because of the incredible team at Oasis Outdoors, we were able to pivot in real time.

They were the real MVPs.

With their resources and support, we streamed Monica in via Zoom. Audio. Video. Screens. Setup. Handled. It was seamless when it could have easily been chaotic.

Oasis Outdoors didn’t just provide a venue. They showed up as partners.

When the Message Becomes the Moment

Even though she was sick, Monica brought the energy, passion, and conviction that defines her leadership.

And her message? It landed.

Monica reminded us:

You are allowed to rebuild again and again. Closing a chapter or pivoting directions does not disqualify you. It often means you’re becoming wiser, more aligned, and more sustainable.
Pivoting is a leadership skill, not a panic response. The ability to adjust with intention is what builds longevity.
Having humility, letting go of what you think the plan has to be, and trusting the process, can create something better than you ever imagined. You just have to be open to it.
Breakthrough is often born in the hardest seasons. Burnout, setbacks, and “back to square one” moments do not mean the dream is dead.

She reinforced something that every woman in that room needed to hear:

When it’s hard — when everyone (including yourself) is telling you to give up — you reflect on the mission. You revisit your why. And you surround yourself with people who lift you back up and remind you to keep going.

Monica shared stories from leading F.U.S.E. (Free. Unashamed. Safe. Empowered.), our featured non-profit.

F.U.S.E. exists to help eradicate human trafficking by empowering one survivor at a time through prevention education, community outreach projects, rescue missions, and restoration programs. They are building a survivor-led movement where healing leads to strength and strength leads to justice.

As Monica spoke about the moments that reminded her why she does this work — the lives impacted, the stories of connection and restoration — the room responded with emotion and applause.

She shared openly that she doesn’t know what 2026 holds for her or for F.U.S.E. But she is choosing to let God lead — moving in obedience, with discernment.

And that kind of faith? That kind of resolve? It’s contagious.

The Community Showed Up

That night, I repeated something from the stage that started in a text to Monica that morning, in reassurance to her worry about not being there.

I told her that our ladies would understand. That if someone couldn’t extend grace and flexibility in a moment like this, then this likely wasn’t the community for them.

And I meant it.

But I also knew.

I knew our women would rise to the moment.

And they did.

They leaned in. They listened to every word. They responded with encouragement, not frustration. With support, not criticism.

That’s who this community is.

To Our Vendors Who Keep Showing Up

To our repeat vendors who push through event after event with smiles, consistency, and excellence — thank you.

LottaFunCoCo | Hanooie Confections | Taste of the Homestead | Chop It Up Sandwiches | Kayla Parkinson Coaching

You bring more than products. You bring dedication.

You are the embodiment of what we elevate at LLN — women and businesses going after the dream, putting in the work, testing, learning, refining, and building.

Growth doesn’t happen without effort. And you show us what it looks like to stay committed through the ups and the downs.

Swag & Giveaway Gold

All of our incredible participants were also featured in our Swag bags given to the first 25 guests and incredible giveaways. From sweets, to free tickets, to an array of swag and discounts, you wanted to get your hands on these and the crowd was amazing!