“Just Be” is a Gathering for Women which will be held at The Bit Factory in downtown Akron. The theme of the event is “Seeking.” Many women have grown up with the mindset, “Fake it ‘til you make it,” or, “Never let them see you sweat.” However, Ms. Wells believes there is strength in transparency. When individuals share their challenges with others, it provides an opportunity to gain support for themselves but also displays to others the strength in being courageous enough to ask for help and expose areas of weakness.

With that in mind, Just Be is an opportunity for women to come together and do just that, “Just Be.” Women will be encouraged to be themselves, share their hearts’ desires, begin charting their goals, and expose their areas of challenge. Moreover, the attendees will have the opportunity to hear from various speakers throughout the course of the gathering, all of whom have used life’s challenges as a platform to boost themselves to higher ways of thinking and new ways of approaching and conquering their personal, family, career, and community goals.

The “Just Be” Gathering for Women will provide access to local business and community organizations who have programs, products, and services that are in alignment with the overall well-being of women (mind, body, and spirit).
The “Just Be” Gathering for Women will provide access to local business and community organizations who have programs, products, and services that are in alignment with the overall well-being of women (mind, body, and spirit). Additionally, there will be an opportunity for “Just Be” sponsors and other organizations to showcase their offerings in an area designated for vendors. Some examples of vendors who may participate in the Just Be Gathering for women include:

·                     Dance Classes

·                     Yoga Classes

·                     Painting/Art Lessons

·                     Nutritionist

·                     Exercise Classes

·                     Bicycle Riding Club

·                     Mindfulness Coach

·                     Book Reading Club

BACKGROUND

Women face many issues and often face them alone (or without tapping into the resource pool that surrounds them). Just Be is an opportunity for motivation, acceptance of self and others, discovery of new interests and ways to use life challenges as a catalyst to accelerate into a better healthier person (mind, body, & spirit).

PURPOSE

This gathering will serve as the first of a quarterly series and will educate women on the importance of taking time to engage in activities and forums that provoke thought, increase overall physical, mental, and emotional awareness and well-being, while developing space to create newness personally, artistically, and economically. Additionally, Just Be aims to provide women with exposure and access to community programs, services, and other resources of interest.

EXPOSURE to new ways of thinking, being, doing, and approaching the issues of life through the life experiences of other women. Also exposure to new ways of having a “Just Be” moment which is important for the continued betterment of the woman.

ACCESS to programs, services, books, radio shows, etc. that may help women find new ways to channel focus, relieve stress, and exert positive energy into their daily lives, careers, families, and communities.

AWARD a portion of the Just Be proceeds will be awarded to one woman (to be selected from among the speakers) who has conveyed (through a written biography) how she has overcome great obstacles in her life’s journey and used them as motivation to improve her community through business, volunteerism, mentorship, and/or other avenues that have positively impact her community and the lives of individuals around her.