Inspired by a Vancouver event, a “mastermind” committee of five has created a three-day Inspired to Shine conference for women.
“We had just come from Vancouver and seen Kristal Barrett-Stuart and I thought ‘Oh my gosh, Salmon Arm could use her,’” says Tammy Chopick-Chouinard, one of the enthusiastic organizers of the event that takes place Oct. 23-25 at the Prestige Harbourfront Resort.
“We were rejuvenated; everybody took something away that filled up their cup.”
Chopick-Chouinard says she and the other women who attended the Vancouver conference saw there was nothing similar in Salmon Arm so they decided to create their own.
“It’s a time to inspire, share, learn and fill up our cup of love and build a strong network of support,” says Chopick-Chouinard, explaining the event is packed with presenters, activities, singers, vendors, ladies in business, community resources and more – including Kristal Barrett-Stuart.
The country singer-songwriter launched the Sparkle Project BC in 2014 with the goal of producing self-help resources and bursaries focused on a pre-adolescent and adolescent female demographic.
There are three separate components, with some activities geared especially to younger women and girls.
The conference launches Friday with a gala for women 19 years of age and older, beginning with chocolate and champagne at 4:30 p.m.
Speakers include Jan Seelinger on the SAFE Society, Carol Surbey on The Healing Guide and Kristal Barrett-Stuart on the Sparkle Project BC.
Saturday’s main event is for girls ages 10-plus and women. Registration is at 8 a.m. and presentations take place from 9 to 4 p.m. Lunch is provided.
An Inspired 2 Shine Concert for women 16 years and older begins with a meet and greet at 5:30 p.m. with performances beginning at 6:30 p.m. Performers include: Rachel Layne, singer/songwriter; Liz Blair, singer/songwriter and the feature act Barrett-Stuart.
Sunday is a very important esteem-building day for girls aged 10 to 18.
Registration and a private book-signing takes place at 8 a.m. followed by two-and-a-half hours with Barrett-Stuart.
The day’s events and activities are fully sponsored by local businesses and individuals. Tickets are available from Ministry of Children and Families, SAFE Society, school counsellors and principals or by applying by email to coach@inspired2thrive.ca.
Tickets for an all-inclusive three-day package or for individual events are available at Synergy Studio - 31 Second St. SE; Touch ‘A Texas in the Mall at Piccadilly, Wearabouts at 350 Alexander St. or I am Yoga at 217 Finlayson St. in Sicamous.