Hey Girls,

How have you been? I hope your 2023 is off to a smooth start. I’m officially back to planning events after taking some time off to figure out my life post-baby. It’s a beautiful struggle, and I’m learning so much about myself! This will be the year of no excuses – when it comes to cultivating the right relationships, finding healthy work environments where we can truly thrive, and working through our struggles without negative self-talk.

Our first event will be a brunch + talk about finding the right therapist. We can all agree that this is a hard process and I want to make it easier for you, so we'll discuss the ins and outs. I’ve invited back Michelle Brown LCSW who specializes in supporting clients through navigating the many forms of grief, life transitions, healing from trauma, maternal lineage, and relationships. She will be joined by our very own Janese Evans, a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified health coach specializing in intergenerational trauma and promoting healthy boundary-setting. Finally, we have Daisy Nie, a board-certified Psychiatrist who helps those who struggle with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and more. You don’t want to miss this informative event with these badass women! You'll be captured by the lovely photographer Melina Morales + receive a special giveaway! RSVP here!

I also want to take this time to share that moving forward there will be a charge for all in-person Flower Girls Meet events. This event is $35 (or $50 for you and a friend). There's a discount if you purchase the early flower tickets! Future event prices may vary! The cost will cover food, drinks, and venue. This is also a way for you to contribute to the community that will help you grow and become a better you! The final event of the year, which usually happens in Nov/Dec, will be sponsored (so I’ll be working to surprise you with this). Please note: you’ll be seeing some changes in the look and feel of the fgm brand too!

Thanks for being a part of this community! I’m really excited about what 2023 has to offer us. My goal is to continue cultivating space for you to feel seen, heard, and inspired. I also want to give you your flowers for not only surviving but thriving in this crazy world. You are amazing! 

Hugs,
your flower girl V

Upcoming Event

+ Check out these interesting happenings/ links

Refine Collective Presents: 2nd Annual PLANET HER Women’s History Month Bazaar & Celebration! 3/24 5P ($20) Back for a second year in celebration of Women’s History Month, Refine Collective is elated to present PLANET HER, an out-of-this-world, community-focused night bazaar, celebrating all things SHE held at the Chicago Athletic Association.

Dee Alexander Quartet - Valentine's Day at the Jazz Showcase 2/14 8P ($20-$35) Enjoy some jazz on Valentine's Day! 

Want to buy yourself or some else flowers for V-Day? Try these local spots: Blossoms Anytime, Black Rabbit, Flor del Monte

Turkey Earthquake Donation from Abroad | A college friend shared this list of handpicked foundations and fundraising campaigns dedicated to aiding victims of the earthquake that happened in South-East Turkey on Feb 6th.

Rihanna's Super Bowl Ad “My whole life was shaped on this very road. I was just a little island girl riding bikes, running around barefoot, and flying kites in the cemetery, but I had big dreams. Dreams that were born and realized right here.” RiRi def deserves this moment! 

The Bantu philosophy of “ubuntu” focuses on the power of community The African view is that a person is a person through other persons. My humanity is caught up with your humanity, and when your humanity is enhanced — whether I like it or not — mine is enhanced as well. Likewise, when you are dehumanized, I am dehumanized as well.

How one conversation with friends per day can help your mental health “Over the pandemic, we saw a 25% increase in depression. The quantity of human connection was taken from us. Finding ways to come back to that, even in small ways, can be powerful." A new study suggests that having one conversation with a friend per day can have a significant effect on a person’s mental health.

Be like a flower, stay grounded, and aim for the sky.