May 06, 2014
This June, women will be heading to the French Quarter to experience one of the country's most unique celebrations centered around women, FestiGals. The annual event takes place Thursday, June 19th through Sunday, June 22nd with a perfect weekend to celebrate life, laughter, and womanhood, and to share ideas, talents, and passions with other like-minded ladies in a city where food, fun and fabulousness abound! This year's theme, "It's All About YOU!" says it all! Early arrivals on Thursday June 19th will be treated to a private opening reception at the historic Hermann-Grimma House. Located in the French Quarter, the meticulously restored mansion will host a private concert by songstress, Lena Prima, the daughter of the legendary Louis Prima.
On June 20th, seminars are devoted exclusively to "Branding YOU!" for personal enrichment and professional development. The luncheon will feature women's champion, Tory Johnson. A weekly contributor on ABC's Good Morning America, a #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Shift, and contributing editor for Success Magazine, Johnson has built two multi-million dollar career-focused businesses. Prompted by a painful firing that came early on in her national broadcasting career, Johnson made the "shift" and repositioned her mindset from an employee to an entrepreneur. Her Five Steps to Making a Shift apply to anyone trying to change her life, whether it's getting ahead at work, ramping up a small business or getting out of a personal rut. She started with just two things: a spark of an idea and some serious hustle to make it happen. She will share her keys to success and guide women toward actionable steps that have practical applications in both their professional careers and in their personal lives to help any woman convert her passion into profit.
"We're absolutely thrilled that Tory Johnson has agreed to anchor our professional and personal development day for FestiGals this year. Tory's own transformation is truly an inspiration for any woman seeking to make a change in her life," says FestiGals Founder, Diane Lyons. "FestiGals will build a network of amazing women from all walks of life who will make lifelong memories and look forward to rekindling connections for years to come."
You will also meet author and TV producer, Lisa Gabriele, who has always written about women's lives and sex in popular culture; now she's the author of the international bestselling "S.E.C.R.E.T." erotica trilogy, written under her pseudonym, L. Marie Adeline. Published in more than 30 countries, they reached the top of many bestseller charts. If you're curious about what the life of a writer is really like (not as glamorous as you think), how she did it (not as difficult as you imagine), the real secret to tapping into your own creativity (not what you expect), and the real story behind the pseudonym (not necessarily a nice thing to do to your late, prudish Grandma), you'll want to hear Lisa speak!
Presenter Virginia Barkley attributes her finesse for organizing to the amount of practice she had assessing what to keep and what to let go of during her twelve relocations in twenty-five years. Her desire to focus on improving the lives of women by helping them refocus on life priorities, feel more prepared to seize opportunities and release distracting clutter clouding their vision led her to open her business, Let's Get It Straight, LLC. "There is an inextricable link between mental and physical clutter," says Virginia. "We are constantly bombarded with the message that we can do it all. We need to get realistic with ourselves about what we consider to be the priorities in our lives. Otherwise, our lives are going to be driving us in circles instead of toward more purpose-filled destinations."
Amie Parnes is the White House correspondent for The Hill newspaper in Washington. She recently co-authored HRC: State Secrets and the Rebirth of Hillary Clinton, offering a rare look inside the merciless Clinton political machine. Filled with deep reporting and immersive storytelling, this remarkable portrait of the most important female politician in American history is an essential inside look at the woman who may be our next president.
Laurel House is an international Dating Coach and Flirting Expert, Personal Branding Expert, and author of her 5th book "Screwing The Rules: The No-Games Guide to Love." Laurel's edgy dating, fitness, healthy food and confidence video tips have mass appeal. She is the woman who has been there, done that and would never judge. If you think that being feminine is weak, think again. Laurel shows how vulnerability can actually be a woman's biggest strength and the key to getting what you want and need in a relationship, business, and life. Writing about dating and sex for men's magazines including Playboy, Men's Journal, and Men's Health, she penetrates the male mind, and shares how it works, and what it needs vs. what it wants.
After the seminars, FestiGals participants will live their dream shopping experience at the Shops at the Upper Pontalba. This exclusive Sip & Shop experience planned for Friday afternoon offers delectable bites and a signature cocktail at each shop. A girl can into big trouble when shopping like this!
FestiGals signature event on June 21st is Bodacious Bras for a Cause luncheon and auction fundraiser showcasing a collection of creative Bra-Art designed by celebrities. Presented at FestiGals host Hotel Monteleone, this fundraising initiative has raised over $40,000 for the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans, supporting underserved women. Celebrity Chef and former NFL lineman Kevin Belton will also stir it up with a culinary presentation at the New Orleans School of Cooking that will entertain and feed your soul.
Later that evening, every FestiGal gets the chance to 'strut her stuff' as the star of Stiletto Stroll, a New Orleans second-line parade through the French Quarter. Stroll, strut, and sashay down Bourbon Street in a spectacular parade surrounded by musicians, dancers, and marching groups. The stroll ends at Bourbon Heat, for the After Glow Party with complementary cocktails, food, and entertainment ending the perfect fantasy evening.
FestiGals closes with a Saints & Sinners Brunch at legendary Antoine's Restaurant including a command performance of the popular musical Hot Stuff featuring comedian, Becky Allen. This show Ain't Yo Mama's Cabaret, Dawlin'!
For the complete FestiGals experience, you'll want to sign up for the Ultimate Package for all four days of programming. All or a select few, you are sure to benefit from this festival to celebrate and empower women! www.FestiGals.org
On June 20th, seminars are devoted exclusively to "Branding YOU!" for personal enrichment and professional development. The luncheon will feature women's champion, Tory Johnson. A weekly contributor on ABC's Good Morning America, a #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Shift, and contributing editor for Success Magazine, Johnson has built two multi-million dollar career-focused businesses. Prompted by a painful firing that came early on in her national broadcasting career, Johnson made the "shift" and repositioned her mindset from an employee to an entrepreneur. Her Five Steps to Making a Shift apply to anyone trying to change her life, whether it's getting ahead at work, ramping up a small business or getting out of a personal rut. She started with just two things: a spark of an idea and some serious hustle to make it happen. She will share her keys to success and guide women toward actionable steps that have practical applications in both their professional careers and in their personal lives to help any woman convert her passion into profit.
"We're absolutely thrilled that Tory Johnson has agreed to anchor our professional and personal development day for FestiGals this year. Tory's own transformation is truly an inspiration for any woman seeking to make a change in her life," says FestiGals Founder, Diane Lyons. "FestiGals will build a network of amazing women from all walks of life who will make lifelong memories and look forward to rekindling connections for years to come."
You will also meet author and TV producer, Lisa Gabriele, who has always written about women's lives and sex in popular culture; now she's the author of the international bestselling "S.E.C.R.E.T." erotica trilogy, written under her pseudonym, L. Marie Adeline. Published in more than 30 countries, they reached the top of many bestseller charts. If you're curious about what the life of a writer is really like (not as glamorous as you think), how she did it (not as difficult as you imagine), the real secret to tapping into your own creativity (not what you expect), and the real story behind the pseudonym (not necessarily a nice thing to do to your late, prudish Grandma), you'll want to hear Lisa speak!
Presenter Virginia Barkley attributes her finesse for organizing to the amount of practice she had assessing what to keep and what to let go of during her twelve relocations in twenty-five years. Her desire to focus on improving the lives of women by helping them refocus on life priorities, feel more prepared to seize opportunities and release distracting clutter clouding their vision led her to open her business, Let's Get It Straight, LLC. "There is an inextricable link between mental and physical clutter," says Virginia. "We are constantly bombarded with the message that we can do it all. We need to get realistic with ourselves about what we consider to be the priorities in our lives. Otherwise, our lives are going to be driving us in circles instead of toward more purpose-filled destinations."
Amie Parnes is the White House correspondent for The Hill newspaper in Washington. She recently co-authored HRC: State Secrets and the Rebirth of Hillary Clinton, offering a rare look inside the merciless Clinton political machine. Filled with deep reporting and immersive storytelling, this remarkable portrait of the most important female politician in American history is an essential inside look at the woman who may be our next president.
Laurel House is an international Dating Coach and Flirting Expert, Personal Branding Expert, and author of her 5th book "Screwing The Rules: The No-Games Guide to Love." Laurel's edgy dating, fitness, healthy food and confidence video tips have mass appeal. She is the woman who has been there, done that and would never judge. If you think that being feminine is weak, think again. Laurel shows how vulnerability can actually be a woman's biggest strength and the key to getting what you want and need in a relationship, business, and life. Writing about dating and sex for men's magazines including Playboy, Men's Journal, and Men's Health, she penetrates the male mind, and shares how it works, and what it needs vs. what it wants.
After the seminars, FestiGals participants will live their dream shopping experience at the Shops at the Upper Pontalba. This exclusive Sip & Shop experience planned for Friday afternoon offers delectable bites and a signature cocktail at each shop. A girl can into big trouble when shopping like this!
FestiGals signature event on June 21st is Bodacious Bras for a Cause luncheon and auction fundraiser showcasing a collection of creative Bra-Art designed by celebrities. Presented at FestiGals host Hotel Monteleone, this fundraising initiative has raised over $40,000 for the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans, supporting underserved women. Celebrity Chef and former NFL lineman Kevin Belton will also stir it up with a culinary presentation at the New Orleans School of Cooking that will entertain and feed your soul.
Later that evening, every FestiGal gets the chance to 'strut her stuff' as the star of Stiletto Stroll, a New Orleans second-line parade through the French Quarter. Stroll, strut, and sashay down Bourbon Street in a spectacular parade surrounded by musicians, dancers, and marching groups. The stroll ends at Bourbon Heat, for the After Glow Party with complementary cocktails, food, and entertainment ending the perfect fantasy evening.
FestiGals closes with a Saints & Sinners Brunch at legendary Antoine's Restaurant including a command performance of the popular musical Hot Stuff featuring comedian, Becky Allen. This show Ain't Yo Mama's Cabaret, Dawlin'!
For the complete FestiGals experience, you'll want to sign up for the Ultimate Package for all four days of programming. All or a select few, you are sure to benefit from this festival to celebrate and empower women! www.FestiGals.org
