When you blend the restorative power of wellness, the visionary spirit of leadership, and the collective strength of women, the result is nothing short of transformative.

The Women’s Power Series, co-hosted by Gaia Goddess on November 12, 2024, tapped into this powerful synergy, creating a welcoming space where ideas flowed freely and a palpable sense of connection filled the room. 

This NYC event wasn’t just a panel—it was a gathering of sisterhood, where women uplifted each other, celebrated successes, and offered profound insights.

A Panel of Inspiring Leaders

The Women’s Power Series NYC event, founded by Dayssi Olarte De Kanavos and her daughter Sophia Kanavos, took place at Bazaar Bar at the Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, in partnership with Gaia Goddess. The breakfast featured a panel of accomplished women leaders from the wellness, hospitality, and entrepreneurship sectors, moderated and led by Dayssi Olarte De Kanavos, COO of the Flag Luxury Group. 

The discussion explored the intersection of personal growth, professional success, and community impact, embodying a perfect balance of mindfulness and empowerment.

Panel Highlights:

• Maria Marshall, founder of Gaia Goddess, emphasized the importance of making wellness accessible and building communities where women can thrive.
• Jennifer Manavi, founder of Physique 57, spoke about empowering clients through strength-based wellness programs. Her advice: “You don’t need to ask for permission to innovate—trust your instincts and be bold.”
• Amanda Baudier, founder of Full Plate Full Cup, shared her experience overcoming burnout and her mission to help others build fulfilling lives and careers.
• Sarita Tabarez, VP of Neuehouse, discussed the importance of integrating wellness into professional spaces, highlighting her efforts to bring yoga, sound healing, and nutrition programs to her members and team.

Gratitude as a Catalyst for Empowerment

Maria Marshall set the tone for the morning with a guided meditation. Within it she encouraged everyone in the room to connect to gratitude—gratitude for themselves, the earth, and the interconnectedness that binds us all. During the meditation, Maria played the soothing tones of the monolina, an ancient instrument tuned to the note of F, known as the note of love.

“How wonderful that we are systematically deprogramming what stands in the way of our powerful collective expression as women.”

Maria invited attendees to envision themselves as part of a greater whole, interconnected through their shared mission, purpose, and passion.

“Leadership starts with gratitude. When we focus on what we are grateful for, we open our hearts and allow that gratitude to expand—not just for ourselves, but for the people and opportunities around us.”

This grounding exercise set the stage for the day, creating an environment of trust, inspiration, and openness that resonated into the panel discussions that followed.

The Power of Collaboration and Genuine Connection

A recurring theme throughout the event was the importance of collaboration. Sarita Tabarez, Vice President at Neuehouse, shared how partnerships have played a critical role in expanding their wellness offerings.

“We don’t have to do it all alone. By collaborating with like-minded partners, we’ve been able to offer everything from yoga retreats to medical services for our members and staff.”

Jennifer Manavi, founder of Physique 57, highlighted the deeply personal connection she feels to her clients, noting that building a wellness business requires genuine love for the people you serve.

“Hospitality literally means ‘loving strangers.’ If you don’t genuinely love the people who walk through your door, this isn’t the business for you. But if you do, that love will drive everything.”

Amanda Baudier expanded on the meaning of collaboration, focusing on its transformative and empowering potential:

“True collaboration happens when you create space for others to rise with you. It’s not just about sharing the work—it’s about sharing the vision and empowering everyone involved.”

Key Takeaways

The Women’s Power Series NYC breakfast left attendees with a wealth of insights and inspiration. Here are some of the key lessons:

1. Start with Love: As Maria Marshall emphasized, love—whether for yourself, your audience, or the planet—should be the foundation of any business.
2. Embrace Collaboration: Partnering with like-minded individuals amplifies your impact and opens doors to new opportunities.
3. Be Bold: Jennifer Manavi encouraged entrepreneurs to stand out and stay true to their unique vision, even if it means taking risks.
4. Educate and Inspire: Maria reminded us that wellness leaders have a responsibility to use their platforms to educate and empower.
5. Lead Holistically: Sarita Tabarez highlighted the importance of supporting not just customers but also your team, ensuring that everyone has the tools to thrive.

Final Thoughts

The Women’s Power Series NYC breakfast was more than a gathering—it was a movement. From discussions on sustainability and social change to actionable advice on leadership and collaboration, the event demonstrated the profound impact women can have when they lead with love and purpose.

As Maria Marshall beautifully put it:

“We are limitless.  When we create from a place of passion and drive, there’s no stopping us.”

We are so proud to have been a part of the Women’s Power series and encourage you to stay tuned as this inspiring community continues to grow and lead the way toward a more just, sustainable, and connected future.