It was the flowers you noticed first.

As you turned the corner on the iconic Universal Studios Lot and stepped into an expanse of green lawn strewn with pop-up activations and women chatting animatedly, it was the staggeringly bright flower installations that caught your eye.

They looked like they were lit from within.

Which is exactly how women from across the country (and further) felt as we arrived at Shine Away 2025, Hello Sunshine’s third annual event boasting a roster of stellar speakers and the most engaged audience on the planet. “Expect a weekend of inspiring panels," Hello Sunshine's website promised, "and meaningful moments designed to unlock what’s next for you. It’s not a reset, it’s your exhale.”

Exhaling and spinning slowly on the grass I thought to myself, they weren’t wrong.

From opening remarks from phenom founder Reese Witherspoon where she encouraged us to make deposits in our self-worth bank accounts to moments spotlighting comedian Yvonne Orji, actors like Karen Pittman, Raegan Revord and Mariska Hartigay, founders like Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche, Lisa Mayer and Dr. Atoya Burleson, next gen-focused leaders like Jess Weiner, Chelsey Goodan and Dai Time (also a member of the newly-announced Hello Sunshine Collective talent incubator class of 2026), musician Maren Morris and too many spectacular authors to name here, the weekend overflowed with inspiration and community - and we savored every drop.

It was impossible to be everywhere given activity happening on multiple stages and that, in itself, infused the event with unending energy. Attendees could be overheard at breaks comparing notes and sharing videos, ensuring that nothing was missed. For my part, I tried to capture as much content for the younger set as I could, cheering loudly for the teen track added this year in response to the recent launch of Hello Sunshine's Gen Z sister brand, Sunnie.

With the promise of more to come, here are my ten top takeaways to pass on to any teens or twenty-somethings in your orbit…at least to hold them over until Sunniefest bursts on the scene next month in Dallas.

1. Mariska Hartigay telling us to “feel the fear and do it anyway”

2. Karen Pittman confiding that your “brain is stronger than the algorithm”

3. Monica Lewinsky stating that “reclaiming is an ethos…like mindfulness”

4. Tembi Locke talking about “writing new chapters and…treasuring time”

5. Lisa Mayer urging the next gen to “write down your dreams” and manifest them

6. Malin Akerman promising “[i]f women were to support women, we would rule the world”

7. Raegan Revord announcing “I’m in an act break right now – I’m about to start Act Two”

8. Dai Time noting she is “on a social media hiatus right now…silence is good sometimes”

9. Jess Weiner reminding us that “our language matters – out loud and in our heads”

10. Reese Witherspoon remembering first mentor Diane Keaton who was "such an original”

Powered by proud sponsors like AT&T and Wells Fargo alongside a myriad of strategic partners, Shine Away somehow made an audience of 2,000 feel like an intimate gathering of your friends. Or a dynamic book club discussing a soon-to-be-everyone's-favorite book (hint here).

How did they do it?

With headliners, showstoppers, changemakers and storytellers designed to spark attendees’ inner dreams and forge new outward connections. We felt it from the second we stepped onto the iconic Universal Studios lot and saw the flowers.

Because by the end of the weekend you realized it was the flowers you noticed first - and last - as each speaker gave flowers to her fellow panelists. With enthusiasm, empathy and downright admiration, each speaker unfailingly turned the spotlight onto the woman next to her, highlighting her newest book, movie role or big idea while audiences roared their approval.

It was a weekend all about the flowers and I can't wait for next year.

Looking forward,

Illana