Celebrating Connection, Conversation, and Community at WomanUP’s Tee & Talk

Yesterday’s WomanUP Asheville Tee & Talk at Salt Face Mule was a wonderful reminder of what can happen when women come together with openness, curiosity, and a genuine desire to connect.

The event created the perfect setting for meaningful conversation, new introductions, shared laughter, and the kind of networking that feels natural rather than forced. Surrounded by a welcoming atmosphere—and some truly delicious food—we had the opportunity to learn more about one another’s work, exchange ideas, and discover new possibilities for collaboration across Western North Carolina.

I was especially grateful for the opportunity to share more about Lee Lee’s Life Lessons Foundation, PlayveraCo, and the work I am doing through Let Us Play™. My mission is centered on helping women and cancer survivors reconnect with joy, creativity, curiosity, meaning, and community. Events like Tee & Talk remind me that connection itself can be a powerful form of encouragement and healing.

As a Stage IV cancer survivor and longtime advocate, I am proud to bring a voice for cancer survivorship to spaces like WomanUP Asheville. Survivorship does not end when treatment ends. There is an important need for ongoing emotional support, belonging, play, movement, and opportunities to rediscover who we are beyond a diagnosis.

I also enjoyed meeting women from many different industries and backgrounds who are using their talents to strengthen our region. Every conversation reinforced the value of building relationships before we need them and supporting one another as leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and community members.

Thank you to Jessica Kanupp, WomanUP Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Salt Face Mule, and everyone who helped make Tee & Talk such an enjoyable and meaningful event. The food was wonderful, the setting was relaxed, and the spirit of connection was unmistakable.

I left feeling energized, encouraged, and even more excited about expanding Let Us Play™: The EPIC Joy Reset throughout Western North Carolina while continuing Lee Lee’s Life Lessons Foundation’s commitment to supporting people thriving with and beyond cancer.

Yesterday was about much more than networking. It was about women showing up for themselves, for one another, and for the communities we are working together to build.

And that is always worth celebrating.