On Monday night in Birmingham, something shifted for me in a way I’m still trying to fully put into words. I hosted my Ladies Night Out: Book Launch Party at Pink Lantern, and what was supposed to be a celebration of my third book, Ladies, How Did We Get Here, turned into something so much deeper than I ever imagined.

This book has been sitting on my heart for a long time. It explores the reality of dating as millennial women and how society, family, and culture have influenced us in ways we don’t always recognize, and how, over time, many of us have found ourselves lowering standards, overextending, and settling in relationships that don’t truly align with who we are. It’s honest, it’s uncomfortable at times, but it’s necessary. Releasing it in a room full of women who felt that? That’s a moment I’ll never forget.

The night was guided beautifully by my friend Shekinah Joy Lee, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Purposed Joy, who did more than just host, she created an experience. She led the room through interactive moments that encouraged real reflection and real connection. It wasn’t just small talk or surface-level conversation. Women were opening up, engaging with each other, and really sitting with the questions we don’t always make time to ask ourselves. You could feel the energy shift as the night went on, like everyone collectively decided to lean in instead of hold back.

And then there were the details that made the night feel even more intentional. Pink Lantern created a signature cocktail for the evening called “Happy Ending” made with lychee prosecco, strawberry boba, and a peach gummy which honestly felt like the perfect representation of the book itself: sweet, layered, a little playful, but still making a statement. Between the drinks, the conversations, and the atmosphere, it felt like the kind of space we don’t get enough of one where women can just be, without pressure, without pretense.

I’m still in awe of how many people showed up. The room was full to the point where we ran out of tables and chairs, and the line for book signings barely slowed down. There were moments I had to pause and just take it all in, because as a writer, you dream about people connecting with your work, but to see that many people show up, stand in line, and wait to have a moment with you and your words? That’s something I don’t take lightly. It meant even more knowing that some people traveled from outside the city just to be there. That kind of support is humbling in a way that’s hard to fully express.

What I keep coming back to is this feeling that Monday night wasn’t just about a book launch. It felt like the beginning of something. A space was created where women could be honest about their experiences, where we could talk about love, standards, healing, and the choices we’ve made and more importantly, the choices we want to make moving forward. That’s bigger than one night and that’s bigger than me.

I’m walking away from this with a full heart and so much gratitude, but also with clarity. This isn’t just about releasing a book, it’s about building something that brings women into rooms like this again and again. It’s about continuing the conversation, challenging what we’ve been taught to accept, and creating community around growth.

If Monday showed me anything, it’s that we’re ready. Ready for the conversations, ready for the honesty, and definitely ready for more spaces like this. And trust me, every city we step into next… we’re bringing this same energy with us.