Throughout time, a table has been considered a symbol of closeness and intentionality. It facilitates conversations that most do not slow down long enough to start, and it creates space for genuine connection in the midst of chaos.
A scenario that many women crave, but cannot always find.
Elaina Paige, former professional dancer and founder of the Next Paige Foundation in Kansas City, saw this need and decided to create that space in her dance studio.
“Women can be so competitive sometimes. Let's stop that. Let's collaborate, and let's really cheer each other on in a meaningful way that's not fake,” she said.
Paige desired to keep the group small to preserve the intimacy of the moment. Each woman who received an invitation was asked to wear white and given no details about what the evening would hold.
“Let's stop caring about what we are wearing and see the beauty inside of who we are,” she said. “The room was so beautiful, and the ladies added to those enhancements with their knowledge, wisdom, beauty and expertise. Everybody in the room did something different, but we all found common ground with being a woman.”
Every corner of the room was beaming with vibrant color–the flowers, the tablecloths and even the desserts. Experiences were positioned throughout the room, including a perfume bar, drink bar and live singing. The ladies responsible for helping Paige plan the event also had a seat at the table.
“It was so powerful to be able to connect and be vulnerable. We don't get a lot of those spaces as entrepreneurs and as women,” Avion Wallace, owner of Naomi Lee Events and close friend of Paige’s added.
Also at the table were Paige’s mother and 82-year-old grandmother, who recently overcame a battle with breast cancer. Both have been incredible influences and pillars of strength in Paige’s life and career.
“I was so elated to see their faces just gleam when they walked through the door,” she said. “They've done so much for so many others unselfishly.”
Paige asked each woman to introduce the woman sitting to her right. Once dinner was served, topics that had been written down at the beginning of the event were read aloud and discussed around the table.
“Healthy conversation and hard conversations are had at the table, but most importantly, the table is a safe space for people to lay it all out.”
“It felt like a big Italian family. We're all seated at the table, eating our dinner and telling our life stories. We all have these roles, but we never know what our stories are,” Bertha ?? said.
Paige wanted women to leave this event in a better place than when they arrived. Instead of hosting just to host, she succeeded in creating an experience filled with lasting substance that filled every seat at the table.
“Some invitations are not about including you. They're about using your presence to make the room look better. I wanted to keep it very intimate for every woman to feel seen and loved and safe,” Paige said.
This beautiful event and styled shoot was made possible by these incredible vendors:
Venue: The Next Paige Agency
Planning & Design: Naomi Lee Events
Photographers: Smiles by Whitney, Long Mile Love, Naomi Hill, Visuals by Taina
Content Creators: Content by Herr, Bunny Studios
Stationery & Signage: Evoke Happy Design Studio
Rentals: Supply Event
Florist: Good Earth Floral
DJ: KC Event Company
Entertainment: Cocoa
Experience: Noire Luxe KC
Desserts: Prestoss Sweets
Catering: Keyta's Jive Stuffed Turkeys & Catering
Bartending: Bars & More Hospitality
Pulled quote: “Healthy conversation and hard conversations are had at the table, but most importantly, the table is a safe space for people to lay it all out.”