Metamorphosis in Motion

Thursday night’s Galentine’s event wasn’t just a book launch — it was a metamorphosis in motion.

I’d been following Erin Gallagher on LinkedIn for about a year, but I’d never attended a Hype Women event before so this ambivert was naturally nervous.

However, having been the recent recipient of an "assert yourself" download from the Universe (a story for another time), I went solo into a room full of women I’d admired from afar, unsure of what to expect. That uncertainty evaporated the moment I stepped inside — like being wrapped in a warm, welcoming hug.

Erin met me at the door with a literal warm, welcoming hug that erased any introverted jitters.

In that instant, any notion of being a stranger melted away. Here was a woman I only knew through digital snippets here and there, but meeting her in person felt like forging an instant, genuine connection. Greetings like this are so rare these days and cherished!

We’re more alike than different — both driven by big dreams and the relentless pursuit of turning those dreams into reality. We’re often let down by the “Brules” of society and the silent voices of those closest to us, but that night felt like a collective awakening.

The energy was electric, charged by cosmic coincidences — a Leo full moon and a rare snow moon overhead, signaling it was time to shed what no longer served us.

As Erin spoke with L'Oreal Thompson Payton , it underscored a shared philosophy: it’s time to rise above the petty divisions society foists upon women and uplift one another instead of tearing each other down.

I learned more about Erin than I ever expected. For instance, she’s a fan of that same Lo-Fi beats Spotify playlist I rely on for laser focus (So, while all of y’all are eagerly awaiting and sharing… "Lo-Fi" listening renders my end of year Spotify Wrapped completely useless. I’ve listened to “isaintjames” how many times? I’m sorry. Who? ??).

She hit 40 and decided that her era of living by society’s rules was over — she ditched the need for perfection. As did I at 40 — even when it came to matching my socks (though I still save a special spot for knee-highs and extra fun pairs).

And while rejection used to sting, Erin transformed it into fuel. In her world, “you don’t think I can do XYZ” meant “watch me do it even better,” a mindset I’ve known all too well — like the time I took up the trumpet out of sheer spite in third grade when some boy I barely remember said I couldn't because my teeth stuck out too much (thank you parents for braces years later).

Then there’s her fearless ability to say "YES" at just the right moment.

Erin famously invited Jamie Lee Curtis onto her podcast before she even had one, and now her Hype Women podcast boasts 24 episodes and growing!

Meanwhile, I’ve got my own podcast itching to see the light of day. But what truly struck me most was our shared, burning desire to lift women up.

We’re over the "mean girl" trope and the divisiveness that pits us against one another. Instead, we’re here to embrace our differences as strengths and take on the real enemy — the patriarchy.

And then came the book cover. ??

Debuting that very night, the cover of Hype Women featured striking butterflies — a symbol of metamorphosis. We all know butterflies transform from caterpillars, but here’s the twist: inside the chrysalis, they dissolve into “goo” and must struggle, even scream (yes, literally, as one audience member shared) their way to a new form.

That raw, messy transformation is a perfect metaphor for our own journeys — intense, challenging, and ultimately beautiful.

I left that night not just as an attendee, but as a proud Hype Woman.

Erin’s launch wasn’t just about a book — it was about igniting a movement of transformation and sisterhood.

I can’t wait to dive into Hype Women, and I hope you’re ready to join the ride.

Pre-order your copy and get ready to rise together.

Erin’s raw, unfiltered celebration of transformation lit a spark in me — one that’s pushing me to channel my own truth onto the page. Inspired by the night’s energy, the power of genuine connection, and countless recent synchronicities, I'm diving into my next big adventure: writing my own book, "Live a Sparked Life: 90 days to rewire your mind, reclaim your joy & step into the life you want," as part of the #100DayProject starting February 23rd.

I’m inviting you to come along for the ride. Whether you’re here to cheer me on, share your insights, or simply get a dose of real talk about embracing change, let’s turn our sparks into a blazing movement together.