Talk about a trip of a lifetime! In February, Lightbox was invited to host a trunk show on Holland America’s new ship, Nieuw Statendam in conjunction with @oprahmagazine. The three-day cruise, “The Girls Getaway Event,” left Florida for the Bahamas destined for magical moments of connection, relaxation, and reflection. Think warm breezes, white sand, and sparkling blue waters, along with riveting speakers and motivational minds. This is our travel diary:
Wednesday
We boarded the Nieuw Statendam in Fort Lauderdale, and from the first moment it was clear that this was going to be a trip like no other. Groups of friends, grandmothers, mothers, sisters and daughters all cheered as their boarding numbers were called. Once everyone was on board, Gayle King and the other @oprahmagazine editors hosted a Sail O-Way Party on the main deck. Atmosphere = over the top. These women were ready to let loose and have fun with their girlfriends!
Next up, the official opening of the O Shops, where a staggering line of guests had quickly formed to shop the new @Talbotsofficial line, to benefiting @dressforsuccess. Here are some of our favorite shoppers wearing t-shirts of their own creation:
Later that evening in the bar, we met with Oprah Insiders @frostedevents, @tabithablue, and @wondermomwannabe to show them our jewelry, so they could pick out pieces to wear to make an appearance at our trunk show. They loved our pieces and they each sparkled in their chosen jewels. So much fun—all great hardworking moms as excited as us to have a couple of days connecting with other women and indulging in some much needed r & r.
Thursday
The next morning at the crack of dawn, we took the first tender to Half Moon Cay, a private island in the Bahamas to set up our trunk show. Thanks to our terrific team, within an hour the space was transformed into our very own jewel box, showcasing Lightbox’s signature pale pink, dazzling white, and baby blue hues. Then the guests started to arrive!
First order of business was a meditation and yoga session on the beach, led by @tracee_stanley of @unplugmeditation a session so popular that additional yoga mats had to be brought in by tractor trailer! There were an estimated 900 people meditating together on the beach. That was some powerful energy.
This session was followed by the amazing Olympic athlete, motivational coach, and mother, @angelamanueldavis, who turned up the tempo and led an energetic and empowering workout. It was completely inspirational to see so many different women all moving with purpose and confidence! Women are amazing!
Right after this, @therealadamsays arrived at the Lightbox trunk show to help guests try and style their jewelry. In addition to being the creative director of O, The Oprah Magazine and being an on-air Red Carpet fashion commentator, Adam’s a really popular guy! He must have posed for about 1,000 selfies with fans. He gave us some great lessons in layering pendant necklaces.
Then we rushed back to the boat to see Oprah's Super Soul conversation with Tara Westover, who wrote the extraordinary (and internationally bestselling) memoir, Educated. This amazing young woman was raised by parents committed to a self-sufficient lifestyle in rural Idaho. Despite being homeschooled, and growing up outside the mainstream, Westover educated herself and gained a place at Brigham Young University, and subsequently a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. Truly an incredible achievement.
That night, all of the guest aboard received a special gift from Lightbox in their staterooms a makeup bag with a hidden pocket inside to store ther travel jewelry.
Friday
For our final day on board, guests piled into the impressive theater to listen to an emotional and empowering conversation with Oprah. Oprah spoke fluidly and from the heart: about her life, her philosophy, and her friendships. This woman is a true gem.
For the last night on ship, @oprahmagazine threw the biggest pajama party of all time for all the guests, and Oprah surprised all of us with celebratory Tequila shots. It was a riotous end to a memorable trip. We absolutely loved having a Lightbox moment with so many shining women.