A Week I Will Always Remember
Behind the scenes of our anniversary week and what it meant to me
Last week, we celebrated one year of Belle Sisters, and if I’m being honest, I’m still trying to process everything that happened and what this journey has become. When I started Belle Sisters a year ago, it was not something I built with a big plan or a clear vision of what it would grow into. It was simply a space I needed for myself, a place where I could speak freely as an entrepreneur, share my thoughts, vent when things felt overwhelming, and connect with people who would understand. I did not imagine that it would grow into a community of women from different countries and continents, all coming together, supporting one another, and building something meaningful together.
Anniversary week itself was very intense, but also very beautiful in a way I cannot fully explain. By Wednesday, the pressure had already started to build because we still had important things to sort out. We needed a retractable banner for the event, and time was no longer on our side. I remember how urgent everything felt at that moment. There was no space to delay or overthink anything. I worked closely with one of my team members, and together we quickly designed the banner. At the same time, we were also working on the slides we were going to use for the event, so it felt like everything was happening at once. It was stressful, yes, but there was also excitement because it made everything feel real.
Then on Friday, something happened that could have easily stressed me out. About four more people registered for the event after I had already made plans based on the number of attendees we initially had. Normally, that kind of last-minute change would make me panic because it affects logistics, especially things like packages and arrangements that had already been sorted. But in that moment, I didn’t feel stressed the way I expected to. Instead, I felt grateful. Seeing more people still sign up at that stage made me realize how much people wanted to be part of this. So my focus immediately shifted to making sure there was enough for everyone. I had to adjust things quickly and make sure no one would be left out. It was extra work, but my heart was so full.
The physical celebration I was most involved in was in Atlanta, and being part of it was a very special experience for me. Seeing people come together in person, feeling the energy in the room, and watching everything we had planned come to life was something I will not forget anytime soon. But what made it even more meaningful was that it was not just happening in one place. Our Belle Sisters community showed up in different cities. The Awka chapter held their celebration on Saturday, while the Lagos chapter had theirs on Sunday, where they organized a sip-and-paint session.
Watching the videos from Lagos was honestly one of my favorite moments. I could not stop laughing because of how serious everyone looked while painting, it was funny but also very beautiful to watch. You could clearly see that they were enjoying themselves, and that made me so happy. It meant a lot to me to see that even in different locations, the spirit of Belle Sisters was the same. People were connecting, having fun, and creating memories together.
We also made sure that people who could not attend any of the physical celebrations were not left out. We hosted a virtual celebration, and that turned out to be such a great experience as well. We played trivia, and the questions were actually a bit tricky. I honestly did not expect that many people would know the answers as well as they did. But what I saw surprised me in the best way. So many members knew a lot about Belle Sisters. The way they answered the questions showed that they were truly paying attention and that they felt connected to the community. That moment made me pause and really reflect on what we have built
Looking back at the entire week, it was a mix of so many emotions. There were moments of stress, moments of pressure, but there was also so much joy, laughter, and deep gratitude. Even in the middle of all the running around and last-minute adjustments, I kept having quiet moments where I realized that this is real. Belle Sisters is no longer just an idea I had for myself. It has become a shared space that so many women now belong to.
This anniversary was not just about celebrating one year. It was a reminder of how far we have come and how much this community means, not just to me, but to everyone who is part of it. And if this is what one year looks like, then I am even more excited for what the future holds.
Herscension Pre-conference
As I reflect on last week, one thing is clear, the right room can change everything.
That’s exactly what we are creating with the HerScension Pre-Conference.
This is a collaboration between Belle Sisters and African Women in STEM, bringing women in business and women in corporate spaces into one room for real connection and meaningful collaboration. Not just conversations, but opportunities.
We are almost at capacity, and this is not a room you want to be left out of.
If you know you need to be in better rooms this year, this is one of them.
Belles Beyond Podcast
Last week on Belles Beyond Podcast, I sat down with Aleksandra Przegalińska, a senior research associate at Harvard University. From studying communication and philosophy to navigating multiple passions, she shares how her journey led her into shaping conversations around AI and the future of work.
This episode explores the ethical use of AI, its role in today’s economy, and the growing fear around job loss, offering a more balanced perspective on how AI can empower rather than replace people.
Listen to the full episode here and rethink how AI is shaping the future
Grants / Pitch / Accelerators
UK–Nigeria Creative Fund 2026
Deadline: Friday, July 30, 2026
Agentic AI Innovation Challenge 2026
Deadline: Sunday, 31st May 2026
Affirmation: I am building a sisterhood that grows beyond me, where women show up, rise, and belong.