Shared Energy: Empowering Women Event Explores Creativity and Wellness

Empowering Women: Movement, Music and Muses

An event centered on creativity, connection and personal reflection brought women from across Volusia County to the Brannon Center on March 25, 2026, for Empowering Women: Movement, Music and Muses. The evening included the launch of the third volume in the “Women of Spirit” book series, first introduced in 2015, alongside discussions, demonstrations and guided movement focused on alternative approaches to mental and physical well-being.

Hosted by “Twinkle” Marie Manning, New Smyrna Beach local since 2004 and a published author, artist and award-winning media producer, the four-hour event brought together several co-authors from the latest “Women of Spirit” edition, “Movement, Music & Muses,” a 23-contributor collection. During the event, featured contributors shared personal insights on creativity, storytelling and wellness.

“Every Empowering Women event offers the opportunity for women to gather together, to celebrate each other and tap into their creative spirits,” explained Manning. The book, published by Matrika Press, features art, stories, poetry, song lyrics and memoirs from the authors. The anthology is full of useful tools for everyone who is on a spiritual journey.

Manning continued, “Through both large events and smaller gatherings, we aim to highlight their work and connect them with others who can benefit. The goal is to build relationships and a supportive community, and many of the women involved also collaborate with me on women’s retreats.” Teresa Rand, founder of Boss Lady Leadership Community, entrepreneur, and co-host of the Boss Lady podcast show, spoke about her contribution, “When Women Become the Muse,” highlighting the importance of creating spaces where women feel seen, supported and celebrated, and noting that connection and shared experiences, rather than perfection, can foster encouragement, accountability and collective growth.

Teresa Rand

Jodi Hinkle of HerQuest Consulting & Coaching

Featured co-author, Jodi Hinkle, founder of HerQuest Consulting & Coaching, read from her contribution to the book, sharing the piece, “We are 21st Century Women, and This is Not What We Are Meant For.” Her message focused on restoring balance and embracing solitude as a space for reflection, while encouraging attendees to reconnect with their natural rhythms and a sense of wholeness and connection together.

Hinkle also demonstrated EVOX, a perception-reframing tool she described as a method for identifying emotional patterns through voice analysis. According to her website, HerQuest.net, the process uses voice mapping and biofeedback technology to surface subconscious patterns that may influence how individuals respond to stress and relationships.

Mimi celebrating published accomplishment of Jodi Hinkle in the “Women of Spirit: Movement, Music & Muses” book.

“With EVOX, you’re not reliving the past, you’re releasing its hold,” Hinkle said. “You no longer need to force change or analyze everything. Instead, subtle shifts in perception occur naturally, helping you disentangle from perspectives that once held you back. When the way you see something changes, your emotions, responses and choices shift as well.”

Reverend Vonshelle J. Beneby, a speaker and sacred dance guide with over 25 years of experience in serving and educating others, expanded on her contribution, “Surrender and Flow: Sacred Dance Release for Freedom,” describing how movement and music guide her practice. She invited attendees to form a circle together and dance with her. She shared that dance allows a release of labels, expectations and sorrow, noting that the experience reinforces the belief that we are all “glorious” and that dance encourages a life rooted in joy, peace and hope.

Reverend Vonshelle J. Beneby

How to Get Involved in Future Empowering Women Events

By bringing together local authors, wellness practitioners and community members, the event reflected a broader effort to foster connection and support among women in Volusia County. Additional information and planning for the next event can be found online at: EmpoweringWomenTV.org/NSB.