Welcome to SXSW with SHE Media

Entering the She Media Co-Lab space at SXSW on recent Saturday morning, I was immediately struck by the wellness-themed displays — Peloton bikes, mushroom coffee, protein sparkling water.

Just as sparkling, though, were the panels that went on throughout the day.

Chaunté Lowe was by far my favorite speaker of the weekend. The story she shared in “Winning Women: Playing for Impact” really described just how strong and resilient women are. The genuineness and rawness of it all moved me, especially hearing it in these times, when anything less than perfect is considered a weakness. Lowe turned this negative connotation around and made it a power, stressing not only is there strength in going through hard times, but in overcoming them and being able to smile through it all.

During “What if Nothing Gets Better?: Finding Happiness,” Kate Bowler, author of Joyful Anyway, talked about experiencing joy and allowing ourselves little happy moments despite what may be going on around us. She recounted finding a small resemblance to something from her childhood — a magic show — during a visit to the doctor. The doctor acquiesced to her request to act like a magician during her scheduled treatment, and it reframed her entire experience.

This was truly a moment of finding joy in unexpected ways, and it inspired me to actively pursue it.

During the panel “The Architecture of Wellness: Designing Daily Rituals,” Robert Hammond, who’s working to bring Roman baths to the U.S., introduced me to a new usage of a word not found in the Gen Z dictionary of constant hustle culture: “bathing.” Searching up the term on Google, you find the word means literally immersing yourself in an experience. Leaving the crowd with the question, “What is the American bathing culture?” he highlighted the importance of going outside and allowing yourself some time to really be in the moment and unplug.

All of the samples and unique products found throughout highlighted both health and innovation, shining a light on the time we found ourselves in. The panels, meanwhile, were a reflection of the light found in the room, highlighting important topics — made effervescent with the words found within them.

As someone who’s in her last semester of university, the advice given throughout the panels were words I needed to hear — especially as I’m about to enter the workforce. It all helped me to slow down and actually enjoy what I was doing. In the words of Gabby Reece during her “Rituals for a Stronger, More Aligned Life” panel, I learned to “take in the little moments,” and find a way to have a “win in your jar every day.”

Melani Alanis is a writer, stylist, and creative focused on fashion, media, and culture. A recent graduate from UT Austin, with dual degrees in Advertising, and Communication and Leadership, she is passionate about storytelling across editorial, luxury fashion, social media, and live events.