LYF Voices, I Am: Stories of Connection and Resilience Event

This past Saturday evening, the 15th of November, the Love Yourself Foundation hosted LYF Voices, I Am: Stories of Connection and Resilience at the Beverly Theatre in Downtown Las Vegas. The speakers event brought together many community members, musicians, artists, and talented people to share their personal stories. Attendees showed up with open hearts to hear stories that explore the highs and lows of life and the transformations we encounter through the journey. 

The instant the doors opened, it was clear it was more than an event. It was a beautiful get-together that invited guests to sit with themselves, listen, and reflect deeply on the stories of courage and bravery. From the compelling speeches to music to healing practices, every aspect of the event showed us how resilience is formed: not in isolation, but through partaking in your community and showing up for others with compassion. 

The Scene

The venue was the beautiful Beverly Theatre in Downtown Las Vegas, a place that brings life to get-togethers and film previews through its beautiful structure and calming atmosphere. LYF has previously hosted an I Am Love event at the Beverly Theatre in June. Inside the venue, Sparrow + Wolf served a delicious spread of curated Mediterranean finger food, and Makers & Finders offered their signature grounds that warmed guests on a chilly Saturday afternoon. Both vendors are continuous supporters of LYF and we are entirely grateful for their support. Offering live entertainment, the vibrant artists Juan Cuevas and Ricardo Gadfly worked on paintings as attendees rolled in. 

This opportunity allowed several community members of the Valley to collaborate, reflect on true resilience, and demonstrate commitment to community. Every aspect of this event showcased connection: through the shared food, knowledge, vulnerability, and collective intention. The theatre was unified from the moment the first speaker began their speech. Participants were actively engaged as speakers began to unfold their stories. 

Speaker Highlights 

Tanna Marie rolled us into our speaker segment of the event, starting strong by sharing her vulnerability. Intertwining her reflections with music, her voice carried both strength and softness, reminding attendees that healing only begins when we are finally brave enough to confront ourselves. 

Josh Molina followed, sharing his personal story rooted in perseverance. He talked about his life and the evolution of his business. By shifting his mindset, he not only transformed his personal success, but his relationships with himself and his family. His message showed the importance of staying resilient throughout the hardships of life, and how believing in your own purpose can help guide you through rough times. 

Jason Bornstein shared a deep personal testimony on his journey with sobriety, in which he is approaching three years alcohol-free this December. He highlighted the importance of being the change you want to see in the world. He is the founder of J Born Group, a relationship-driven beverage company built on new beginnings. 

Mikey Margolin is the founder of Etho Wellness Club. Mikey in the past has partnered with LYF to host events surrounding wellness. His story centered around the realization that everyone we need already exists in our own world through family, community, and all forms of love. He explained how he escaped his darkest moments and gained a vision to build a community where people can thrive both mentally and physically. 

Monica Garcia closed the speaker portion of the event. Monica is the founder of LYF, sharing her lifelong passion for protecting the world, spreading compassion, and cultivating a space where she can heal. Her journey began at the young age of eight. She described how the Love Yourself Foundation, which launched in 2018, became her purpose after a life-altering moment. 

Sound Bath Experience

The speaker segment came to a close, followed by a 15-minute break. Once the sound bath experience began, the energy in the room shifted to a calm, soft environment. Rosemary ‘Ro’ Fajardo, a multimedia creator, guided everyone and encouraged soft breath movements as they sang rhythmically. The sound of the crystal bowls filled the theatre, creating a moment of shared stillness.

The afternoon was filled with storytelling, and the sound bath served as a way to exhale all of our thoughts, reflections, and intentions that were made during the speeches. Many attendees were encouraged to close their eyes and settle into the moment. Ro’s sound bath reminded many that resilience is built through rest and finding moments of stillness for yourself.

Live Performance by Dawn Stefan 

The event was closed out by Dawn Stefan’s brilliant live performance. His voice was full of energy and soul, and it blended smoothly with the strumming of his guitar. Dawn’s performance wasn’t just about entertainment, but embodied resilience by being vulnerable through his music. Dawn was able to capture the essence of the evening, that through vulnerability and hardship, beauty can always be found, closing the afternoon with an uplifting moment for everyone.

A Beautiful Moment of Connection 

By the time the event ended, the skies were gray and pouring heaps of rain after a day of powerful storytelling. The rain washed away all of our worries and left us able to grow. The event showed the power of healing and how, through community, we can encourage people to live openly and compassionately. 

About the Author

I’m a Journalism and Media Studies major at UNLV, expecting to graduate in the Fall. My role as an intern is Blog and Newsletter writer here at LYF, I hope to learn more about writing and gain skills during my time here. I’m passionate about all things creative and believe that art should take center stage in our life to preserve humanity. I love to read, write and watch sitcoms in my free time! Most importantly, I live and breathe music.