The coming of a new year finds many people thinking about what their next twelve months should look like. It’s a time of setting intentions, prioritizing wellness and seeking clarity. Yet, actually fulfilling said desires and goals is a lot harder than making plans. A recent gathering in Memphis created a space aimed at helping women realize their visions through more focused living.
A group of women of all ages filled a room at Bridges, with additional participants joining virtually via Zoom, for a hybrid empowerment event, dubbed the Vision Experience, hosted by Clarissa Joi, centered on wellness, vision and intentional preparation for 2026.
Joi is the founder of Dedicated365 LLC, a personal and professional development company whose goal is to empower, support and connect women year-round. With more than 22 years of corporate experience in strategy, planning and execution, combined with nearly a decade of entrepreneurship, Joi is known for helping women align intention with action. She is also a motivational speaker, author and nonprofit founder whose work focuses on helping women move from vision to execution through use of practical tools, accountability and community.
Attendees came with a shared sense of anticipation, eager to engage in conversations and activities focused on building a more fulfilling year ahead.
Joi brought along a lineup of speakers with credentials in wellness, education, leadership and community service. April Carter Wilson, a fitness coach, emphasized the importance of physical health and consistency as part of overall well-being. Lydia Whitt Rosencrants, dean of the business school at Christian Brothers University, shared insight on purpose, leadership and long-term planning. Pauletta Gayle Geeter, an area coordinator with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, spoke on resilience, community engagement and personal growth. Joi tied each theme together through the lens of intentional living.
“I wanted women to walk away not just motivated, but clear about their vision and confident about the steps they need to take moving forward,” Joi said.
A short fitness segment was incorporated into the program to highlight the importance of physical wellness as part of holistic self-care. The movement-based activity reinforced the message that caring for one’s health is foundational to achieving long-term goals.
One of the event’s key moments was a guided 2026 vision board session, where participants created visual representations of their aspirations and intentions for the coming year. The interactive exercise encouraged reflection, clarity and accountability.
“When women can see their vision in front of them, it becomes more tangible,” Joi said. “It helps turn ideas into action.”
In-person attendees also enjoyed lunch, vendor offerings and prize giveaways, and opportunities for connection and community-building. Vendors showcased products and services aligned with wellness, entrepreneurship and lifestyle enrichment.
“Being in the room with so many women focused on purpose and growth was powerful,” said Yazmine Long, an attendee. “It gave me clarity and motivation for what I want my 2026 to look like.”
Joi said offering both an in-person and virtual option was to ensure accessibility.
“We wanted to meet women where they are,” she said. “Whether they joined us at Bridges or online, the goal was to create an experience that felt inclusive and impactful.”
Organizers described the gathering as part of a broader effort to create spaces where women, teens and girls can be encouraged, equipped and supported as they prepare for the future.
