July 2026
When women gather with intention, something extraordinary happens.
THATPENNY | CONNECT had the pleasure of producing, curating, and co-hosting Glow Garden, an intimate evening celebrating the newest luminizing glow gel shades from EpicLight Beauty alongside co-founders Patti Gallardo and Saima Rathor. Set within the breathtaking home and gardens of one of the founders, the evening welcomed 30 remarkable women for an experience centered on beauty, meaningful conversation, and authentic connection.
Guests arrived to a warm golden-hour welcome, greeted with signature Gold Hour Palomas served in elegant coupe glasses that reflected the evening’s floral inspired aesthetic. They mingled throughout the gardens, enjoying artfully crafted bites by Chef Paul Gileno while taking in the stunning poolside setting. One of the evening’s most memorable moments was an extraordinary custom ice sculpture featuring EpicLight’s glow gels and fresh florals suspended within, a true centerpiece that captured the spirit of the brand.
Every detail of the experience was designed to feel personal. Guests selected custom monogrammed makeup pouches by Ari Apparel, embroidered on-site, before gathering for an immersive seated beauty experience where they explored EpicLight’s newest glow gel shades and discovered the full product collection.
One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity to moderate a candid conversation with the co-founders about their entrepreneurial journey. While we spoke about building a beauty brand, the conversation naturally evolved into something much deeper. The founders shared heartfelt reflections on motherhood, and the hope that their daughters witness the courage it takes to build something meaningful outside of family life. It was a conversation filled with honesty, emotion, and inspiration and one that reminded everyone in the room that behind every successful brand are women navigating the same questions of purpose, ambition, and legacy.
As cocktails continued to flow and laughter filled the garden, guests tested products, gathered around an elegant macaron tower, and connected over shared experiences. Some were longtime friends reconnecting after months apart, while others met for the very first time. Throughout the evening, conversations deepened, contacts exchanged, and genuine relationships began to form.
Watching women from different generations and seasons of life discover common ground reminds me why I created THATPENNY | CONNECT. Experiences like these extend far beyond beautiful tablescapes or thoughtfully curated details. They create space for authentic conversations, new friendships, and a community where women genuinely champion one another. Being entrusted to create environments where those connections happen will always be my greatest joy, my greatest gift, and my greatest honor.
Experience captured by the talented Paola Santamaria #grateful
