The Sixth Annual Women’s Festival
Focuses on Building Self-Esteem for Women of All Ages
 By Rev. Joanne Tucker




Is it alright for a woman to love herself and raise her own self-esteem? Most women are told that “self-love” is equated with “selfishness,” which is often viewed as a very undesirable trait in our society. However, as we learn more about the power of loving yourself from alternative healing practitioners and self-help books, it becomes more and more acceptable for a woman to take a well-deserved day off for some self-esteem building and self love. So, how do you find that special time and place for a “time out” from your busy lifestyle?  

Imagine yourself sitting on the porch of a beautiful, white plantation-style mansion that is reminiscent of the south’s glory days from the film Gone with the Wind” at the Sixth Annual Women’s Festival on Saturday, May 17. Even Scarlet O’Hara would be envious of your stunning view, overlooking Newport Beach’s Back Bay, and the magnificent Village Crean Estate, where this year’s Women’s Festival takes place.

With rolling green lawns, lush and colorful gardens, a classic Greek-pillared mansion filled with sumptuous oil paintings, formal statuary and an ornate grand staircase, Village Crean Estate is the perfect place for you to devote a day to pamper yourself in a glorious setting. After all, with your hectic life, you deserve time to promote some self-love, don’t you?

During this most inspiring and uplifting day, you are surrounded by women of all ages, and ethnic backgrounds, enjoying the beautiful sounds of music, watching fantastic entertainers perform throughout the festival and listening to world-renowned motivational speaker and best-selling author, Terry Cole Whittaker, talk about “Women’s Empowerment and Self Image,” to be held in the grand saloon of the mansion.

Terry conducts seminars worldwide and is known for her witty, straight-talking style that teaches people how to handle their daily challenges through self-empowerment. She has been featured on over 800 television and radio programs including Oprah, Larry King, Good Morning America and in leading magazines including the Wall Street Journal, US, Newsweek, People, Time, and Family Circle.
The focus of the Women’s Festival, hosted by the Women’s Ministry at the Center of Spiritual Discovery in Costa Mesa, is to build self-esteem and self-confidence in women of all ages. In our very busy world, many women neglect themselves or place themselves last after family or work.

Low self-esteem often shows up in young girls who have so many hang-ups about their looks, judging themselves harshly for their size and body relating to prejudices based on race, sexuality, class and physical ability. All of these beliefs may hamper a young girl’s ability to reach her full potential in later life.

In accordance with the National Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, the Women’s Festival helps to educate and inspire women and young girls to open up to a wider definition of beauty in today’s society. To coincide with this national campaign, whether physical or non-physical, the festival’s activities are designed to build self-confidence and self-esteem and dispel falsehoods about body image by offering every woman, young and old, a chance to look beyond the physical and believe in herself. Women are encouraged to invite their daughters, granddaughters and young friends to experience this unique event.

Another way to build self-confidence is to attend the “Awaken to the Law of Attraction” workshop, led by Alicia Ashley, motivational speaker and author of The Awakening: 7 Steps to Unlock the Secret Behind the Law of Attraction. She talks about how the Law of Attraction may bring you into alignment with your highest good.

In her workshop, Alicia imparts the five powerful keys to attract your heart’s desire, and she helps you discover the one thing that may make you a powerful attraction magnet and uncover three things you must ban to attract peace and prosperity. All of Alicia’s workshop ideas are meant to raise self-esteem and promote self-love.

This festival is packed with loads of entertainment and outstanding New Thought female vocalists from LA and OC. Singer Faith Rivera opens for Terry Cole Whittaker at the 11:00 a.m. speaking engagement while Gail Chasin sings before Terry’s 2:00 p.m. session.

A closing concert and wine tasting event at 3:30 p.m. features the musical talents of Thelma Jones, Gino and Cathy Segal Garcia, who will pay homage to “America’s Divas of Song” by singing original hits of Gladys Knight, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

Belly and hula dancing workshops are offered by Tricia Merickel and Ginny Gordon, who are both fabulous dance instructors in the art of belly and hula movements.
Other options are shopping at our unique outdoor bazaar, featuring over 40 vendors, and indulging in delicious culinary adventures at a special VIP luncheon, catered by Yves Bistro, located in Anaheim Hills, and voted top Italian Restaurant in OC by Zagat.

Chef Yves Masquéfa has created a menu which showcases the flavors of his Italian heritage, served in the formal dining room of the mansion under crystal chandeliers and a painted fresco ceiling. Or you may prefer a Salvadorian-style lunch, prepared by El Chinaco Restaurant, located on 19th Street in Costa Mesa.
After lunch, you can kick off your shoes and relax on the green lawn, spend time talking to a new or old friend on the mansion’s porch, or enjoy musical entertainment during lunch on the patio.

It’s your day to play, relax and learn about self-empowerment so make your reservations today for the Sixth Annual Women’s Festival to be held on Saturday, May 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Village Crean Estate.  

For reservations, directions, and parking, call (714) 754-7399 or visit www.cmcsd.org. Seating is limited so don’t wait to purchase your admission ticket!
Rates for the Women’s Festival are as follows: A special VIP package for $105 includes an all-day pass, gourmet VIP luncheon, free admission to Terry Cole Whittaker’s speaking engagement, access to workshops, bazaar shopping, entertainment and music, and free admission for a young girl.

An all-day pass for $55 includes a free gift bag, admission to Terry Cole Whittaker’s speaking engagement, access to workshops, bazaar shopping, music and entertainment and free admission for a young girl.

For $35, you will receive a free gift bag, access to workshops, bazaar shopping, music and entertainment and free admission for a young girl.
All of the proceeds from the Women’s Festival go to The Discovery School of the Arts and Sciences Building Fund.

Rev. Joanne Tucker is a freelance lifestyles writer for OC magazines and popular websites.

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