We at Natural Awakenings Tucson have a thrilling announcement to make and just know that you, too, will be exhilarated and excited, as well! With great joy and anticipation, I have joined with Barbara Peters to create Body and Sol Productions, with the purpose of designing events throughout the year to create community and platforms where Tucson’s women and businesses thrive, and where learning, creativity and purpose can continue to grow at any age!

The main event will be the Body and Sol Women’s Expo, a much-anticipated annual event designed to enrich the spirit and lives of Tucson’s women. The next Body and Sol Expo will be held just one quick year from now in March 2014, at the Tucson Convention Center!

The expo will be a multi-day retreat and extravaganza, incorporating all the elements that feed our bodies and souls: how to be healthy in mind, body and spirit; ideas, inspiration and resources to help you reach your maximum potential; healthy, nutritious plus delicious food; ideas to make your space beautiful and most supportive of you—home decor, floral, landscape; and ways to present your best self—fashion and jewelry, all within a setting that respects the history, art and culture of Tucson.

I see this new partnership as an extension of both my life purpose and in close alignment with the mission of the magazine—to help individuals, families and businesses thrive and reach their fullest and most conscious potential by providing essential, life-enhancing and leading edge information and experiences.

My wonderfully energetic and endlessly creative partner, Barbara Peters, worked as a CFO for a global architectural firm in Seattle for more than 14 years and grew the firm from 15 to 375 employees, including an office in Shanghai, China. One of her main accomplishments in May 2012 when she created the first Body and Sol Expo was to invigorate Tucson’s economy.

Barbara states, “I believe in the value of small, local businesses. Small business has a huge impact on the city’s ability to bring about economic development for the entire community. By growing the Body and Sol Women’s Expo, we hope to be part of the solution that is putting Tucson’s economy back on its feet. Personally, I love connecting people for mutual benefit. It’s my greatest joy!” Barbara has planned and executed more than 100 corporate events ranging from open houses to citywide charitable events.

Stay tuned for fun and quirky announcements as this smashing event progresses and evolves in the coming year. Please check us out at BodyAndSolTucson.com for event updates, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities and more! With drive, vision and appetite for good design, we plan to continue invigorating our local economy while igniting the self-starter in you!