Wellness As A Way of Life Podcast Interview
She Summits Co-Founders Laura van der Veer and Danielle Leroux were thrilled to join Megan Swan on the Wellness As A Way of Life podcast! They share a heart-centered conversation about turning brands into true communities, creating transformational experiences, and why play and joy matter so much (especially for women).
Here's a taste of what you'll find in this episode:
Behind She Summits: The Origin Story
It all began with a four-day, multigenerational film fest in North Vancouver back in 2019, dreamed up to create more than just an event—a contagious, uplifting energy for women. After weathering pandemic pivots, Laura van der Veer joined forces with Danielle Leroux to relaunch She Summits as a forum focused on connection, play, joy, and confidence, both in the workplace and out in the community.
Workshops That Actually Transform
Forget stiff corporate boardrooms. The She Summits team fills retail spaces (think: Adidas, Fjällräven, and Athleta stores) with yoga mats, cushions, and playful hands-on activities. Their magic formula? Facilitated workshops where women dive into play, joy, and real connection, leaving as friends—often experiencing a shift that lasts well beyond the event.
The Power of In-Person Community
With so much of shopping moving online, brands crave connection—so do women! She Summits workshops bring up to 70% new faces into stores, fostering deep emotional bonds between customers, staff, and brand. Danielle shared that it's not about algorithms; “Real business growth is built on belonging.”
Spotlight on PLAY
Many adults balk at “playtime”—but these workshops unlock something powerful and long-missed. Attendees re-connect with their inner child, bust through play blockers (guilt, judgment, “no time”), explore their unique “play types,” and leave with small, actionable ideas to invite more playfulness into every day. They share their “play type” quiz and more resources—check the show notes for links!
Joy, Glimmers & Boosters
What's your joy glimmer? (Nature's little surprises—a rainbow, sunlight sparkling after rain, kids playing in puddles.) Or your joy booster—that quick 30-second hit of happiness? The She Summits crew breaks joy down into types and gives language for weaving it into daily life. “Suddenly you see your joy glimmers everywhere,” Laura says.
Who They Want to Work With
She Summits is manifesting collabs with brands like Indigo and IKEA—dreaming big, and always looking for companies that live their values, empower women, and are open to genuine community connection.
