“You know what?” Clara Amfo asked at GLAMOUR's Manchester Empowerment Summit in partnership with Samsung Galaxy Ring. “You've really got to be kind to yourself. You have to be your own biggest fan.”
Yep, we could all use a little more self-love. And last weekend, we made it happen. On Saturday, 3rd August, GLAMOUR took the Empowerment Summit to Manchester's iconic Aviva Studios, where guests were treated to an afternoon of inspiring interviews, talks, and panels, including some mega insights from Michelle Keegan and Clara Amfo. Basically, we learned how to live our best lives – and then some.
As Deborah Joseph, GLAMOUR's European Editorial Director, noted in her opening remarks, “When women come together, magic happens.”
Here are all the stand-out moments from GLAMOUR's Manchester Empowerment Summit 2024, in partnership with Samsung Galaxy Ring:
1. We were inspired by all the empowering interviews, panel discussions, and masterclasses
Clara Amfo, one of the most influential women in the music biz, kicked off the Empowerment Summit in style. During her interview with GLAMOUR's own Emily Maddick, she discussed her decision to leave Radio 1, the importance of personal boundaries, her mental health journey, and how she's overcome prejudice in the entertainment world.
She reflected on the concept of imposter syndrome, saying, “It's never been about not thinking I don't belong somewhere, it's about me dealing with other people thinking I don't belong somewhere.”
Next, Fats Timbo, a creator, comedian, and educator, shared her ten commandments for living life fiercely and embracing your main character's energy. “Imagine for a moment that your life is a movie,” she asked the audience. “Not just a cameo or supporting role, but the full-blown, popcorn-crunching, main attraction! How would that change the way you approach each day?”
Then, we learned if it's possible to “hack” our health, with help from Samsung's Deborah Hayes, Adrienne Adhami and Dr Hazel Wallace. Our key takeaway? Don't underestimate the power of your menstrual cycle!
Anyone for a brutal lesson in self-love? Ayamé gave us the pep talk of our lives. “Negativity breeds negativity,” she explained. Instead, according to Ayamé, you have to embrace “forced positivity”. For example, “Every time I'm feeling body conscious, I stand in front of a mirror, and I list off everything that I can see that I like about myself.”
Finally, GLAMOUR's European Editorial Director, Deborah Joseph, welcomed fellow Mancunian Michelle Keegan to the stage. The best thing about being a woman? “Having girlfriends,” according to Michelle. “That's our time to be us and to be true to ourselves,” she continues. “Having other women around you and being able to be yourself around them.”
2. The ‘Manifest-Station’ returned
If you can dream it, you can do it. All attendees had the opportunity to share their manifestations for the year ahead at our famous ‘Manifest-Station’. My personal favourite? “Be true to yourself – Always!”
3. We enjoyed exclusive experiences courtesy of Samsung Galaxy Ring
All Empowerment Summit attendees had access to exclusive tech experiences courtesy of event sponsor Samsung Galaxy Ring. It's safe to say Samsung's 360 sleep-themed video booth – which encouraged an aura of calm and wellbeing, as well as creating exclusive video content – was a hit!
Attendees also had unlimited access to the Samsung Galaxy AI Health Hub, where they could learn more about the exciting features of Samsung's health devices, including the Samsung Galaxy Ring and Watch.
4. Blackwell's opened the ‘Empowerment Bookshop’
Blackwell's Empowerment Bookshop is officially open for business! With an exciting array of titles to choose from, including Fix The System Not The Women by Laura Bates, We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy.
7. GLAMOUR Goodie Bags
All attendees received a legendary GLAMOUR goodie bag worth over £300 featuring the following products:
- The Inkey List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches
- Olaplex No.4C Clarifying Shampoo
- Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Express Eye Mask
- Nails Inc Mani Marker
- Sana Jardin Perfume Roller Ball
- Tropic Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum
- Refy Lash Sculpt Mascara
- Maybelline Hyper Precise Liquid Eyeliner
- Pixi Aftersun Sheet Mask
- Eylure Underlash Pre-Glued Cluster Lashes
- Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
- Dr Sebagh Pure Vitamin C Powder Cream
- Percy & Reed Styling Session Smoothing Blow Dry Cream
- Curél Replenishing Night Cream for Dry, Sensitive Skin
Who else can't wait to do it all over again?
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.