When I first dreamed up Glow and Grow, I wasn’t trying to create an event. I was trying to create a feeling. A space where people could sit together, listen and speak, connect and grow - externally, and internally.
Last Thursday, that dream came to life. It was cozy. Messy in the best way. A little chaotic behind the scenes. And deeply HUMAN.
What Happened in the Room
After a month of prep — brainstorming, sourcing, building, designing, tweaking, refining — it was showtime. I walked into the room and it just felt right. It was warm, cozy, safe, comfortable, the air was filled with curiosity, The space was glowing. And people were ready.
We kicked off the night with a few words about why LIVE WITH HU exists — and then we passed the mic.
Jin Cai brought us into her dance story. How growing up in China made her crave a bigger view of the world. How dance became her passport — taking her from Tokyo to New York, winning battles, breaking molds. And how she found a way to blend hip-hop and her cultural roots without losing herself in either.
Gotta Lago opened with an instrumental jam that hushed the room. Then came stories of family, immigration, music, and memory. His rhythm felt ancestral — like something you don’t just learn, but carry. And he carries it with a full heart.
Then came the part I personally looked forward to most: The reflection moment.
Each table was prepped with pens, paper, and a sealed envelope of prompts. We gave everyone a few minutes to pause and write — a chance to reflect on a “first time” that meant something to them.
Some guests stayed quiet, keeping the experience personal. Others began to open up — exchanging thoughts with the people around them. The energy in the room became subtly powerful. It didn’t feel heavy, but charged — like something was moving under the surface. People had things to say, had emotions to express. You could feel it. A quiet eagerness to resonate and connect, to hear and be heard.
And when we opened the mic for anyone who felt bold enough to share… a few voices rose around the room. One person spoke about the first time they met their best friend — a story that put a smile on everyone's face. Another reflected on the evolving relationship they’ve had with music, and how it’s shaped them in ways they’re only now beginning to understand. Each story brought something different, but together, they made the space feel more alive, more human. And just like that, we weren’t strangers anymore.
We closed up the night with a live performance, music, and a little dance-floor joy. But what I’ll never forget is seeing people lean in, laugh, open up, and connect without any mask or filter, just being human beings.
What We Absolutely Loved
- The energy was undeniable — it felt alive from the moment doors opened. Guests arrived open, curious, and genuinely ready to connect.
- The format flowed with ease — the bilingual panel felt seamless, and the storytelling moved gracefully into reflection, sharing, and celebration. Each part complemented the next like pieces of the same heartbeat.
- The Connection Cards were a highlight. People appreciated the emotional depth of the prompts — they challenged, surprised, and sparked meaningful conversations that carried through the night.
- Guests felt more than just engaged — they felt in tune. Several shared that they felt “present,” “seen,” and even surprised by what surfaced from within. The real connection came when people began exchanging ideas, revisiting past experiences, and recognizing themselves in someone else's story.
- The table setup — three per table — created just the right kind of intimacy. It gave solo guests a natural entry point and made conversations feel effortless.
- The live jam at the end brought a refreshing shift of energy. But it wasn’t just a performance — it was an invitation. Our artists weren’t only showcasing, they were sharing. Some guests learned their first djembe rhythm (the African hand drum), others picked up a new killer dance move for their next party. It felt less like a show and more like a cultural exchange — joyful, hands-on, and unforgettable.
- We didn’t just end the night with dance moves — we ended it with people feeling expanded. Full-hearted. And inspired.
What I’d Do Differently
Streamline the setup. It took us way too long to get the activations, decor, and table arrangements in place. Without extra hands for now, we’ll need to simplify — focus on intentional, minimalist setups that still deliver atmosphere without exhausting the team.
Improve product visibility. Several guests didn’t realize the candles were available for sale. Better signage, clearer placement, and subtle storytelling moments will help bridge that gap next time.
Define content collaboration up front. This was a big learning moment. We didn’t outline how many posts would be shared by whom — just a vague “we’ll tag you” agreement. The result? While everyone was supportive in their own way, the lack of clarity around who was doing what created a bit of imbalance — or at least the feeling of it. That kind of ambiguity can unintentionally lead to misalignment or missed opportunities. More importantly, it didn’t effectively communicate the value our event could offer the venue or our artist partners’ communities.
Note to self: define the content partnerships upon planning. Be clear. Set mutual expectations. Show how collaboration drives real impact — not just on social, but in sales and community trust.
Encourage more circulation. The 3-per-table format was perfect for deepening the conversations, but it unintentionally locked people into the same group for most of the night. Next time, we’ll design soft moments of movement — prompts or light transitions that help guests gather new perspectives without losing the intimacy.
Rethink the icebreaker. We need something stronger than small talk to kick off the night. Something fun, meaningful, and on-brand — because we all know small talk isn’t our thing. ;)
Choose venue partners more strategically. Our event was so engaging that guests forgot to order more drinks — which sounds flattering, but it’s a problem when working with high-end bars that rely on fast turnover or big tabs. That’s when we realized: we’re not offering a party. We’re offering an experience. So for future editions, we need to work with venues that share that value — places where people naturally stay longer because they came for connection, not just cocktails. Cafés, restaurants, and off-peak social spaces that align with depth, reflection, and slower rhythms will potentially be a better match for us.
What Surprised Me
Before the night began, a few guests briefly mentioned to me that they were more on the introverted side — they’d probably just observe and take it all in. But when the moment came to share with the room… they were the first to speak!
To me, that’s the power of intentional space. You don’t need 200 people. You just need the right ones.
The more people engaged with the experience, the more they shaped it. Vulnerability is contagious — and I watched the whole room shift as a few guests led with honesty and openness. We all added something. We all gave the night its flavor.
That’s the kind of humanity I want to build this community with. And it’s exactly why Glow and Grow exists.
Final Words...
Was the first edition of Glow and Grow a success?
Abso-freaking-lutely!
I’m very proud of what we created — a space where people didn’t just show up, they showed up fully. They engaged deeply. They followed each chapter of the program with curiosity and care. And together, we proved that what we’re offering matters.
We’re responding to real, human needs — to express, to reflect, to be seen, to connect, and to grow.
Did we make mistakes?
Of course! More than a few! But that’s part of the deal. It’s how we learn, refine, and move closer to the vision.
This is just the beginning. And we’re already working to make the next one even more meaningful!
Stay close. Big love.