H.O.P.E. Open House 2025: Sisterhood and Healing in St. Thomas
Updated: Oct 24
I went to the H.O.P.E. Open House at My Girlfriend’s Closet in Havensight, St. Thomas, on March 22, 2025, ready to enjoy a day with my sisterhood. Although I had been invited through media, I wanted to be present for the warmth, conversation and inspiration around me.
The Women’s History Month gathering brought together the Healing Through Movement community class, the Reclaiming Faces Survivor Exhibit and one-on-one coaching. I left with a reminder I needed: making time for myself belongs on the calendar, too.
A warm welcome at My Girlfriend’s Closet
Dr. Khnuma “Dr. K” Simmonds made me feel right at home. My Girlfriend’s Closet was full of local creativity, from jewelry and bags to outfits and fragrances. It was easy to fall in love with almost everything. This store is a gem in the community.
Movement, music and a chance to breathe
Then it was time to dance! I joined the SoKh Caribbean Dance Fitness class and, boy, did I break a sweat. The music and movement gave me a chance to shut out the world for a while and enjoy the moment. It was pure bliss.
The Reclaiming Faces Survivor Exhibit
The artwork and words in the Survivor Exhibit left me in awe. The photographs, written reflections and creative pieces spoke to courage, healing and strength. I was thankful for the opportunity to experience the stories shared in that space.
Girlfriendism International describes Reclaiming Faces as a photo exhibit curated by and for survivors in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its background includes Dr. Simmonds’ research on Caribbean women, music, dance and self-expression. The organizer’s page explains that history and how to ask about hosting or supporting the exhibit.
Sisterhood and the power of being heard
Maria of Unique By Maria Banwaree, LLC brought confidence, fashion, humor and honesty into the room. She greeted everyone like old friends. Her presence helped create a space where I felt comfortable listening, learning and imagining what was possible.
What Lia Magras helped me see about my time
After Maria’s session, I had a one-on-one conversation with Lia Magras, an executive and entrepreneurship coach.
As the owner of Flo Dynasty, I wear a lot of hats: website designer, event-media creator, blogger, YouTuber, editor and more. I want to do so much, but there is still only one of me. I often feel like I have to do everything myself because someone else may not do it the way I want.
Lia got right to the point: time management. She encouraged me to try time blocking and treat reading, meditation and self-care as appointments I cannot keep putting off. She also encouraged me to consider help with the tedious tasks so I could save energy for the work that needs me most.
Business structure came up in that conversation, too. After my brother’s passing, I had converted his business into an LLC. Talking with Lia reminded me to keep learning about the structure of my own business. I had already bought the book pictured below and had finally started reading it.
That was part of my own learning, not a recommendation that everyone choose the same structure. LLC formation and S-corporation tax treatment are different questions. The IRS guide to LLC taxation explains that distinction for federal tax purposes; your own situation, including applicable Virgin Islands requirements, needs qualified legal and tax guidance.
Lia listened and understood where I was coming from. By the time the session ended, I felt lighter and ready to take a closer look at how I was using my time.
A financial coaching conversation I needed
I also sat down with Shawn Williams, whom I described in my original recap as a Certified Financial Peace University Coach. He opened with a question that stayed with me: “What keeps you up at night?”
My answer was credit cards. Credit-card debt had been weighing on my mind. Shawn talked through the seven steps he follows based on Dave Ramsey’s teachings and encouraged me to get organized. With my accounting background, I knew it was time to put that hat back on and look closely at my own numbers.
Business and tax structure came up again, including S-corporation treatment. These were personal coaching conversations in 2025, not individualized financial or tax advice for you. The next step that mattered to me was getting organized and asking better questions.
If you are starting with your own balances, my seven practical steps for reducing credit-card debt offer a place to begin gathering your information.
H.O.P.E. Incorporated and Girlfriendism International
At the event, I learned that the H.O.P.E. programs described were offered at no cost to survivors through a 24-month grant. That was information shared in 2025, not a promise about current funding, eligibility or appointments.
H.O.P.E. stands for Helping Ordinary People Everyday. The initiative uses arts and creative expression to support healing and community empowerment. Girlfriendism International connects work across fashion, fitness, wellness, business, travel and philanthropy.
For current program information, exhibit inquiries or ways to support the work, visit Girlfriendism’s H.O.P.E. exhibit page or email hopeusvi@girlfriendism.com. Confirm current details directly with the organizer.
What I took home from the day
The experience far exceeded my expectations. I left feeling inspired to take better care of my time and finances, and thankful that spaces like this exist in the Virgin Islands.
To Dr. K, My Girlfriend’s Closet, the speakers, coaches and everyone involved: thank you for creating a space for growth, healing and sisterhood.
What is one thing you have been putting off for yourself? Choose a small next step and give it a place on your calendar.
For another personal reflection, read my self-exploration article. For more local culture and events, explore my St. Croix Carnival 2026–2027 guide.
Original Flo Dynasty features
The original apparel product cards, short apparel video and YouTube banner are preserved below as separate Flo Dynasty features. They are not footage from the dance class or part of the H.O.P.E. program.
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The original services graphic from this article is also preserved below.
About Flo
I’m Latesha “Flo” Isaac, founder of Flo Dynasty in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. I’m an event-media creator, website designer and educator with 20+ years in IT. I share Virgin Islands stories, useful resources and real experiences. Get to know Flo.
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Updates
October 24, 2026: I refreshed the layout, photo descriptions and related articles while preserving the original photos, galleries, flyer and Flo Dynasty features. This is my March 2025 event recap; contact the organizer for current program information.
This article includes an affiliate book link. If you buy through an affiliate link, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read my policies and disclaimers for disclosure and content-use information.
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