There was so much to LOVE about Day 1—the Welcome Reception!
The dress code alone was enough to live out a childhood dream. We were asked to freestyle our favorite look from the Pan Am era to complement the “California Dreaming Take Flight Girls Trip” experience and the fantastic Welcome Reception venue, Hangar 21 South in Orange County, CA. Of course, I had to channel my inner Captain for many reasons, but that is a blog for another day.
My heart sang…from seeing so many beautiful ladies adorned in the host hotel lobby as Pan Am Stewardess and Captains beaming with bright smiles, loud laughs, and close hugs. I noticed other hotel patrons watching, whispering amongst themselves, and snapping pictures; we turned heads like always. We were ushered to our luxury motorcoaches and welcomed aboard by our lovely bus co-captains. After a soul-stirring prayer, we embarked on our way to #TakeFlight. Before reaching the hangar, we received a personalized stunning Passport and Boarding Pass beautifully wrapped with white ribbon and embellished by a little gold airplane keepsake with the event’s date inscribed.
Upon entry into the venue, we checked in by getting our passports stamped with the LAIK Experiences logo, stepped onto the plush red carpet, and struck a pose for the professional photographer. Once inside, I was blown away by the decorations, the servers with hors d’oeuvres, the lavish buffet, the overflowing Rosé bar, the planes and helicopters on the tarmac, and the perfect Southern California weather all contributed to an unforgettable experience. The tables were beautifully decorated with personalized hangers to drape our emerald green gala dresses. Yes, we received a hanger in a hangar! But wait, there is more…the backdrop!
The custom-designed backdrop, California Dreaming Arrivals and Departures, was creative and inspiring. This backdrop resembled a flight status board you typically see in the airport. However, the “Departures” on this backdrop represented those negative things that tend to hold us back and prevent us from moving forward and taking flight. You know, those things like worry, guilt, sadness, fear, and anxiety. Well, those detractors are “Cancelled!” The encouraging news is that those flights were replaced with new “Arrivals” like execution, alignment, intention, growth, focus, and balance. A thought-provoking quote was also beautifully displayed on the backdrop that will remain with me as I navigate life’s journey. “You can’t fly if your wings are holding the baggage of yesterday. Let go. Fly.”
I witnessed many ladies let go of their fears and literally #TakeFlight via an actual helicopter. LAIK Experiences curated a fantastic helicopter ride experience that will forever be stamped in my memory bank. This journey was not just about the physical flight but also about the personal growth and empowerment that comes from overcoming fears. I live for experiences, and I experienced my first helicopter ride in Southern California. This ride reminded me how beautiful life can be when you rise above the day-to-day stressors and experience new heights and opportunities. Ladies, I encourage you to let go of those canceled flights and look forward to the new arrivals that await.
Thank You to LAIK Experiences CEO LaShanda Pitts and her dedicated staff for the fantastic #TakeFlight experience. Your hard work and attention to detail made this event a truly memorable and inspiring experience for all of us.
Written by Deloria Pride Chubbs
