Friends, I’m tickled pink (and orange!) to be bringing you another amazing issue of Pink Ink Magazine. And for me, this one feels a little extra something sparkly.
As you’ll soon read, this issue touches on the theme of reflection—as in, how we see ourselves in others and how we are seen by others. For the longest time, I lived life as an invisible woman. I didn’t think my words mattered. I didn’t think my voice mattered. I didn’t think it was important how others saw me or how I saw myself in others.
I kept my head down and feet moving, never stopping long enough to really think about all that touchy-feely stuff. I figured that the most important thing was what I was doing, not what I was feeling.
And as a result of my head-down, eyes-closed approach to surviving life, I didn’t have a lot of close female friendships. That is, not until Polka Dot strolled on into my life and shook a few things loose for me. To be fair, my world had been torn asunder quite a few years before I joined Polka Dot. But one thing I’ve loved about this community since I joined in 2019 is its ability to support you in truly seeing yourself in others and truly allowing yourself to be seen by others as well.
To be seen as your stripped bare, authentic, messy self is a powerful thing that I’m not sure I would have experienced outside of this community.
So as you’re flipping through this issue, I want you to think about where and how the opportunity to see and be seen show up in your world—and just how much of a blessing that is.
Happy reading, Dots!
Danielle Anderson Member Magazine Editor
FOCUS FOR SEPTEMBER: Dedicate time and resources to supporting and serving our community and each other.
Engage With Action:
⊲ Give Back: Share a community project or charity event where you’re involved, and invite others to participate.
⊲ Serve a Sister: Offer your expertise, advice, or assistance to a DOT in need of support.
⊲ Expand the Circle: Bring a friend to a meeting and show her the strength of our community.
IMPORTANT DATES
PASSING THE TORCH
Canada
Anahita Shahrvini
SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
PASSING THE TORCH Lancaster, PA
Dawn Tuczek
SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
PASSING THE TORCH Pottstown, PA
Becky Supplee
OCTOBER 8, 2025
PASSING THE TORCH Lewes, DE
Pam McCutcheon
OCTOBER 9, 2025
PASSING THE TORCH
San Jose, CA
Katherine Kinney (KK)
JANUARY 22, 2026
WHAT IS POLKA DOT MEETINGS:
USA CT
SEPTEMBER 22 - 11AM
OCTOBER 13 - 1PM
OCTOBER 22 - 12PM
MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER
Dear Dot Sisters,
At Polka Dot Powerhouse, I say this often: We can’t give you sisterhood, support, or confidence—we can only reflect what’s already within you.
That’s the beauty of what we do here. We aren’t handing you friendship as if it’s ours to give. We aren’t manufacturing connection or purpose. What we are doing is holding up a mirror so you can see the strength, wisdom, and light you’ve been carrying all along.
For too many women, the world has offered only distorted mirrors—ones shaped by competition, criticism, or outdated stories that shrink them. In the right circle, those distortions fade. Surrounded by women who see you clearly, you begin to see yourself differently too.
Here, we become those mirrors for each other. Your courage reflects back to me and calls mine forward. My joy shows you the joy you already carry. Your brilliance reminds another woman that she, too, shines. It’s not about giving or taking—it’s about seeing and being seen in ways that make us all stronger.
That’s why the mirror of sisterhood is so powerful. When women reflect the truth of one another’s value, it becomes harder to forget. It changes the way we walk into rooms, the way we pursue dreams, the way we love ourselves.
May this issue remind you to both seek out and be the kind of mirror that reflects the best in every woman—and in yourself.
With sparkle and sisterhood,
Shannon Crotty Founder/CEO
Polka Dot Powerhouse
YOUR EXCLUSIVE INVITATION: Diamond Test Drive – November 2025
This November, you’re invited to test drive Diamond, our exclusive business growth membership designed for women who value collaboration, accountability, and momentum. During this month-long experience, you’ll join select events normally reserved for Diamond members and see firsthand what makes this community so powerful.
Whether you’re looking for clarity, accountability, or fresh ideas, this is your chance to explore Diamond’s unique blend of masterminds, workshops, and connections before deciding if it’s the right fit for you.
Here’s your chance to experience the magic of Diamond:
October 29 - Speed Connect (11:00am CT, 1 hour)
Network with Diamond members and get your questions answered!
November 3 – Goal Setting (12:00pm CT, 1 hour)
Get focused and intentional with a guided goal-setting session to set the tone for your month.
November 7 – Diamonds Who Podcast Mastermind (11:00am CT, 90 minutes)
Collaborate with fellow podcasters to brainstorm, problem-solve, and grow your platform.
November 7 - Podcast Co-Working (1:00pm CT, 90-minutes)
Work ON growing your podcast with this co-working session!
November 11 – How to Maximize Your Diamond Membership (11:00am CT, 1 hour)
An inside look at all the opportunities Diamond provides, and how to make the most of them.
November 14 – Large Group Mastermind (10:00am CT, 1 hour)
Engage in a powerful mastermind session where collaboration sparks new solutions.
November 17 - Podcast Co-Working (12:00pm CT, 90-minutes)
Work ON growing your podcast with this co-working session!
November 18 - Alignment Hour (5:00pm CT, 1 hour)
Guided conversation focuses on alignment of head, heart and soul and impacts on life and business.
November 20 - CFO Co-Working Power Hour (10:00am, 1 hour)
Navigate the world of numbers, making it easier to manage your business with confidence.
*Note: This event is normally on the 4th Thursday.
November 20 - Rise and Thrive (2:00pm CT, 1 hour)
A monthly empowerment session to clear blocks, spark confidence, and help you rise and thrive in life and business.
November 20 – Diamonds After Dark (7:00pm CT, 1 hour)
A casual evening connection space to build meaningful relationships.
November 21 - Co-Working (11:00am CT, 1 hour)
Bring your project and get to work
November 21 - Feedback Friday (1:00PM CT, 1 hour)
Bring your ideas, projects, or content and get supportive, real-time feedback from peers.
*Note: This event is normally on the 4th Friday.
November 26 – Business Connect (11:00am CT, 90 minutes)
Network, celebrate wins, and learn from a featured guest speaker in this global gathering.
Don’t just hear about Diamond, experience it for yourself. The test drive is your opportunity to step into our collaborative community, explore the variety of events, and see how Diamond can help you focus, grow, and thrive in your business.
We love our returning Diamonds, but this test drive is a first-time experience only, so if you’ve already been a member or tried us out before, please share this with someone new who’d love the opportunity.
REGISTER HERE
P.S. Become a Diamond before November 30th to participate in our Day of Diamond Empowerment happening on December 1st.
QUESTIONS?
Email Elaine Turso, Diamond Membership Director at elaine@polkadotpowerhouse.com
Connecting the Dots: ELEVATING YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Tip #9: Dot Speak
When you join Polka Dot Powerhouse, it can feel like you are five years old again and created your own special language with your best friend. This is an organization that will truly support you in life and business, and there is the Dot language that goes along with it. While this list continues to organically grow, some of these phrases have become a consistent part of Dot lives.
Here are some terms or phrases you may have heard along with what they mean. If you haven’t heard them yet, you will soon:
Dot or Dot Sister: This is an endearing term for any of our members.
There’s a Dot for That: We believe that each Dot offers unique skill sets, and whether it is for your business or your personal life, there is a Dot sister who will have the answer or resource you need.
The Dot Wall: When someone is speaking to a group of people, whether at Celebration, Sisterhood Summit, or at a chapter event, look to the opposite side of the room. You will see Dot sisters standing as a wall of support.
No Drama Llama: In Polka Dot Powerhouse, we believe in collaborative abundance and transparent conversations, leaving any drama at the door. And the llama is our dear mascot.
Bleed Pink and Orange: Pink and orange are the Polka Dot Powerhouse colors. You will see Dot sisters wearing them to events. Bleeding the colors is about being family by choice.
The Dot Bubble: This is a term that describes the energy that continues to envelop you long after a Polka Dot event, especially larger ones like Celebration and Sisterhood Summit.
Dot for Life: You may have heard one of your Dot sisters describe them selves as a “Dot for Life,” which means that they have found a lifelong home in the Polka Dot community and don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.
Keep your ears (and heart) open for these phrases, along with others that emerge. And take the leap; grab hold of ones that resonate with you and coin your own if you feel so inspired.
Members must now be logged in to register for the Connect the Dot calls. Members > Connecting the Dots
Lisa runs a Connecting the Dots: Tips to Elevating Your Membership call each month.
You can find details about the monthly meetings at https:// www.polkadotpowerhouse. com/members/connecting-thedots.
Be sure to log in to your account first. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lisa@LisaCondon.com.
Positivity calls will be held once a month. Members must be logged in to register (Members > Positivity Zoom). On each Positivity Zoom call, we will draw from attending members for a membership renewal. You must be present at the time of the drawing to win. The upcoming dates are as follows:
OCT 20 @ 9AM I NOV 17 @ 2PM I DEC 3 @ 11AM
UPDATES TO OUR POSITIVITY ZOOM CALLS!
We’ve refreshed our Positivity Zoom experience to bring even more intention and connection to our community. This one-hour virtual gathering is a dedicated space for authentic conversation, shared support, and uplifting energy—no business promotion or pitching, just real talk and heart-centered connection with your Dot sisters. Come as you are and leave feeling inspired.
5 AND 10 YEAR BADGE REQUEST
We believe every woman should have the chance to experience the magic of Polka Dot Powerhouse—and right now, more doors are open than ever. We can’t wait to see who steps in next.
Help Us Celebrate Members With Intention and Sparkle!
As we prepare for Celebration next month, we want to honor every Dot who has been part of our sisterhood for 5 or 10 incredible years!
If you have been a member for one of these milestone years, here’s how you can submit your 5- and 10-year icon/pin information:
1. Log into the Polka Dot Powerhouse website.
2. Go to: Members > Account > 5 & 10 Year Submissions.
3. Double check your membership history to confirm you’re eligible before submitting.
These anniversaries are more than milestones—they’re a tribute to the commitment, connection, and contributions that make our community shine.
Thank you for helping us recognize the Dots who have shared their hearts, energy, and sparkle with us for half a decade or more. Let’s make their moment truly unforgettable!
CELEBRATION WEEKEND DETAILS
If you’re registered for Celebration 2025 in Minneapolis, now’s the time to secure your hotel room. As blocks were only available through September 8th, you may need to look for a roommate or book a room outside of the block.
Our theme this year is “Lighting The Way Through Sisterhood” and we can’t wait to see the magic come alive all weekend.
Friday night is our Pink & Orange Party where we let loose and have some extra fun! Is your chapter planning a fun outfit or do you have some extra sparkles on hand? It's going to be a night full of memories!
Don’t forget: our Gala & Awards dinner is your night to shine! Many members describe the attire as “cocktail style,” so wear whatever makes you feel radiant, confident, and ready to celebrate.
Book your room today and prepare for an unforgettable weekend of connection, collaboration, and celebration!
PRO TIP: If you’re not a member of our 2025 Celebration Facebook Group but have purchased a ticket, you can request access here. This is the perfect place to ask for roommates, link up with those Zoom friends to make plans to meet in person, or trade outfit ideas with other excited Dots!
Early Bird Tickets for
will be available October 8 - 22, 2025
Don’t get FOMO, mark your calendar and buy your ticket early!
PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE NOW!
We’re always looking for ways to make our community more accessible, inclusive, and supportive—and we’re thrilled to share a major upgrade:
Payment plans are now LIVE!
This flexible option is available for new memberships, renewals, Diamond upgrades, and event tickets!
That means saying YES to deeper connection, bold collaboration, and unforgettable celebration just got even easier.
Have You Subscribed to Our
YOUTUBE CHANNEL?
Missed an Interview? Catch Up & Subscribe!
SUBSCRIBE HERE
We’ve had some incredible conversations happening across our Dot community— featuring inspiring women, powerful stories, and unstoppable energy.
DECADE DOT INTERVIEW
Lorraine Mock Watch Here
ROCKSTAR REFERRER INTERVIEW 2025
Jen Bee
Watch Here
THE DIAMOND PODCAST: EMPOWERING WOMEN GLOBALLY
Valerie Dusing
Watch Here
Want more? Browse the full library here!
Let’s keep celebrating and elevating each other—one story at a time.
THE MIRROR OF SISTERHOOD
HOW WOMEN SEE WOMEN
BY CHRISTINE JUNE
There’s a profound magic in the way women see each other, a depth of understanding that transcends surface appearances and speaks directly to the soul. As someone who spends her days capturing images of remarkable women, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the simple act of truly seeing one another can transform lives and forge unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
When a woman steps in front of my lens, something extraordinary unfolds. The studio becomes more than just a space for photography—it transforms into a sanctuary where years of self-doubt begin to melt away under the warmth of understanding and acceptance. In these moments, I’ve witnessed the power of being truly seen, not just as we appear on the surface, but as we are in our depths.
I remember the day Claire walked into my studio, her shoulders slightly hunched, her smile hesitant. A recent widow starting life anew in Denver, she carried both loss and hope in her eyes. Months later, she stood before television cameras and shared how a simple portrait session had unexpectedly changed her perspective. “My late husband used to tell me every day that I was beautiful,” she said, her voice warm with memory. “But it wasn’t until I saw myself through another woman’s eyes that I finally understood what he meant.”
In that moment of recognition, something shifted for Claire—just as it does for every other woman who experiences it. It’s as if we suddenly remember who we are beneath the layers of expectations and self-doubt that accumulate over the years. We rediscover the spark that has always been there, waiting to be acknowledged and celebrated.
Then there was Maria, whose story still brings tears to my eyes. During her battle with cancer, she kept a portrait on her nightstand—not as a reminder of how she looked before her diagnosis, but as a testament to her inherent strength. “That image became my battle cry,” she told me later. “On my hardest days, it reminded me of who I really am: not just a patient, but a warrior. Looking at that portrait, I remembered my own power.”
These profound moments of connection and recognition sparked something deeper. Once a year, I host what we affectionately call our “Celebration of Timeless Beauty”—a gathering for women over fifty. Picture an evening where strangers become sisters, where laughter and tears flow freely, and where
every woman present discovers she’s part of something greater than herself.
In these gatherings, something magical happens. The air fills with stories— stories of triumph and heartbreak, of dreams deferred and dreams reborn. Women who arrived as strangers find themselves sharing their deepest hopes and fears, recognizing in each other’s experiences echoes of their own journey.
What makes these evenings extraordinary isn’t just the connections formed— it’s the transformations witnessed. Women who arrived feeling invisible leave standing taller, their eyes bright with recognition of their own worth. Those who came seeking comfort find not just support, but celebration. Every laugh line, every silver hair, every story shared becomes a testament to lives fully lived and wisdom hard-won.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned that sisterhood isn’t just about support—it’s about reflection. When we truly see each other, we create mirrors that reflect not just outer beauty but also inner strength. Every woman who stands before my lens teaches me something profound about resilience, grace, and the power of female connection.
The wisdom that emerges in these moments is timeless and universal. We learn that our perceived flaws often house our greatest strengths. We discover that the very things we once tried to hide—our age, our scars, our struggles—are actually badges of honor, marking paths walked and battles won.
Christine June, Photographer
Time and again, I witness the profound shift that occurs when women begin to see themselves through the lens of sisterhood. The critical inner voice that has accompanied them for decades begins to soften, replaced by a gentler, more appreciative perspective. In this space of acceptance, something remarkable happens—women begin to recognize their beauty, yes, but also their power.
Recently, one of our regular participants shared something that captured the essence of our community. “Before, I thought aging meant fading away,” she said, her voice strong and clear. “Now I understand it’s about coming into full bloom. And the most beautiful part? We’re blooming together.”
This collective blooming reveals a profound truth: we are not meant to journey alone. Every woman’s story contains wisdom that can light the path for others. In sharing our experiences—our triumphs and our struggles, our fears and our dreams—we create a tapestry of understanding that enriches us all.
The transformation I witness goes beyond physical appearance. It’s about reclaiming the right to be seen, to occupy space, to speak with authority about our own experiences. It’s about recognizing that our worth isn’t diminished by age but enhanced by the wisdom we’ve gathered along the way.
To every woman reading this: your story is part of this tapestry. Your experiences, your struggles, your triumphs matter. In the mirror of sisterhood, you are seen, valued, and celebrated. And in this recognition, we all grow stronger.
Together, we are rewriting what it means to age, to support, to celebrate. We are creating a legacy of strength and grace that will inspire generations to come. Because when women truly see women, magic happens—and that magic ripples out to transform the world.
This transformation isn’t just about the growth of each woman involved— it’s about creating a new paradigm of female connection. In a society that often renders older women invisible, we’re claiming our power and presence. Every genuine connection forged becomes an act of revolution, challenging prevailing narratives and creating new possibilities for what it means to be a woman growing older in today’s world.
As I continue this journey, I’m constantly amazed by the depth of wisdom and strength I witness. Each woman brings her own unique light, and in sharing that light, she illuminates the path for others. This is the essence of true sisterhood— not just supporting each other, but helping each other shine ever brighter.
In the end, it’s about more than photographs. It’s about the moment when a woman looks at her portrait and truly sees herself—perhaps for the first time
in years. It’s about the tears that flow when she recognizes her own strength, her own beauty, her own worth. And it’s about the ripple effect that occurs when she carries that recognition back into the world, inspiring others to see themselves in a new light.
This is the power of women seeing women: a continuous cycle of recognition, celebration, and empowerment. In truly seeing each other, we remember how to see ourselves. And in that remembering, we find not just beauty, but boundless strength and infinite possibility.
Christine June is a portrait photographer based in Centennial, Colorado, specializing in creating magazine-style portraits for women over 50. With a background in fine art and a deep passion for helping women see themselves in their best light, Christine’s work blends artistry, empowerment, and legacy. Her images have been featured in interviews, exhibits, and publications, and she is known for creating a luxury portrait experience that celebrates each woman’s unique beauty, strength, and story.
Christine June, Photographer
LOOKING FOR LEADERS WHO DO YOU KNOW?
do you know someone interested in starting their own local chapter of Polka Dot Powerhouse?
Contact
Wendi Giuliano
wendi@polkadotpowerhouse.com
ALSO SUPPORTING THE WORLDWIDE CHAPTER
REGION 3
UT, CO, KS, AZ, NM
REGION 4
MN, WI, IA, IL, MI
REGION 7
KY, TN, WV, VA, NC
REGION 8
MS, AL, GA, SC, FL
REGION 9
NY, NJ, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, ME
REGION 10 HI, AK
Get ready, Dot Sisters! we’re bringing brand-new items to Celebration this year! From exclusive apparel and accessories to must-have Polka Dot goodies, the Dot Store will be fully stocked and ready for you to shop in person during the event.
Can’t make it to Celebration? Don’t worry! The excitement doesn’t stop there—once Celebration wraps up, all remaining inventory will be added to the Dot Store online. Be sure to keep an eye on the website so you don’t miss your chance to grab the latest looks and celebrate your sisterhood in style.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Your voice matters, and your journey is powerful. Pink Ink Magazine is calling all Dot sisters to share their inspiring, heart-filled, and transformational Dot stories! Whether it’s a moment of growth, a life-changing connection, or the ripple effect of sisterhood, you never know who your story might uplift.
Let your story be the spark for someone else’s breakthrough.
Submit today by emailing Pink Ink Magazine Editor Danielle at Danielle@polkadotpowerhouse.com and be part of celebrating the magic that happens when we connect the Dots!
Submission Guidelines:
• Submit your article as a Microsoft Word file or sharable Google Doc to Member Magazine Editor, Danielle at danielle@polkadotpowerhouse.com
• Aim for approximately 1,000-2,000 words
• Include 5-8 photos to use in addition to the article; send these as attachments to your submission email
• Your article should include a catchy title
• Be sure to proofread and fix any typos prior to submission
• All material needs to be your original work and previously unpublished elsewhere
Examples of What to Submit:
• Your Dot story
• An experience that involves sisterhood
• A story that shares about uplifting and encouraging women
• What connection, collaboration, or community means to you
Examples of What NOT to Submit:
Important Notes:
• Submission of an article does not guarantee that your article will be published; we reserve the right to reject any article for any reason. If your article is accepted for publication, you will be notified directly.
• Accepted submissions may be published in any issue within the publication year as we see fit.
• Articles that sell or directly promote your business, services, or products
• Recipes or how-to articles
• Content that is industry specific
• Articles that don’t correlate directly to sisterhood
• If we choose to publish your submission, your article will undergo editing by our magazine editor.
Reach out to Member Magazine Editor, Danielle at danielle@polkadotpowerhouse.com with any questions. We can’t wait to hear your stories!
