After Hours for Helpers, Healers & Makers: Winter Gathering A free winter evening for the healers, helpers, and creatives of Northern Michigan. When: Wednesday, December 9, 2026 Where: Inspiring Inner Growth Studio @ 231 State St., Suite 5, Lower Level, Petoskey, MI 49770 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Cost: Free WHAT INSPIRED THIS EVENT? I kept finding myself in conversations, one at a time, with genuine people and hearing about their talent. I wanted to see what could happen if we gathered in one space. Our first evening at Elder Piper had such good energy. Many of us are being brave on non-linear professional paths, and that can be daunting, humbling, and lonely. Healers need community and healing too. As Traci Wong of Orofacial Myology of Northern Michigan said that night: "Go where the light is shining." WHERE WE ARE GATHERING The home of Inspiring Inner Growth in Petoskey, a studio for yoga, breathwork, sound baths, and workshops. I share this space and host my work with Empowering the Best here, and I practice on the mat here as a person seeking my own healing. Mindy of Revivify Fitness shares it too. One space, lots of whole person healing options. December is a good time to slow down, rest, and gather close. WHO IS WELCOME Free to attend, open to you. We welcome: massage therapists, chiropractors, acupuncture and integrative care providers, personal trainers, mental health therapists, PT, OT, SLP, tutors, yoga and movement studios, spas and wellness spaces, artists, photographers, music therapists, short term rental hosts, and the owners of our coffee shops, bakeries, breweries, wineries (and more) that make this area what it is. Bring your cards, sample creative works, or just yourself and a friend. LET ME SET THE VIBE This fall we gathered around a large table and shared a bit about our backgrounds. I'll break the ice. Hi, I'm Carla, and I am still exploring. I have been a personal trainer, an artist, a waitress, and a wedding coordinator, and today I host healing as an OT and a rental host. My path has not been a straight line, and I would love to hear about yours. This is a networking event, so we will certainly talk about what we do. Let's also create space for who you are, and your why. HELP THIS GROW Have a space with good energy? We'd love to gather somewhere new each season, and spring is next. If hosting sounds fun to you, tell us about your space and let's dream it up together. We are also growing our Collaborative Network (https://www.empoweringthebest.org/collaborativenetwork), the link we share with clients and families to make finding help a little easier. If you value respectful teamwork and offer healing, helping, or creating, text a bit about yourself to 231.487.2244. JOIN US Please RSVP to reserve your spot. We will be happy to see you then! We believe we are better together. Come share the good energy.