“To feel lighter, free, safe, and loved by community.” 

According to Jamice Bentley-Terry and Ashley Monique from Chic Culture and Ashley Monique Designs, this is at the core of why they joined with Macon Mental Health Matters to start Tea in Tees as a women’s wellness circle to be an EmpowHER Hour.  

It’s now the lead-off event for the monthly and successful Wellness Weekend that features a variety of events. The next will be Thursday, May 9, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Chic Culture Inc (446 Cotton Ave., Suite 1) in Downtown Macon. 

“The more resources, the better. There are so many facets in our community, and if we can offer more and do more, then let’s get to it,” they say about joining the Wellness Weekend. “It’s something that we as women have been longing for: a space to feel safe and comfortable.” 

“Women are the most frequent attendees at our wellness weekend events, and we are hoping that this encourages more to take full advantage of this resource,” says Andrea Cooke with Macon Mental Health Matters. “By expanding the weekend of events, we have more chances for collaboration, that the work to reduce the stigma associated with accessing services is truly working.” 

This will be the second time the event has been held. In April, eight women attended, getting to know each other better and beginning to create a safe space for more and more women to join. There is also a mental health counselor who attends to help attendees feel more secure discussing mental health without the fear typically associated with a diagnosis. 

“We carry so much in private in our everyday lives, and most of us rarely get a chance to release or unwind,” they add. “We want to create a sense of community and a safe space where they can release all we carry privately.” 

“I hope that every woman who attends, even once, leaves knowing that we are more alike than we are different,” adds Cooke. 

To see all future dates and to register, click here. Registration is not required to attend; it merely helps the organizers plan.