Cultivating Joy: What It Really Means to Shine and Be Still
- tiffanysondergaard
- May 28
- 2 min read
Last week, I had the honor of sitting alongside four incredible women for our ToastiQueen x Women’s Business Council “Cultivating Joy” panel, held at the beautiful Cedar Crest College. As I looked out into a room full of dynamic, determined, and deeply inspiring women, some new faces, many “day ones”, I felt exactly what joy means to me: peace, and the knowing that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Joy isn’t loud. It’s rooted. It’s real.
In my work with --ts Brand Elevation, I spend a lot of time behind the scenes—elevating others, crafting messages, building brands, and helping women and organizations step confidently into the spotlight. But every so often, I step out from behind the curtain. And when I do, I’m reminded that the most powerful tool I have in my professional toolkit isn’t strategy or structure—it’s my story. It’s the lived experience that allows me to relate, reframe, and reimagine possibilities for my clients and collaborators.
During our panel, I was asked: “You help others shine. How does that fuel your own joy?” My answer was simple: visibility is power, and helping others find theirs gives me purpose. Watching a woman find her voice or be reminded that she still has one, brings me a joy that’s deeper than any spotlight I could ever claim for myself.
We also talked about working across high-pressure spaces like sports, healthcare, and entertainment. How do I stay grounded in all of that noise? I make space for breath—not burnout. I prepare, I pray, and I primp (I'm a glam girl at heart).
And one of my favorite parts of the conversation was around teamwork. This entire experience was heartwork. It took many hands to make light work (credit to Malia Borges) Danielle, Hannah, Alicia, Sarah, our panelists Malia, Annie, Darlene, moderator Karin Mallett, and so many more behind the scenes. What we created wasn’t just an event; it was a safe space to reflect, reset, and rise.
To the women who shared your one-word definition of joy, who made bouquets at the Joy in Bloom station, who leaned in and laughed (and cried) with us: thank you. You made this moment matter.
For those asking what’s next—we’re just getting started. Join us June 13 for our next #ToastiQueenTakeover: Mindset Uncorked, hosted by Elaine Pivinski of Franklin Hill Vineyards in support of Haven House. This event will center on mindset and self-care, with glam experiences, winery tours, and a few surprise queens in the mix.
Let’s keep choosing joy—not because life is always light, but because we deserve to shine.
--ts
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