Digital Women of Kansas City: My Experience Speaking on a Panel with the Fab 4

Sha-Ron, Kina, Amanda, Ashton Speak at Minicon on September 16, 2025

The digital space is growing and evolving every day, and here in Kansas City, we’re fortunate to have a strong and supportive community of women who are shaping what that growth looks like. Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending—and speaking at—the Digital Women of Kansas City event, a huge event designed to celebrate, educate, and connect women in the online space.

Not only was I able to share my own journey, but I also sat alongside three incredible women—Sha-Ron, Amanda, and Kina—better known as the Fab 4. Together, we opened up about what it really means to navigate the digital world, from building brand partnerships to setting boundaries and showing up with confidence.

This event was more than just another panel discussion—it was a full day of learning, growing, and building community.

Why Events Like Digital Women of Kansas City Matter

In a world where so much of our work and networking happens online, in-person events like this one are special. They provide a chance to step out from behind the screen, connect face-to-face, and build genuine relationships that can carry us further in our personal and professional journeys.

Kansas City is not New York or Los Angeles—and that’s a good thing. Here, creators and entrepreneurs aren’t just numbers in a crowded industry. We have a unique chance to build something meaningful, and events like this show just how much talent and creativity our city has to offer.

When women come together to share knowledge, experiences, and resources, the impact multiplies. That’s exactly what happened at Digital Women of Kansas City.

The Fab 4 Panel: Four Unique Perspectives

Our panel featured four women who may all be in the digital space, but each of us approaches it from a different angle. That’s what made the conversation so rich and valuable We had an amazing narrator Emily who founded WHAT SHE SAID a community for women that Empowers women in many ways. You should check them out!  Emily was absolutely wonderful asking questions that took a deep dive into our each individual journey and also what our experience had been being a creator of color.

 Sha-Ron (@DJDiamond Diva

With over 42,000 followers and years of experience, Sha-Ron brought the voice of someone who has truly built authority in the influencer space. She shared wisdom on navigating brand partnerships, offering advice on professionalism, negotiation, and maintaining long-term relationships with brands.

Her point that stood out most to me was about sustainability—how partnerships should be about more than just one-off campaigns. She encouraged creators to think about how they can continue bringing value over time, which ultimately makes them more appealing to brands.

 Amanda (@bodandmexikc)

Amanda’s perspective was all about confidence. She spoke on the challenges of being a newer influencer and how intimidating the industry can feel when you’re just starting out. But her reminder was powerful: confidence attracts opportunity.

She encouraged everyone in the room to stop waiting until they “feel ready” and instead, show up authentically right now. Her energy was magnetic, and it left me reflecting on the times I’ve had to push through my own doubts to step into new opportunities.

 Kina @nailzandnovelz

Kina spoke about her journey started with her love of books, She also brought up some important points that often gets overlooked in conversations about influence:  Being your Authentic self and the power of saying no. For many creators, the temptation to say yes to every opportunity is strong, especially early on. But Kina reminded us that boundaries are what allow us to thrive long-term.

By protecting her time and energy, she’s able to focus only on partnerships that align with her values and goals. That’s a lesson that resonated with so many of us—sometimes, the most empowering word is “no.”

 Me (Ashton of Pretty Cash Savings Blog)

When it was my turn, I spoke about my blogging journey and how I’ve been able to work with brands and generate income, even with a smaller following.

I wanted to drive home the point that size isn’t everything. A smaller platform can still make a big impact when the content is authentic and the audience is engaged. I shared examples of how I’ve partnered with Kansas City businesses, restaurants, and brands by focusing on what makes my perspective unique—my ability to highlight fashion, food, and local experiences while also showing how to shop smart and save.

My goal was to encourage other women in the room not to wait until they reach a certain number of followers before going after opportunities. Your value comes from your voice, your creativity, and the trust you’ve built with your audience—not just your stats.

Lessons I Took Away From the Panel

Even though I was a speaker, I walked away with just as much inspiration and insight as anyone else in the room. Here are some of my biggest takeaways:

1. Community over competition. We’re stronger when we work together, and the Fab 4 is proof of that. By supporting one another, we’re able to amplify our voices and create more opportunities.

2. Authenticity wins every time. Whether you’re navigating brand deals or building your audience, staying true to yourself is what makes people connect.

3. Boundaries are powerful. Saying no is not a weakness—it’s a strategy that creates room for the right opportunities.

4. Small platforms still matter. Engagement, relatability, and trust are just as valuable—if not more—than a large following.

The Power of Women Supporting Women

What made the Digital Women of Kansas City event so impactful wasn’t just the knowledge shared—it was the energy of the room. There’s something so powerful about women cheering for each other, swapping stories, and reminding one another that we’re not alone in this journey.

I left the event feeling not only inspired but also more connected to my city and the women who are shaping its digital landscape. These moments of collaboration and encouragement are what fuel me to keep going, even when the work gets hard.

Tips for Aspiring Digital Creators

If you couldn’t attend the event but want to start your own journey in the digital space, here are a few tips inspired by our panel discussion:

• Start where you are. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—begin with what you have right now.

• Track your wins. Whether it’s engagement rates, conversions, or simple testimonials from your followers, keep a record of your impact.

• Reach out to local businesses. In a city like Kansas City, many small businesses are open and eager to collaborate.

• Lean on community. Find other creators to connect with, brainstorm with, and collaborate with. You don’t have to do it alone.

• Protect your time. Boundaries will keep you balanced and help you grow more sustainably.

To sum up the Great Day

Speaking at the Digital Women of Kansas City event with the Fab 4—Sha-Ron, Amanda, and Kina—was an experience I’ll never forget. Together, we shared our journeys, offered advice, and reminded everyone that there’s space for all of us in the digital world. New friendship levels unlocked.

It was a day full of learning, growing, and building community, and I left feeling more motivated than ever to continue my journey as a content creator and blogger.

Kansas City may not be the biggest market, but that’s exactly what makes it special. The opportunities here are real, the connections are genuine, and the community is strong. If you’re a creator in Kansas City—or someone who wants to collaborate with local influencers—there’s never been a better time to dive in.

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