Reflecting on pivotal life moments, Reese Witherspoon shared her insights on the decisions she has had to make as both a mother and a businesswoman. At the second annual Shine Away event hosted by Hello Sunshine in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 5, the star of You’re Cordially Invited participated in a panel discussion moderated by Kellyn Kenny alongside fellow actors Laura Dern and Octavia Spencer. During the event, she was asked about any remarkable moments when she discovered her voice.
Witherspoon, 48, noted that she recalls numerous instances, emphasizing her passion for the work done at Hello Sunshine. She remarked, “What I love about Hello Sunshine is that we seek out stories of women saving themselves,” highlighting that “every woman in this room has saved herself” in various challenging situations, whether related to finances, education, or relationships.
Reese Witherspoon speaks passionately about women’s empowerment at Hello Sunshine’s Shine Away event in Los Angeles
She elaborated, saying, “There’s a moment in all of our lives when we realize, ‘Wait, no one’s coming to help me. No one’s going to make that decision for me.’ For me, I have to step up and make that decision.” Reflecting on her own experiences, she mentioned her challenges as a single mother in her late twenties, where she faced numerous decisions for her two children, including financial choices.
Witherspoon has three children: Ava Phillippe, 25, and Deacon Phillippe, 20, from her marriage to Ryan Phillippe, as well as Tennessee James Toth, 12, with ex-husband Jim Toth. She welcomed Ava when she was just 23.
Recalling a moment at Hello Sunshine, Witherspoon reflected on her success with HBO’s Big Little Lies and the Academy Award recognition for her films Wild and Gone Girl. “At one point, I had four employees, but I struggled to keep the lights on.
I remember my accountant telling me that I hadn’t made enough to support my team, and it hit me: ‘I’m doing something wrong,’” she recounted, noting this realization led to her “a-ha moment” when she recognized the need for assistance.
Witherspoon shared how acknowledging her limitations was essential to her growth. “It was crucial for me to realize there were things I didn’t know and that I needed to ask for help. That’s when a friend assisted me in creating a business plan. Knowing your strengths is important, but recognizing your weaknesses is equally vital,” she stated.
Following Sarah Harden’s appointment as CEO in 2017, Witherspoon humorously mentioned that she would pose “the dumbest questions imaginable” to her. She credited their success to the vulnerability that emerged from those discussions.
“Finding the right partner is crucial. If you’re highly creative, seek out someone who excels in business or finance,” she advised. “Partnership is essential.” The Shine Away event by Hello Sunshine, which is supported by AT&T, also took place on Sunday, October 6, at Nya Studios in Los Angeles.
Its mission is to empower women through discussions featuring prominent figures in entertainment, business, and culture, including Spencer, Naomi Watts, Olivia Munn, and Spanx founder Sara Blakely.
Witherspoon expressed her excitement about the talent lineup for this year’s Shine Away event in a September announcement: “We’re thrilled to welcome such an incredible lineup of talent. We created this event to inspire women to reconnect with their passions, and I know this group of brilliant voices will leave attendees feeling energized and motivated.”
