PGSFEST2025: The Ultimate Sweat Sisterhood Homecoming
September 24, 2025 • By PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT
A sold-out celebration of fitness, sisterhood, and impact brought Atlanta to its feet for the sixth annual PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT Fest.
Every third Saturday in September, Atlanta becomes the heartbeat of a movement. On September 20, 2025, PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT hosted its sixth annual PGSFEST—a day that blended fitness, fun, and philanthropy into one unforgettable experience. Known as the Ultimate Sweat Sisterhood Homecoming, this annual festival united women of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate health, community, and purpose.
A Day Built on Energy and Intention
From the moment doors opened at Garden City Events, guests were welcomed with music by DJ XO, light bites, vendor shopping, and wellness perks like massages and qualiTEA tastings in the VIP Lounge. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as hosts Ms. Basketball, Lauren Simpson, Lacee Green, and PGS founder Aeshia DeVore Branch guided Sweat Sisters through a day packed with movement, motivation, and meaningful connection.
The festival featured an opening performance from Def Jam Recording artist Jai’Len Josey and workouts and demos across every style imaginable: the grounding rhythms of POUND led by Katoya Sumner, a soothing sound bath led by Michelle Sanchez, high-energy cardio with Kangoo Club Atlanta, cycling in the YARD with Sweat Cycle, GRND. Pilates with Jharde, and the lower-body burn of Mecca Day’s “Oh My Glutes!”
Fitness icon Jeanette Jenkins lit up the stage with her Ultimate Cross Training workout, while Deja Riley and Chanel “CoCo” Malvar led a line-dancing session that had the crowd moving in unison. Guests packed the COURT stage, following along step by step to a routine that perfectly captured the fun, unity, and rhythm of the Sweat Sisterhood. And the best part? You can check out the line dance tutorial video below and start practicing—because we’ll be bringing it back at all future PGSFEST events.
Honoring Leaders in Wellness
This year’s SWEATlebrity™️ Awards honored six powerful women who embody wellness and sisterhood in unique ways: Kiara Freeman, a certified trainer and founder of Just A Mom Collective, helps women feel strong and supported while balancing fitness and motherhood; Stephsblessedd, founder of Thick & Fit, redefines what “fit” looks like and champions inclusivity through raw storytelling and strength training; Alaina Laine inspires with her authenticity, sharing how fitness transformed her life and encouraging women to embrace wellness as a lifestyle; and Lacee Green, a nationally known Super Trainer and body positivity advocate, motivates women everywhere with her joyful spirit and inclusive workouts.
Every year at PGSFEST, we honor women in the wellness space who inspire others to live healthier, fuller lives—and we also surprise someone in attendance with a SWEATlebrity™️ Award. Typically, it’s one unexpected honoree, but in 2025 we took it up a notch and surprised two incredible women. The first was LaTodda Wallace, visionary founder of DSSD Inc., who uses step, dance, and mentorship to empower young girls and women with confidence and purpose. The second was Honey Lopez, fitness influencer and entrepreneur, who uplifts her loyal audience with high-energy workouts, beauty tips, and lifestyle content that make health and wellness approachable for all. Together, these surprise honorees embodied the diversity, strength, and inspiration at the heart of the Sweat Sisterhood, proving that recognition can be as joyful and empowering as the work itself.
Their recognition showcased the wide range of women leading with authenticity, passion, and purpose in the wellness space.
Adding to the experience, New York–based singer Nia Monet joined us to conduct intimate sit-down interviews with the SWEATlebrity™ honorees. These conversations allowed each woman to share her journey more deeply—her challenges, victories, and vision for the future—giving an even greater appreciation of the impact these leaders have beyond the stage.
The celebration continued by highlighting the PGS100STRONG, a group of 100 women who use their platforms year-round to amplify wellness, encourage balance, and build community. Seeing them united on stage was a reminder that influence multiplied by purpose can change lives across generations.
Giving Back While Sweating It Out
At its core, PGSFEST is about more than workouts—it’s about impact. During the SWEAT MAKES CENTS Challenge and check presentation, Aeshia led 500+ women through an annual 100 jumping jacks challenge and PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT proudly awarded donations to organizations championing youth health and leadership: DSSD Sorority, Girls on the Run Georgia, and the St. Francis High School Girls’ Basketball Team. Jai-Leta Colvard, founder of Just Jai Wear and Space of Grace also gave a contribution to our 501(c)3 nonprofit SWEAT MAKES CENTS.
These contributions reflected the festival’s mission to inspire women and girls to prioritize wellness while uplifting future generations.
The giving didn’t stop there. In a deeply moving moment, Inga Willis, an American politician from the Georgia Democratic Party who serves as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives representing District 55, took the stage to present PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT founder Aeshia DeVore Branch with an official proclamation from the State of Georgia. The honor recognized Aeshia’s tireless dedication to building PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT into a movement that inspires wellness, cultivates community, and combats childhood obesity nationwide. Adding to the emotion of the moment, her immediate family—including her husband, children, parents, and closest friends, many of whom are also leaders within the PGS team—were right by her side to witness and celebrate the recognition.
The surprise presentation brought the crowd to its feet, affirming the impact of the brand and its founder’s vision.
Conversations That Matter: The Power of Us Panel
Midday, the festival shifted from high-energy workouts to heartfelt dialogue with the Power of Us: Wellness, Wealth, and Womanhood panel. Moderated by PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT founder Aeshia DeVore Branch, the conversation featured a dynamic lineup: Dr. Barbara Joy Jones, board-certified family medicine physician passionate about helping women of color navigate midlife shifts; Dr. Joy Beckwith, nationally recognized psychologist, professor, and media voice on mental health and relationships; Jenné Claiborne, vegan chef, content creator, and author of Sweet Potato Soul and Vegan Vibes; Donni Wiggins, business development coach, serial entrepreneur, and co-host of the Social Proof Podcast; and Jeanette Jenkins, celebrity trainer, health coach, and founder of The Hollywood Trainer Club.
The panelists explored the intersections of health, financial empowerment, and community leadership—sharing candid stories about overcoming obstacles, building generational wealth, and prioritizing self-care without guilt. Their insights reminded Sweat Sisters that true wellness extends beyond the body to touch every area of life. The conversation closed with a standing ovation, as women left feeling informed, inspired, and more connected to their own power.
Find the Joy, Drop the Judgment
Throughout the day, Lacee Green led powerful motivation + movement sessions designed to spark reflection and renewal. Her signature experience, Find the Joy and Drop the Judgment, used simple props like towels and markers to create a moment of release and empowerment. Sweat Sisters were invited to write down the things they didn’t love about themselves on towels—from insecurities to limiting beliefs—before slamming those towels into the ground to symbolically let go of the weight of judgment.
In a climactic moment, Lacee guided everyone to throw their towels high into the air, reclaiming joy and self-acceptance together. The COURT stage erupted in cheers, laughter, and even tears as women shared in a collective release, making it one of the most memorable and emotional highlights of PGSFEST2025.
More Than a Workout—A Movement
Beyond the sweat sessions and awards, guests filled the Vendor Village to shop Black-owned businesses, enjoy giveaways, refuel with Smooth N Groove, and recharge at The Union Fit Hub Recovery Station. Between workouts, women cheered each other on, swapped stories, and made memories that embodied the festival’s mantra: There’s no hood like Sweat Sisterhood.
To make sure every detail of the day supported women’s comfort and confidence, The Honey Pot Company was fully stocked in all restrooms. Having natural, plant-based feminine care products readily available gave Sweat Sisters peace of mind—whether handling unexpected surprises, freshening up between workouts, or simply feeling cared for in the midst of a busy festival day. This thoughtful touch reinforced that PGSFEST isn’t just about sweating together—it’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where women can show up fully, without worry or hesitation.
Relive the Magic
Couldn’t be there or want to re-experience the vibe? Relive the magic of the day by streaming the official PGSFEST2025 soundtrack below.
Closing With Gratitude
The day wrapped with closing remarks from Aeshia DeVore Branch and the host team, who thanked the powerhouse partners—including New Balance, The Hollywood Trainer, Vie Beauty, Sweat Cycle, Mocktail Club, MA929, The Union Fit Hub, qualiTEA, and Kangoo Club Atlanta—and recognized the vendors, production crew, and volunteers who made the event possible.
PGSFEST2025 was more than a festival. It was proof that when women gather with intention, the result is powerful, joyful, and transformative.
See You Next Year!
As Sweat Sisters exited the venue—tired yet glowing—the excitement for what’s next was already in the air. Mark your calendars now: PGSFEST 2026 returns to Atlanta on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Save the date, and don’t miss your chance to be part of history. Early bird tickets drop October 1, 2025. To join us at the next Ultimate Sweat Sisterhood Homecoming., subscribe to our mailing list.