On October 2, 2026, I had the great fortune of being a breakout speaker and exhibitor at the 29th Annual Living In Vitality (LIV) Conference at the Overland Park Convention Center. AdventHealth hosts the event each year, and this year’s theme, “LIV Your Mark,” was a wonderful source of inspiration and motivation.
The atmosphere at LIV is one of the most positive I have ever experienced. The conference gives 1,200 women a day of inspiration, fun, and focus on the topics that matter most to them. Attendees heard national keynote speakers, attended breakout sessions, and even caught up on their vaccinations. Talk about multitasking! No wonder it sells out months in advance.
Mary Frances Haake (center) talking color analysis with attendees at the Color Compass Studio table at LIV 2026. What a joy to meet so many wonderful women!
Talking Color Analysis at the Color Compass Studio Table
During LIV, I met at least 200 women at the Color Compass Studio table! A dear friend (and client) helped me and shared so many great insights from her own Color and Style Analysis experience.
Attendees had great questions about color analysis and shared stories about wanting to make the most of what’s already in their closets. I could feel their excitement about color, and the frustration a woman feels when she looks fine but wants to look great.
We talked about the color analysis process and why understanding your undertones matters when choosing makeup. Some were surprised to learn that I carry a makeup line formulated to highlight the beauty of each seasonal palette. These conversations renewed my energy for the mission of my business: to uncover the natural beauty in each and every woman.
My Breakout Session: How Color and Style Tell Your Story
After lunch, I presented two breakout sessions titled “LIV Your Mark: How Color and Style Tell Your Story.” Here are a few highlights:
Color and style tell a story. Movies and television use them to reveal important details about their characters.
What we wear shapes how others see us. Healthcare research has looked at how patients perceive healthcare professionals based on the colors and styles they wear.
Neutrals are the foundation of your wardrobe, and every season has its own best neutrals.
Old messages still shape our choices. We talked about how things we’ve heard can keep us wanting to blend in.
Color communicates. Some shades convey confidence, while others make us more approachable.
Apart from one AV glitch, I loved every moment of sharing what I’ve learned about the impact of color and style. Thank you to everyone who introduced yourselves and signed up for my monthly newsletter. All told, I connected with about 500 fantastic women that day. Who could ask for anything better?
A packed room for “LIV Your Mark: How Color and Style Tell Your Story” at LIV 2026. Thank you to everyone who joined me!
Book a Color & Style Speaker for Your Kansas City Group
Talking about the impact of personal color and style is one of my favorite things to do. Just ask anyone who knows me! In addition to LIV in 2025 and 2026, I’ve presented at the KU Cancer Center Monthly Symposium, team-building events, and civic groups.
If you know a group that would love to learn more, please reach out. And if you’d like to discover your own best colors, book your Color Analysis at Color Compass Studio.