Woman devastated as everyone bails on her 'vision board' party. Then something incredible happened.

When 32-year-old wedding photographer Beka Gillis (@bekagillis) moved from Atlanta, Georgia, to Sacramento, California, after the pandemic, she hoped to find a community of like-minded friends. However, navigating life alone led her into a deep depression that lasted for years. Eventually, she began to pull herself out of this dark period by attending events and making connections. Before the New Year 2025, Beka invited 30 women to a “vision board party,” feeling optimistic about her friendships. But when nearly all the women canceled at the last minute, the hurt was overwhelming. Teary-eyed and vulnerable, she shared her feelings on TikTok, and the video resonated with millions.

"I'm so sad right now, bestie. I planned a vision board party six weeks in advance, sent out real invitations and invited 30 girls, of one I'm only close with. It is just so hard to make friends and build community when you're in your 30s and in a place you're not from and that's just what I'm trying to do," Beka said, her voice quivering.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Beka shared that she had always been someone who valued being part of a community. “I just feel like it's so important. We weren't meant to walk the world alone,” she expressed. While she noticed that people her age were often too set in their ways to connect, she recalled advice her mom had given her long ago: “If you can't find it, go create it.” Inspired by this, Beka embarked on a mission to transform her life and find her happiness.

In the video, Beka explained the effort and money she invested in planning the vision board party. "Seven girls RSVPd 'yes' and that was so exciting,” she noted. "I spent so much time and so much money preparing for this party. I have this cute disco and fresh floral spread on the table. Menu, food, all of the vision board supplies," including letters, balloons, notecards, and even gifts. But alas, no one showed up.

As the cancellations piled up one by one, Beka had a "little mental breakdown," she told the outlet. "I was down to two girls when I sent them a text, 'Can't wait to see you today!' One girl was sick and the other didn't even answer me," she recalled. “It’s just discouraging,” she expressed to her viewers, before breaking down into tears. Wiping the teardrops from her face, she sighed. Ultimately, she ended the video on a positive note, sharing her bold spirit: “I’m still gonna make my vision board though. We still got goals. We still gotta crush them.” With that, Beka signed off, admitting she needed a good cry before wrapping up the video.

In the comments section, over 13,000 people consoled her with words of comfort and encouragement. @lolcheermelody wrote, “I would gather your things and call a woman’s shelter or nursing home and go enjoy time with them, I know it’s not what you wanted but it would totally make their day.”

Feeling dejected, Beka was ready to create her vision board alone, but then her mom suggested she host a virtual vision board party. Thousands of TikTokers echoed the same idea in the comments. The suggestion turned out to be just what she needed. On January 11, she hosted her first virtual vision board party, and she's set to hold another one on January 19.

This experience made Beka realize the power of sharing vulnerability with others. "I think vulnerability is a superpower. Ever since I've had a TikTok, I've used it as an outlet to express myself, especially when I moved and wasn't talking to people as much. Even though I want to believe it happens as it's supposed to, I definitely felt discouraged," she shared.

You can follow Beka Gillis (@bekagillis) on TikTok to check up on more details of her ongoing vision board parties.