When I began working from home full-time, I had a profound realization that my social life was not as rich as I thought it was. What I was missing was a group of girlfriends I could spend time with - hanging out in a living room discussing world events, health, and fashion; collaborating on interesting projects; taking trips; and being there for each other to celebrate our victories and provide support during challenging times. 
 

But where could I find them? As a professional, I have always prioritized networking events to help myself find meaningful connections. But after a decade, I couldn’t think of a single connection or a friend I made through that experience. Was it just me? Why was it so difficult for me to make genuine connections? Being an immigrant, I also wondered if it was a cultural thing. 

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After researching the psychology of how women make connections, I had an aha moment. Most of the networking events are built for a male style of interpersonal connection, lacking the atmosphere and the emotional nuance that allows women to form meaningful relationships. What I sought—and what so many women crave—was missing.

 

Setting

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Then there was the setting. Drinks, dinners, the same predictable format. Why do we limit connection to these rituals that so often create more distance than closeness? There is so much richness in our lives! I longed for the experiences that are different - with depth, presence, fun and curiosity. Something that went beyond what we've experiences so many times.

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Committment

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And yet, there were practical barriers. As a corporate leader in my 30s, my time was scarce, and making the effort to meet new people often felt like one more task on an already full list. 

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Often, I’d meet someone, and invest in building a connection, only to discover that we weren’t on the same page in terms of prioritizing our relationship. This was draining and also made me realize that I had to develop a new set of skills for navigating the complexities of adult female friendships. Some days, after a long day of work, I simply didn’t have the energy to think about planning and organizing a meeting with someone. Many times, discouraged, I opted to cancel plans and meet at a later date that never came.

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A new way to connect

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That’s when I understood that women need a new way to connect—a way that honors our natural desire for depth and intimacy developed through shared experiences, helps build the skills to navigate the complexities of adult relationships, and recognizes the reality of our busy lives.

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I created Ensō to help meet this need. It’s a way for women to connect with a shared purpose but without the pressure of forced networking or draining small talk. It’s a place that allows for joyful, engaging, and meaningful connections—because connection should never feel like a chore. It should feel like coming home.