What an incredible panel we had at The Women’s Lounge for our first Thursday Talk where we explored the power within ourselves and how we can tap into our infinite potential. It was an evening filled with enlightening discussions and thought-provoking insights. Here are some key take aways! One of our inspiring speakers, Bhavna Bharvani, emphasised the significance of embracing discomfort. Yes, you heard that right! Discomfort can be a catalyst for discovering our true capabilities. It pushes us to step out of our comfort zones and explore new horizons. And if you are anything like me, you have felt discomfort more than a few times over the last few years. So, moving forward we can choose to embrace those moments of unease, and explore the path they take us. Andrea Prince, our second amazing speaker, highlighted the importance of creating space for ourselves. Taking the time to reflect on our strengths and struggles is crucial on our journey of self-discovery. By acknowledging who we truly are, we can harness our potential and make a positive impact internally and externally. It is not ab out trying to achieve perfection, rather, owning those events that have shaped us and using it as fuel to show up! There was opportunity to share in this safe space, and during this time, we were fortunate enough to hear from one of our participants who gifted us with a fantastic snippet from a podcast listened to. It was a beautiful paradox "Being confident in acknowledging our lack of confidence, and that can boost self-assurance." So, let's embrace our vulnerabilities and watch our confidence soar! As the event wrapped up, our moderator and speakers left us with three empowering assignments. First, explore your triggers and understand what pushes your boundaries. Second, create space for yourself to reflect, recharge, and grow. And finally, challenge yourself to step into the realm of discomfort and do something that scares you. Remember, growth happens outside of our comfort zones! Oh, and guess what? Our wonderful speaker Andrea Prince offered a raffle giveaway! Three lucky participants won a complimentary session with her. How awesome is that?! Now, let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible atmosphere at the panel. The Women's Lounge was buzzing with positive energy, inclusivity, and empowerment. It truly felt like a safe and supportive space where everyone could share, connect and thrive. If you missed out on our Panel, don't worry! We have another exciting event coming up. Explore your creative side at the Art Workshop with Aya Mingaz! Discover Aya's unique, relaxing, alcohol ink technique and create a work of art. 4/F, Hollywood Commercial House , 3-5 Old Bailey St, Central RSVP here So, mark your calendars and join us for a night of creativity and relaxation! Remember, you have infinite potential within you. Embrace discomfort, create space for yourself, and challenge yourself to grow. Together, we can unlock the extraordinary and make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Speak Soon, 💋 Women of Hong Kong

“Open, welcoming, bright, inviting and inclusive" These are the words that our members brought up when we asked about what they thought of The Women’s Lounge, when they first stepped into the open doors last Tuesday night. Gaming gals and guys attended our first of many signature weeknight events in this vibrant space. Get in quick and book here: This inaugural event at The Women's Lounge was electrifying. We marked the beginning of our groundbreaking Games Night Tuesday series open to all, it was a blast. Our attendees were left with an unforgettable experience, learning new games like ThinkFast and MTV Trivia! Old favourites made an appearance too, and an EPIC monopoly showdown on the terrace. No games night is complete without some delicious refreshments, and our attendees were treated to a great selection. The Mohlia Chianti and Lectcha Ginseng Tonic Kombucha drinks provided the perfect fuel for some serious competitive game playing. Expect to try them again as our drink sponsors for the month of November. This is just the start of a captivating journey at The Women's Lounge. We're inviting you to be part of the adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on our upcoming activities, membership launches, and Christmas markets. We've got a diverse range of events in store, tailored to suit all. We are sincerely grateful for all the people that came and made games night a success. We loved the wholehearted engagement of our cherished members and their friends! The atmosphere of inclusivity and empowerment that enveloped the event has left a lasting impression on all. Missed out on tickets to Games Night? Come try the Business Blitz on Monday! https://www.womenofhongkong.com/event-details/business-blitz-13

Blog updated on 22 AUG 23 to reflect recent changes to the venue. If you've been following our journey, you would know that we've had the opportunity to build a space so aptly named the Common Room. It was quaint, cosy, and, most importantly, meant to be a safe little space for our members! It is true when they say that life often has a peculiar way of teaching us invaluable lessons, especially through unexpected twists and turns. Just when we think we have lost something precious, things return to us in ways we could never have imagined. Fast forward to today, we have been blessed with a bigger and better space. It no longer is a room for our members, but rather a collaborative space, an inclusive space for our members to recharge, work, network, showcase and support each other’s businesses. We’d like to officially introduce you to... The Women’s Lounge At the Women’s Lounge, our goal is to create an environment that amplifies personal and professional growth, cultivate a culture of collaboration, and embrace diverse perspectives and experiences. We believe that empowerment and support are the catalysts for growth and success. By harnessing this strength, we can create a positive and lasting impact in our community for generations to come. Mission & Vision Social wellness is crucial for overall well-being. Having a dedicated space allows individuals to come together and build positive relationships and connections with others. It’s our mission to promote a sense of community and belonging, leading to improved mental health outcomes, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and increased happiness and life satisfaction. We envision our space to serve as a resource providing opportunities to learn new skills, participate in group activities, and engage in meaningful conversations with others. What You'll Find in Our Space As you step in... ▪️ The Vendors Space You will be welcomed into our reception where we proudly showcase the business and products of our dedicated members. This area is curated to offer a nostalgic experience, reminiscent of stepping into your grandmother's foyer. Here, you'll find her most precious items beautifully displayed, reflecting the diverse talents and passions of our inspiring community. ▪️ The Lounge and Common Room Areas As you pass through the Vendors Space, you'll enter a lounge replica designed to inspire and encourage collaboration. With a main table for brainstorming, and a cosy day bed for daydreaming, this space is perfect for fostering creativity and connection. Take a break from your busy day by exploring the two columns of bookshelves, filled with a diverse array of literature to help you brainstorm ideas or refresh your mind. ▫️ Adjacent to the main table, you'll find banquette seats and individual tables at sizes of 65*80cm to encourage more focused work. This is where it sets apart from being a lounge area, reminiscent of common rooms or co-working spaces. ▪️ The Meeting Room This space is secluded and a professional environment where you can conduct confidential discussions, brainstorm ideas, and collaborate with clients or team members without any distractions. With a projector screen and a meeting table that seats 8-10 members, it'll foster productivity, encourage focused conversations, and enhance the overall professionalism of your business interactions, ensuring that you can make the most out of your workday in a conducive and private setting. There's also going to be coffee and alkaline water provided on the house! ▪️ The Pantry With tall bar tables and a versatile kitchen island, our space encourages collaboration and breaks away from traditional workspaces. But it's not just about work; we understand the importance of connection and creativity, which is why our tall tables and kitchen island easily combine, creating a hub of possibilities to accommodate our members' workshops (candle-making, calligraphy, tarot-reading, anything under the sun!). At the end of the room sits our counter, giving access to freshly brewed coffee and all-you-can-drink alkaline water, acknowledging the significance of nourishing both body and mind. And beside it, a screen displays our members' business directory, eliminating barriers and paving the way for authentic connections to form. ▪️ The Terrace The cherry on top, with a 600 square feet terrace, this versatile space is where members can embrace the beauty of the outdoors while finding solace or engaging in productive activities. Whether you prefer working under the warm rays of the sun or seeking a moment of tranquility, our terrace provides the perfect setting. It is an oasis where you can find solitude amidst the hustle and bustle of the co-working environment. Additionally, the terrace serves as an ideal spot to step out and join or host yoga or meditation sessions, allowing you to find balance and rejuvenation in the midst of your busy day. ▪️ The Ceiling Fans We believe that every small step towards sustainability has the power to make a profound impact on our environment and society as a whole. Furthermore, "The Ceiling Fans" is a beautiful ode to our team's cultural backgrounds and heritage. A sneak-peak of the first draft of our floor plan by House of Butler. How the Lounge will Operate Our operating hours have been thoughtfully designed to cater to the diverse needs and schedules of our members. We are committed to providing flexibility and accessibility, ensuring that you can make the most of your membership. Hours of Operation On weekdays we'll be open from 8:00am to 8:00pm whilst on weekends we'll be open from 9:00am to 8:00pm or subject to event/activity schedule. We also have two types of curated operating hours from Monday to Friday called Solitude and Buzz. We encourage members to invite friends and family to our "Open House" events on weekends! We recognise the importance of accommodating diverse schedules so in due course, we will be extending weekend operating hours to Saturdays 9:00am-9:00pm, and Sundays 9:00am-8:00pm. What is Solitude hours? We understand the importance of taking a break from the hustle and bustle of work and daily life. That's why we have designated time for solitude where distractions such as phone calls and loud noises are not permitted. During this time, individuals can focus on their own thoughts, feelings, and tasks. Whether it's through meditation, journaling, or simply enjoying the silence, this dedicated time for solitude and focus can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth and development. Solitude Hours Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 11:00am and 2:00pm to 5:00pm. What is Buzz hours? In contrast, we also recognise the need for connection and collaboration. That's why we have designated Buzz Hours where phone calls and meetings are permitted, and conversation is encouraged. This is a time for open communication, brainstorming, and building relationships with colleagues, friends, and peers. Whether it's hosting a meeting, engaging in a lively debate, or simply catching up with a friend, this dedicated time for connecting with others can be a powerful tool for building meaningful relationships and achieving shared goals. Buzz Hours Monday to Friday from 11:00am to 2:00pm and 5:00pm till closed Token Indicator DND / AVAILABLE We do understand that not everyone is able to work according to a fixed schedule and would sometimes still need to focus during Buzz Hours. So to tackle that, we are so excited to announce that we will be implementing a token system where members can indicate their availability to connect or their preference for a do-not-disturb mode. Similar to popular work platforms, this token will have a red side for "DND" and a green side for "available," providing a visual cue to others. Events & Activities We grasp the transformative power of events and activities in fostering authentic connections, personal growth, and professional development. Crafting events that are inclusive, empowering, and vibrant is a crucial component of our mission to advocate for success and create a community of support and equity. From networking events, workshop sessions to panels, each carefully curated activity provides a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and elevate careers. Lounge Schedule Business Monday Monday evenings will be dedicated to helping businesses flourish through networking, including industry nights, mentorship opportunities, or "Meet&Greet" influential individuals. Tuesday Games Tuesday evenings is when we come together to play a variety of games. We welcome seasoned gamers or newbies to the world of games. Think card games, UNO, Monopoly, Scrabble, Catan, Game of Life, Charades and more! Wednesday Workshops Workshops hosted by members, for members. The workshops are designed to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, skill-building, and community engagement. Thursday Talks Think panels and fireside chats hosted by members, for members. These talks are designed to provide opportunities for learning and speaking up about important topics. Friday Socials Friday evenings are all about socialising and having fun! Join us for theme night parties, cocktails, and entertainment. Whether you're a member or not, everyone is welcome to unwind after a busy week and make new friends. Saturday (Family & Friends) Saturdays are for family fun! Members can host workshops, activities, and events like arts and crafts, cooking, and fitness for kids. Afternoons are for socialising with friends over book clubs, clothing swaps, or brunch. Sunday (Is for Giving Back) Sundays are a time for members to give back to the community by hosting workshops, activities, and events that are free for migrant workers and refugees. Members can organise a range of events, from language classes to cultural workshops, to sports activities. Collaborations & Private Events Can the Women's Lounge be booked for events? Absolutely! Can we collaborate on an event? Of course! The Meeting Room and The Terrace are available for booking whilst the The Pantry is available for hosting events. Whether you're organising an important business meeting, hosting a thought-provoking or interactive workshop, or gathering fellow trailblazers for a brainstorming session these spaces are your canvas to create and connect. Do we need a Venue Pass? Yes. While our space is dedicated to serve as a sanctuary for our members, we want to emphasise that our doors are open for connection. This can easily be unlocked by holding a venue pass or an event ticket. Monthly Pass, Day Pass & Benefits Stay tuned ;) We'll announce this soon! If you've read all the way through, thank you! You're an epitome of support and we invite you to join our dynamic community of diverse women at The Women's Lounge. Remember, this isn't just brick and mortar. This is a testament of a space where we celebrate our unique stories and empower each other to unleash our full potential. We strive to make a lasting impact, change lives, and shape a brighter future, and your presence and voice make all the difference. Let's continue to rewrite the narrative and create a world where every woman's dreams can thrive. Together, we are unstoppable! 💪🌟✨ On behalf of the WOHK team, With love and in support, Faith Baguisa Co-Creator of The Women's Lounge & Community Manager of Women of Hong Kong

*Blog edited on 22 Aug 23 due to copyright reasons* © Denise Pontak What a night that was! We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you who joined us last night. Your presence truly made the night shine with empowerment and connection. ✨ We want to give a special shout-out to those of you who attended for the very first time, especially to those of you who bravely opened up about your journeys with social anxiety. We see you 🥹, and we are bursting with pride for your courage in stepping outside of your comfort zones. You inspire us to push boundaries and conquer our fears, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our vibrant community. Before we proceed, we would like to take a moment to express our sincerest gratitude to our generous sponsors. We are immensely grateful for the sponsors who provided our attendees with special gifts, which added an extra touch of joy and made the event even more memorable. Your contributions played a significant role in the success of the event, and we truly appreciate it! Your support and belief in our mission allows us to create transformative spaces and experiences that uplift and inspire. We couldn't have done it without you! Now, let's set the scene and share a little behind-the-scenes story. Prior to the gathering, we were faced with a hurdle. One mishap occurred when my multi-destination ride 👀 left with everything we needed for the event. 🤯 Can you imagine?! We were left without our outfits (ahem, MY BRA), heels, hair straightener, steam iron, makeup, accessories, (and even my tampons) and all the bits and bobs we needed to set up the event. We were in a frenzy to prepare for the event, and all I had on hand was my phone, wallet and a set of the goodie bags print-outs (thank F* we packed the night before!). In that moment of panic, I hurried to our bare-shell space, The Women's Lounge. As I took a calming breath on our terrace, it dawned on me that our incredible community of women wouldn't be bothered by the absence of a little red bow on the goodie bags, the drink vouchers not being printed on card paper, or even if I wasn't wearing a bra... They would understand that what we are building here is so much bigger than just hosting an event. We are creating a space where women can thrive, where we can support one another not only in business and personal growth but also in those tiny, everyday moments that alleviate stress. Had our Women's Lounge already been established, I would have found everything I needed! I was fortunate to have my best friend and founder of this wonderful network, Sarah, by my side in the safest place we could ever be (albeit no furnitures yet) – a place where our dreams and visions flourish, even when braless😂. Together, we navigated the unexpected and came out stronger, reminding us all of the incredible power of friendship and the resilience of women. Lastly, we want to acknowledge that building businesses in Hong Kong can be an extraordinary financial challenge. That's why we turn to you, our incredible community, for support. If you're able to contribute in any way, whether it's through funding, sponsorships, or simply joining our events, we would be incredibly grateful. It is your unwavering support that has allowed our community to grow exponentially, and we cannot thank you enough. 🙏🏽 Together, let's continue to uplift, inspire, and build a community where every woman feels supported, celebrated, and empowered. On behalf of the WOHK team, With love and gratitude, Faith Baguisa Co-Creator of The Women's Lounge & Community Manager of Women of Hong Kong

What a wonderful Friday it is to share the news that several of our Digital Access Members have been nominated for the Honeycombers' Love Local: Readers Choice Awards 2023. We are immensely proud of these remarkable individuals who have demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication, not only to our WOHK community but also going above and beyond to making a significant impact through their hard work. It is truly inspiring to see some of them even leaving their corporate jobs, driven by a deep desire to make a difference. Their efforts serve as an inspiration to us all! Today, we want to shine a spotlight on them and invite our readers to drop them a vote for being pillars in our community! Why Your Vote Matters: Our Digital Access Members have been instrumental in fostering a strong sense of community and driving positive change through their support. By voting for these exceptional individuals, you are recognising their hard work and dedication, and helping further amplify their impact. Your vote can make a significant difference in supporting our community pillars and encouraging them to continue their valuable work. Reminders: Members Meet Up - Early Bird Tickets Going Quickly, Don't Miss Out! If you have any questions or would like to discuss opportunities to collaborate, please feel free to reach out to me at faith@womenofhongkong.com. I would be more than happy to hear your ideas and discuss any potential partnerships. With love, Faith Baguisa Co-Creator of The Women's Lounge & Community Manager of Women of Hong Kong

We are thrilled to share exciting updates with you! As we continue to grow and evolve, it is our goal to ensure that every action we take directly benefits our members. With this in mind, we are introducing a variety of new features to our memberships. We genuinely appreciate your support and are honoured to have you as part of our WOHK community! The Reason for the Switch As some of you may have heard, we have recently acquired a venue. This enables our members the chance to connect with the community both online and in person. We recognise that many of you appreciate the value of both worlds, so we have revamped our membership structure to accommodate this! Introducing the New Membership Tiers ⭐ Digital Access Membership (previously known as All-Access Membership) This membership tier grants you the ability to upload your business and upcoming events to our website, a feature on our social platforms, a blog article feature, exclusive invites to private events, as well as connecting with our members through our group chats. You can see the full list of benefits here. The Digital Access Membership is now available for purchase. In honour of 2 years worth of connections, use the discount codes below for membership upgrade! Use code UNSTOPPABLE for 40% off annual membership (only 768HKD) Use code ADDOIL for 30% off monthly membership (only 96HKD) Click HERE to upgrade your current membership ⭐ Venue Pass Membership (new!) With the opening of our upcoming venue, the Venue Pass Membership grants you access to our upcoming members' lounge, where there are endless opportunities for connection. "WFH" or collaborate with members, achieve high productivity levels during our Solitude & Focus hours, access educational workshops, products by members, and social gatherings. The Venue Pass will be available for purchase in mid-August 2023. Our Women of Hong Kong Lounge will be opening in September 2023! ⭐ The New All-Access Membership (as of July 2023) This membership tier is a combination of utilising both the Digital Access Membership and the Venue Pass Membership, giving you full access and control of what Women of Hong Kong has to offer. The best of both worlds! The All-Access Membership will be available for purchase starting in August! If you are currently a holder of our Digital Access membership, you will be notified once the All-Access Membership becomes available. As a valued member, you will have the ability to upgrade to the new membership tier as soon as it is released. We hope these updates put a smile on your face! If you do choose to upgrade your membership, remember that your support will help our team acquire the necessary resources to take our network to new heights. We appreciate your decision to invest in our community and look forward to further progressing together. If you have any questions or would like to discuss opportunities to collaborate, please feel free to reach out to me at faith@womenofhongkong.com. I would be more than happy to hear your ideas and discuss any potential partnerships. With love, Faith Baguisa Co-Creator of Women of Hong Kong Lounge

A conversation can sometimes last a lot longer than it should. Whether you've had a great chat or you'd just like to be done talking, there are ways that you can exit a conversation politely and respectfully. Maybe there was a lull in the conversation and you had nothing left to add. Maybe you're having a conversation with your boss about a bad review from your direct report and it's making it awkward. Maybe someone in your friend group always has something negative to say and you're sick of it. Here are ten ways to exit a conversation politely and respectfully in person: "It was really nice talking to you, but I don't want to keep you from other things you need to do." "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I have to run to another meeting. It was great to see you!" "I don't want to take up too much of your time, so I'll let you go. It was great catching up with you!" "I'm going to grab some food before the cafeteria closes. It was nice chatting with you!" "I have to get going, but let's continue this conversation soon. It's been really interesting!" "I don't want to keep you from other people you need to talk to. It was great to meet you!" "I should probably get back to work, but it was really nice talking with you. Have a great day!" "I'm going to head out, but it was great seeing you. Let's catch up again soon!" "I have to leave, but it was a pleasure meeting you. Have a great day!" "I'm going to go grab some coffee, but it was great chatting with you. Let's do it again sometime!" Remember to be polite, respectful, and genuine when exiting a conversation. By doing so, you'll leave a positive impression and help maintain good relationships with others. Learn these tips and you can be sure to never leave a conversation feeling awkward or embarrassed again! Plus, mastering the art of small talk will make you feel more confident when you have to move on from one conversation to another. Happy networking!