Galentine's Meet Up

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A mindful celebration of friendship, self-love & connection

This Valentine’s, let’s slow down, step outside, and celebrate love in its many forms.

This Galentine's meetup is a gentle, nourishing Sunday experience designed to help you reconnect — with yourself, with nature, and with like-hearted people.

Come as you are. Leave feeling softer, fuller, and more connected.

12:30pm – Arrivals & Welcome
We’ll meet at Daisy Green Café, Holland Park to gather, settle in, and say hello.

1:00pm – Mindful Walk in Kyoto Gardens
Led by our Founder Essi, this guided mindful walk through the beautiful Kyoto Gardens invites you to slow down, drop out of the busy buzz of life, and arrive fully in the present moment.

2:00pm – Coffee, Books & Heartful Conversation at Cherry On Cafe
We’ll walk together to Cherry On for lunch or coffee, where we’ll gather for:

• 📚 A book exchange – bring a book you’ve loved and leave with a new one
• 💬 A guided conversation on the topic of self-love
• 💌 A self-love note you’ll write for yourself to keep
• 💖 A love note from a sister present to take home

📖 Optional Adventure: Saucy Books
For those who wish to continue, we’ll finish by visiting Saucy Books, London’s "flirtiest" and one-and-only romance genre bookshop — a playful, joyful way to close the afternoon.

• Valentine’s feels complicated, tender, or you want to celebrate it differently
• You crave meaningful connection without pressure or small talk
• You love gentle creativity, books, and soulful conversations
• You want to honour friendship and self-love just as much as romantic love

• A book you’re ready to pass on
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• An open heart (everything else is optional)

TESTIMONIALS:

"The art walk and talk was amazing. It was thoroughly organised. Logistics was sent a few days before hand. Women were lovely and the facilitators were kind. You didn't need to know art and just come along for a unique experince as a group. I felt a nice sisterhood energy and there was diversity in ages, race and a support for lgbt community which highlights it ethos for togetherness. So glad I went."

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"The group were very open and honest, and the walk was lovely. There was no pressure to talk if we didn’t feel like it during our circle which was great for new or shy members. "

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"It was a last minute booking for me the night before, I just thought, “hey, why not? Go for it!” It exceeded my expectations. I arrived a bit late, in a bit of a fluster, and feeling a bit drained and emotional. I left feeling completely different - my heart was full! Spent hours chatting with the lovely ladies I met, and even ended up going to the cinema with a couple of them after the walk!"

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"Lovely group with a wonderful purpose, to form connections in whatever way you are needing that particular day or time in your life. I appreciated how it felt very inclusive and personal. I will definitely be returning 😊"

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"It was genial, I loved talking to all the women whom I found very inspiring and amazing for various reasons. I was apprehensive as don't always find it easy to access my feminine softer side so often nothing labeled women only I sometimes approach with wary, but I'm happy I've done this, it was incredible being in this amazing space with amazing women. I was surprised I've opened up much more than I expected. I loved the meditative experience and oracle card sharing stories. Also the location was gorgeous. Had an absolutely beautiful time."

ABOUT CONNECTED YOU COMMUNITY

Self-connection is the transformation.

We create heart-led coaching and mentoring experiences where we guide you to back to what matters: back home to yourself.

We bring people together through circles, walk-and-talk clubs, creative clubs, soul-nourishing events and retreats, creating transformative spaces that are accessible, joyful, and full of heart.

At Connected You, we believe in the power of self-connection to transform everything.

We believe that meaningful connection starts within. That deeper relationships, clarity, and courage come when you pause and meet yourself honestly — with compassion, curiosity, and care.

Founded by Essi Auguste Virtanen, a coach and former journalist who knows the power of story, Connected You began as a lifeline during lockdown — a place for people to feel seen, heard, and held. Essi’s work blends the art of storytelling with evidence-based coaching to create spaces that are real, restorative, and deeply human.

We believe belonging is our birthright. And when we wear our hearts on our sleeves, we create a world where meaningful connection is easier to find — and self-connection becomes a daily practice that changes everything.

OUR VALUES

Connection is our everything.

Curiosity is our love language.

Courage is how we move through the world.

Belonging is our birthright.

Our Mission

We strive to make community and support accessible to all, ensuring our events are affordable. No one should be denied connection due to financial constraints.

In a world that is filled with separation and juxtaposition, people feel more disconnected than ever. We believe in creating confidential, safe, inclusive spaces to connect both virtually and in person to battle against this disconnection we see through high statistics of depression, loneliness, and suicide.

To be part of the tribe, join our mailing list to hear first what happens next at: https://connected-you-letters-with-essi.beehiiv.com/

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Essi Auguste Virtanen