20 | Nourish Social: A more human way to connect

Like a lot of people in the creative industry, I’ve spent more hours than I care to count at networking events that left me feeling deflated. Networking is daunting, especially for those of us that are more naturally introverted. I’ve stood on the sidelines, trying to find an opening in conversations; I’ve left events feeling drained rather than inspired, and I’ve seen the same uncomfortable dynamics play out again and again – especially for younger professionals, quieter voices, and women.

I’m not a big drinker, and the thought of an alcohol-fuelled networking event fills me with dread. In the past I have left feeling judged, or been made to feel like the ‘odd one out’ for not abiding to the ‘British norms’ of always needing a drink in hand, where professional lines can so easily be blurred.

I wanted something different. Something warmer that wasn’t about just pitching yourself over a glass of warm prosecco, but about making space for genuine connection, in an environment that felt truly inclusive and welcoming. That’s how Nourish Social began.

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What is Nourish Social?

At its core, Nourish Social is about creating space to connect, reflect, and grow – without the pressure or pre tense of typical networking. Each event is built around the simple idea that, if we make people feel comfortable and curious, in an environment that is both inspiring and welcoming, the conversation and meaningful connections will follow.

Every instalment of Nourish Social centres around the idea of feeding your mind, body and soul. With a focus on learning something new, and feeding both your brain and your body (we are feeders after all!). We’ve hosted workshops on everything from investing and personal finance, to understanding your gut. We’ve gathered under the glittering disco ball in our Leeds studio and at the beautiful Lineham Farm, home to our charity partner Leeds Children’s Charity. We’ve tasted chocolate, mixed cocktails and mocktails, and sipped some of the world’s rarest coffee. Whatever the format, it's always about bringing people together in ways that feel natural, and allowing them to leave feeling fulfilled and inspired.

The feedback has been so rewarding too. People have told us they feel more confident showing up to future events, that they’ve made great connections, and that it’s the first time they’ve felt genuinely included in a creative and energising space.

“Wonderful atmosphere, it says so much about you as a company”  Laura, Nourish 5 Attendee

“Such inspiring conversations and gorgeous drink and food pairings, more of the same please!”  Sophie, Nourish 6 Attendee

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The story so far

Every Nourish Social has had its own flavour, but all have been designed to feed the body, mind, and soul.

Nourish 1: We kicked things off with a session on Personal Branding and Values, paired with a beautiful chocolate tasting hosted by master pâtissière chef Claire Gallagher.

Nourish 2: A well-balanced afternoon covering Personal Finance & Investing  with Mike Johnson (our in-house finance boffin), alongside a fun low-alcohol cocktail session with the team from Double Six Drinks.

Nourish 3: A calm and grounding event focused on Creating Calm Amongst the Chaos  with Ben Mitchell from Leeds Business Institute, and a deep dive into some of the world’s rarest coffee with Matt from Maude Coffee Roasters.

Nourish 4: We returned to the theme of balance, setting the new year off on the right foot exploring Goal Setting and deep diving into Understanding Your Gut, with Ayurvedic practitioner Mabel Armitage

Nourish 5: Our first countryside Netwalk, revelling in the joys of spring with our charity partner Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm – combining a picnic with fresh air, informal chats, and space to decompress and enjoy the great outdoors.

Nourish 6: An Aperitivo-style summer social with Double Six Drinks – relaxed, open, and the perfect way to end the summer season on a high!

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"For me, the main takeaway from the events we’ve already hosted has been from simply taking the time to read the room; seeing the smiling faces of people engaging in ways that feel organic and natural, with everyone being included. The genuine connections that have formed are proof to me that Nourish Social is truly achieving what it was always meant to - creating space for meaningful connection and making people feel welcome and appreciated."

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Why we believe in it

For us, Nourish Social isn’t just a nice extra - it’s part of our philosophy at OurCreative. It’s a natural extension of how we work. We’re curious, collaborative and always up for a good chat over something tasty! We know that great work comes from great relationships, and those relationships grow best in spaces where people feel safe, seen, and supported.

We are better together, and Nourish Social is a true refection of that. It’s about feeling like a part of something, and the organic conversations that flow when you are together under one roof. These socials bring the spirit of our studio into the wider world.

Networking doesn’t have to be awkward, it doesn’t have to be loud, and it doesn’t have to be daunting. It can actually be something nourishing that everyone can look forward to, allowing you to learn something new and meet some new faces along the way.

What’s next?

We’re already planning the next Nourish event – returning to the beautiful Lineham Farm on Friday 24th October – and we’d love for you to join us.

This will be an Autumnal Netwalk designed to help you pause, reflect, and connect in nature. We will also be joined by Ray McCaughan from Horizon Health, who will be helping us recognise and deal with the impact of stress before tucking into some cosy seasonal eats.

It’s a chance to shake off the noise, breathe in the fresh air, and spend time with interesting people you might not otherwise meet, with a hot chocolate (or two) in hand.

As always, this isn’t about selling or schmoozing. It’s about being present, having good conversations, and giving yourself the space to slow down a little.

If you’d like to join us please reach out to Alyssia@our-creative.com so we can pop you on the list. And if there’s someone you think would love it, let us know – we’d be happy to send them an invite too!

We can’t wait to see you there!

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