A Honest (not paid) Review of Embiria – A Toronto based Women’s Social Club
Written by Dietitian Elis Halenko
Spring Reflections & Permission to Pause: My Experience at Embiria Social Club Brunch
I’m really excited to be sharing my reflections and honest review (not sponsored) thoughts on my time spent at an Embiria Social Club event this past weekend. I’ve been following (and creeping) Palak and Embiria on social media for about 6 months now and really wanted to attend an event and so when she sent me the link to register for Permission to Pause it was the little push I needed to get offline and join the experience in real life.
If you are an entrepreneur, homemaker or someone who spends a lot of time alone or at home, you may resonate with the need I had to go to an in-real-life event and socialize with others. Working from home can be LONELY! But since having a child, I am really intentional about how I spend my time, so the atmosphere and type of event needed to be aligned with my values.
Embiria is “a membership community for growth-minded women building beautiful lives, together”.
The draw for me was multifaceted.
I love the women’s only nature of it, it felt cosy and safe, a place I could be vulnerable in. I love the focus on in-real-life, creating real connections and experiences while we all aim to go deeper. I really enjoyed the informal aspect, I really dislike forced networking spaces and experiences. I dislike the typical ice breakers and the formalization of making connections… this was NOT that, so I was really grateful for the aligned spirit of the host and the community in making this a safe haven and space for real connections. Having been following Palak now for some time, and now having met her in person, I can say she is someone who embodies the same things I value. She is intentional, embraces mindful living and enjoys the present moment while aiming to elevate the seemingly mundane “everyday”. If you have followed me for a while, you will see that this is something I’ve also focused on in the last few years. If you are new here, hi! welcome, read a little more about me here.
Regarding this specific event, I also really loved the brunch element… Did someone say snacks, food, coffee? …. I am so here for that! Eating a delicious meal together dropped the formality of it and immediately felt like I was enjoying a brunch amongst friends, not trying to make my next business connection.
For me, this time of year is about renewal and new beginnings, so the title “Permission to Pause”, as a self-professed busybody, was very attractive to me… could I hold space for both the need to set goals, drive my business forward and give myself permission to pause? This duality is something I’ve struggled with as a business owner.
Welp, tuck in because I had the opportunity to set this intention at the Embiria Social Club brunch, a place designed for like-minded women to connect, reflect, and give ourselves the Permission to Pause…
Let’s see how it went.
A Brunch with Intention
The room was filled with about 20 incredible women, each bringing their own unique experiences and stories. As we settled in, there was an undeniable energy—a mix of excitement, curiosity, and the rare feeling of being truly present with others.
The theme, Permission to Pause, set the tone for meaningful conversations. We each took a moment to reflect on one thing we wanted to pause on in our lives—whether it was the constant rush of daily routines, self-doubt, or the pressure to always be “on.” It was powerful to hear everyone’s reflections and realize that, despite our different paths, so many of us shared similar struggles and desires to slow down and be more intentional.
During the event there was a little anonymous reflection area where we were asked “what would you do with your time if you had more of it?” It was amazing to see how many would spend more time traveling and spending time with family and friends.
My answer? Exactly that but also: reading, nature walks and crafts.
How would you answer that question?
Real Connections, Real Conversations
Between sips of coffee and bites of a poached pear, homemade granola and yogurt, as well as a delicious panini pressed croissant loaded with a zesty avocado topping, we got to truly connect beyond the surface level. Unprompted, we talked about who we are, what we do for work and for FUN! Gosh, I can’t remember the last time someone asked me what I like to do for fun/ outside of work. All these conversations felt refreshing and real. It wasn’t about networking in the traditional sense; it was about building relationships rooted in authenticity.
In a world that often feels like it’s moving too fast, this gathering was a reminder that we all deserve moments of stillness and connection. Pausing doesn’t mean stopping; it means making space to breathe, reflect, and reset—so we can move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
How often have I told myself, “no I don’t have time for X, Y, Z”… all to spend time mindlessly scrolling on Instagram or another mindless activity that doesn’t nourish or support me in any way… not to create shame around those things (sometimes your brain just needs a good IG scroll and not every activity needs to be productive…) BUT how often are we making excuses not to go to the event, or the group meditation or do the thing that will serve us, helping us regulate and calm our nervous system?
I’m guilty of this (but not ashamed)… awareness is the answer we need in order to shift patterns.
Setting Intentions for Spring
As the brunch wrapped up, I left feeling inspired, grounded, and grateful for this space of reflection and connection.
So what did I give myself Permission to Pause?
I gave myself permission to enjoy stillness and not have to fill up all my time.
I gave myself permission to “allow”.
I freaking gave myself permission to pause.
If this brunch taught me anything, it’s that real-life connections matter and so do breaks and pausing. In a digital world, carving out time for face-to-face interactions, open-hearted conversations, and mindful pauses can be one of the most nourishing things we do for ourselves.
I hope you find your sense of community and find ways to take it “off-line” 💛
Here is more information about Embiria if you are curious.
