Our Biggest WHY
In a world where we’re more digitally connected than ever, loneliness is quietly becoming one of the biggest challenges of our time. The Harvard Study of Adult Development (the longest-running study on happiness) found that strong human connection is the key to a fulfilling life. Not success. Not status. Just people.
And yet nearly 1 in 2 adults report feeling lonely. In Australia alone more than 40% say they feel isolated — with young people feeling it the most.
We’re constantly online, but not always seen. We scroll, we tap, we double-tap — but are we really connecting?
Social media can be tricky. Growth and visibility often depend on who you know and who follows whom. If you’re not already part of the clique events and gatherings can easily pass you by. Sadly, this often means the people who might need these events most end up missing out.
Its no secret our best conversations come from sharing memories, stories, and moments we’ve lived together — not just swapping the latest TikTok or viral post. It’s those real-life experiences that stick with us, not the highlights we see online.
Mental health struggles don’t just affect individuals — they ripple through whole communities. Research shows that strong community engagement can reduce suicide rates by up to 50%. Our personal experience of loosing two very important people during high school, is our biggest why. It was heartbreaking. These were the people who made everyone feel welcome, always the life of the party. Their passing shook us — but it also brought out something raw and beautiful. We showed up for each other in a way we hadn’t before. No distractions, no small talk — just real presence. We laughed, we cried, we stayed close.
The vision for Shomi runs deep, becoming a platform that helps people feel, experience and build a life of unforgettable moments.
A place where doom scrolling ends with an RSVP, not another night spent watching from the sidelines. A vision to move from screen-time to real-time.
We want your local pub to have the same platform as a global tour. We want to break down barriers and build up community.
It is about so much more than events. It’s about giving people a reason to get out, to reach out, and to be part of something.
Shomi isn’t about being popular. It’s about being present and we hope it becomes a little light in a very noisy world.
We’re still building, but the heart is already here.
— Emily Rance
Founder, Shomi
