Our Why
We live in the most connected era in human history — messages travel instantly, photos are shared in real time, and our social feeds are never-ending. And yet, beneath all the notifications, many of us feel deeply alone. The digital age has given us the tools to stay in touch, but often at the cost of real, meaningful touch points. We scroll more than we speak. We “like” more than we listen. And despite having hundreds of contacts, we can still feel unseen.
As a woman entering the next chapter of life — where the kids are grown, roles have shifted, and friendships have changed — we’ve come to realise that true connection can’t be downloaded. It has to be felt, face-to-face, heart-to-heart. That’s why we’re creating a space where women can gather not just to network, but to nurture; to be seen, heard, and celebrated in all their fabulous, fun, and sometimes frivolous glory. This isn’t just about events — it’s about rewriting the way we connect in a world that’s forgotten how.
Meet The Team
Colleagues who first connected over Thermomix demos (yes, back in the day!), Mary-Anne and Geena recently reconnected over something even more meaningful — friendship and the desire to build a vibrant community of like-minded women. With a shared love of connection, conversation, and creating memorable experiences, Social Soirée Collective was born to bring fun, friendship, and fabulous events to women 40+
Mary-Anne
From an early fascination with how things work to a deep curiosity about the human body, my passion for science led me to complete a Bachelor of Science with majors in Immunology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology. I began my career as a Scientific Solutions Consultant, working with cutting-edge laboratory equipment and helping research teams find the right tools to advance their work.
When I became a mum to two beautiful children, I embraced the rewarding and all-encompassing role of motherhood while also seeking new ways to challenge myself and grow. This led me to build and manage a successful luxury apartment holiday rental business in Sorrento on the stunning Mornington Peninsula.
Drawing on the power of connection and what was at the time the start of digital marketing I grew that brand. I later launched a boutique social media consulting service Be Seen Digital, which has since evolved into a strategy-focused practice helping small businesses grow with purpose.
Today, I bring that same entrepreneurial spirit and love of connection to the Social Soirée Collective. My wish for the collective is to provide enriching experiences to women who are at a stage in their lives where they can take time out for themselves and connect with other lovely ladies.
Geena
Driven by a passion for embracing life’s full spectrum of experiences, I have cultivated a talent for founding new businesses that enable continual growth, learning, and creativity. My academic background—a degree in Fine Arts—shaped my artistic sensibilities, while my teaching qualification developed my training and communication skills, leading me into the corporate sector.
The birth of my first daughter inspired me to leave the corporate world and launch my own home-based business, where I juggled motherhood, entrepreneurship, and household responsibilities—a balancing act that fueled my efficiency and resilience. Guided by my love for food, styling, and community, I established “Cook, Style, and Connect,” a platform designed to bring women together to learn how to prepare delicious, healthy meals, style their homes and tables, and foster genuine connections.
This journey then led to "Feng Shui with Style," teaching others how to infuse their living spaces with harmony, color, and joy using feng shui principles. I am the proud owner of the market’s # 1 award-winning medical-grade whole body vibration machines, empowering clients to discover the transformative benefits of movement for improved health and well-being.
At the heart of every venture I undertake is an authentic connection, which inspired the creation of the Social Soiree Collective—a community dedicated to building meaningful relationships and enriching lives.