That ethos led Oakley, a yoga instructor, business owner and marketer, to launch Very Human Social, a “mission driven social club” that produces workshops and events focused on authentic human connection and growth. “She is the biggest reason why I am passionate about bringing people together and why I believe community care is extremely important,” she says.
The importance of making spaces for genuine connection hits home for Candis Oakley, who lost her aunt to suicide. In the wake of the loneliness of pandemic isolation and an ever-increasing reliance on dating apps, event organizers in Chicago are creating new evolutions of the classic speed dating event to foster authentic IRL human connections, both platonic and romantic. An opening meditation and affirmations session followed by rounds of deep-diving questions ranging from the silly to the weighty. An evening at a bar where your bestie can hype you up to potential matches with a glowing slide-deck presentation.
A goofy game show where lucky singles can win a date at a favorite local venue.