When Amber, a 23 year old Marketing & Communication Specialist joined us in Brussels she felt like tapping into a scene from Sex and the City, channeling the energy of Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda during their iconic dinner catch-ups!
Amber shares with us why she values new connections, female friendships & stepping out of her comfort zone.
Why did you want to join After5
As an ambitious young woman, I love connecting with like-minded women in business through cozy social gatherings, such as dinners or coffee strolls. The After5 network provided me with a unique and memorable dinner experience where I had the chance to meet incredibly talented women from diverse nationalities, career fields, and life journeys.
My After5 experience was not just about enjoying an exceptional dinner in a stunning setting—it was also about engaging in meaningful conversations, receiving valuable career advice, and celebrating the essence of womanhood.
How was your experience? / What did you love about it?
What I love about the After5 concept is their choice of unique venues, such as restaurants with an aesthetic vibe and a cozy social atmosphere, creating the perfect space for connecting with women all evening long. The restaurant not only offered a stunning ambiance but also showcased inclusivity on the menu, with a variety of options to cater to both meat lovers and vegetarian/vegan preferences.
Additionally, the event featured thoughtful icebreaker questions to help get the conversation flowing, though most participants were naturally social and interactive. It felt like stepping into a scene from Sex and the City, channeling the energy of Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda during their iconic dinner catch-ups!
One of the following questions:
What does female friendship mean to you?
Female friendship, to me, is a source of unwavering support, mutual growth, and shared joy. Reflecting on the incredible women I’ve met throughout my life, I realize how much I’ve learned and grown from these meaningful connections. Female friendships often carry a deep emotional bond and empathy, creating a safe space for vulnerability, shared laughter, and genuine authenticity.
How do your female friendships help you achieve things?
When doubts creep in, your girlfriends are often the ones who remind you of your worth and potential, offering the encouragement you need to take bold risks and chase your most ambitious goals.
Why do you think it is important to step out of your comfort zone? What are your tips for this?
It’s a cliché, but we only live once. You only get to be in your twenties, thirties, or any stage of life once, so my motivation is simple: If you’re hesitating to join a group or step into a new social environment, just give it a try. By trying, you give yourself the opportunity to reflect on the experience rather than regretting not taking the chance.
My ultimate tip for stepping out of your comfort zone is to commit to showing up, even if it feels intimidating at first. Simply being present is a powerful first step in building connections. You don’t need to dominate conversations—sometimes, just being there and actively listening is enough to make meaningful connections.
What does a new friend(s) / new friendship(s) mean to you? How does it improve your life?
Every new friendship offers valuable lessons in trust, vulnerability, and communication, helping me strengthen my ability to navigate relationships and tackle life's challenges. Engaging with someone new also gives me the chance to reflect on my own habits, values, and aspirations. Seeing myself through the perspective of a new friend can be incredibly eye-opening and a powerful catalyst for personal growth.
Image we are hanging out with you, describe your perfect day
Waking up, snoozing the alarm, scroll
ing through TikTok, and tuning in to my favorite podcast is how my mornings often begin. I love carving out some me-time with a morning run or a "hot girl walk" to clear my mind and set the tone for the day. A perfect day might include a matcha coffee stroll through the city, a museum date, or cooking something delicious together. Evenings are best spent with the girls—whether it’s a cozy dinner, deep conversations and laughter, a fun movie night, or a lively girls’ night out.
