What we’re about
✨ A People Skills Lab Meets Bookstore Social — for Kind Humans Building Community
Looking for deeper conversations, meaningful connections, and a space to intentionally grow your people skills alongside a professional coach? You’re in the right place.
We’re part cozy bookstore social, part people skills lab—a welcoming space for kind, curious humans to connect, practice authentic communication, and build friendships that feel good and real.
This is for you if you’re:
- A natural connector curious about social presence design ✨
- A socially anxious (or awkward) queen/king 👑
- A newcomer to Montreal craving intentional community
You’ll be welcome here.
✨ What to Expect at Events✨:
- Charisma Workshops
Led by an ICF-Certified Authenticity Coach, these workshops help you design people skills that actually matter—like presence, reading social cues, and navigating awkward moments with confidence, rooted in your personal values.
You’ll walk away with:
- A values-based design of your ideal social presence & a playbook of how to embody it
- 'Market research' on how others perceive you now (anonymous, only for you)
- A safe, guided simulation to try out your new social energy with kind support
- A bump-up of your social confidence :)
- Bookstore Socials
Stick around to connect more casually. There is a beautiful authenticity to people interested in taking care of their social health and who are thoughtful about their presence and how they show up in the world. They're the kind of people I love being friends with!
You might leave with:
- A smile
- A new friend (or two)
- A book that starts a conversation
Your Host: Amy Zhou
Amy is an ICF-Certified Authenticity Coach who supports professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs go from self-doubt to self-aligned. She's hosted Friend Meet Cutes around the world inspired by the search for our truest selves & closest friends, and believes friendship is a radical & needed act of care.
She’s also a newcomer to Montreal, a fan of big ideas, and a Swiftie who once nearly died getting to a Taylor Swift concert in Brazil. (True story.)
Follow Amy:
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 💬 Charisma Workshop & Bookstore Social | ART OF PUTTING OTHERS AT EASEPhoenix Books, Montreal, QC
✨A people skills lab meets bookstore social. For thoughtful humans intentionally building community ✨
☕ The art of conversation is the difference between an espresso with milk, and an artisanal latte.
🧠 Some reasons to learn it:
- It's the most important adulting skill. Networking, persuasion, finding friends & partners - all are extensions of the art of conversation
- It's a health imperative to have friends and be in community. The World Health Organization even considers humanity's rising loneliness a public health threat
- It's really fun :) contrary to the addictive joy of social media, hanging out with real people is waaaay more fun than parasocial YouTuber friends
🔥 Honestly? I’m tired of conversations shaped by TikTok debate culture—where being rude is thought to be clever, and where empathy gets lost in the scroll.
😊 I want to be with the kind of people who are thoughtful about how they show up in the world, who communicate with intention and care, and who are the kind of people I want to know and be.
👋 If you've read this far, I'm guessing that's you :) this event is for:
- Recovering awkward humans navigating a confusing world with many social rules (same)
- Adults navigating the odd world of making adult friends
- Socially awkward (or anxious*) queens/kings 👑
- People-facing professionals sharpening their social talent
- Curious learners wanting to design their social presence
---
✨✨ What to Expect✨✨:🎉 1. Charisma Workshop (60-90 mins)
Led by ICF-Certified Authenticity Coach Amy Zhou (hi, that's me!) these workshops are all about designing a social presence that feels like you.
The focus can include powerful questions, boundaries, storytelling, and more.
💪 You’ll walk away with:
- A warm-up icebreaker to ease into connection and get comfortable
- A bite-sized masterclass tailored for the workshop, including a clear framework or group discussion to deepen understanding
- An interactive workshop where you get to try out new skills in a safe space and feel what it’s like to embody them
- A live coaching demo where you can experience your peers' growth and courage
- A confidence boost rooted in who you really are
🖊️ Optional: Please bring a pen & paper!
📚 2. Bookstore Social (30-60 mins)
The second half is slow and simple: connect with someone from the workshop, browse a book, or just sit in shared presence. No expectations—just human conversation and gentle community.
💸 Why It’s Free (and Why We Suggest Tipping)
These workshops are inspired by European Free Walking Tours—free to attend so everyone can join. But they take time, energy, and real resources from both me and Phoenix Bookstore.
In the spirit of community reciprocity, we suggest a $10–$20 tip in recognition that we are supporting the space together. Your contribution helps keep these gatherings going and are shared by me and Phoenix. Thank you for supporting accessible magic. 🧡
🗓️ When & Where
- 🕕 Hosted twice a month from August to November on Thursdays 6–8PM & Sundays 2–4PM. New topic each month, new style each time.
- 📍 The Venue: Phoenix Books is a charming used bookstore in NDG that's so much more.
- 🗓️ Find my other events on Meetup & on my calendar
---
❤️ Your Host: Amy Zhou
Amy is an ICF-Certified Authenticity Coach who supports professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs going from self-doubt to self-aligned. She's hosted Friend Meet Cutes around the world inspired by the search for our truest selves & closest friends, and believes friendship is a radical & needed act of care.
She’s also a newcomer to Montreal, she's lived in 6+ cities on 3+ continents & building new friend groups along the way, and a Swiftie who once nearly died getting to a Taylor Swift concert in Brazil. (True story.)
Follow me!
- @FriendMeetCutes Instagram
- Friend Meet Cutes Facebook
- Subscribe to future event announcements
📸 I sometimes take photos and short videos to capture the vibe of these gatherings for social media posts promoting the events. I never post audio of attendees. If you'd rather not be in close-up shots, just let me know—I'm happy to honour that. While I do my best to be mindful, it might not be possible to exclude folks from wide group photos. Thanks so much for your understanding and presence. 💛
- 💬 Charisma Workshop & Bookstore Social | ART OF LETTING SILENCE SPEAKPhoenix Books, Montreal, QC
✨A people skills lab meets bookstore social. For thoughtful humans intentionally building community ✨
☕ The art of conversation is the difference between an espresso with milk, and an artisanal latte.
🧠 Some reasons to learn it:
- It's the most important adulting skill. Networking, persuasion, finding friends & partners - all are extensions of the art of conversation
- It's a health imperative to have friends and be in community. The World Health Organization even considers humanity's rising loneliness a public health threat
- It's really fun :) contrary to the addictive joy of social media, hanging out with real people is waaaay more fun than parasocial YouTuber friends
🔥 Honestly? I’m tired of conversations shaped by TikTok debate culture—where being rude is thought to be clever, and where empathy gets lost in the scroll.
😊 I want to be with the kind of people who are thoughtful about how they show up in the world, who communicate with intention and care, and who are the kind of people I want to know and be.
👋 If you've read this far, I'm guessing that's you :) this event is for:
- Recovering awkward humans navigating a confusing world with many social rules (same)
- Adults navigating the odd world of making adult friends
- Socially awkward (or anxious*) queens/kings 👑
- People-facing professionals sharpening their social talent
- Curious learners wanting to design their social presence
---
✨✨ What to Expect✨✨:🎉 1. Charisma Workshop (60-90 mins)
Led by ICF-Certified Authenticity Coach Amy Zhou (hi, that's me!) these workshops are all about designing a social presence that feels like you.
The focus can include powerful questions, boundaries, storytelling, and more.
💪 You’ll walk away with:
- A warm-up icebreaker to ease into connection and get comfortable
- A bite-sized masterclass tailored for the workshop, including a clear framework or group discussion to deepen understanding
- An interactive workshop where you get to try out new skills in a safe space and feel what it’s like to embody them
- A live coaching demo where you can experience your peers' growth and courage
- A confidence boost rooted in who you really are
🖊️ Optional: Please bring a pen & paper!
📚 2. Bookstore Social (30-60 mins)
The second half is slow and simple: connect with someone from the workshop, browse a book, or just sit in shared presence. No expectations—just human conversation and gentle community.
💸 Why It’s Free (and Why We Suggest Tipping)
These workshops are inspired by European Free Walking Tours—free to attend so everyone can join. But they take time, energy, and real resources from both me and Phoenix Bookstore.
In the spirit of community reciprocity, we suggest a $10–$20 tip in recognition that we are supporting the space together. Your contribution helps keep these gatherings going and are shared by me and Phoenix. Thank you for supporting accessible magic. 🧡
🗓️ When & Where
- 🕕 Hosted twice a month from August to November on Thursdays 6–8PM & Sundays 2–4PM. New topic each month, new style each time.
- 📍 The Venue: Phoenix Books is a charming used bookstore in NDG that's so much more.
- 🗓️ Find my other events on Meetup & on my calendar
---
❤️ Your Host: Amy Zhou
Amy is an ICF-Certified Authenticity Coach who supports professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs going from self-doubt to self-aligned. She's hosted Friend Meet Cutes around the world inspired by the search for our truest selves & closest friends, and believes friendship is a radical & needed act of care.
She’s also a newcomer to Montreal, she's lived in 6+ cities on 3+ continents & building new friend groups along the way, and a Swiftie who once nearly died getting to a Taylor Swift concert in Brazil. (True story.)
Follow me!
- @FriendMeetCutes Instagram
- Friend Meet Cutes Facebook
- Subscribe to future event announcements
📸 I sometimes take photos and short videos to capture the vibe of these gatherings for social media posts promoting the events. I never post audio of attendees. If you'd rather not be in close-up shots, just let me know—I'm happy to honour that. While I do my best to be mindful, it might not be possible to exclude folks from wide group photos. Thanks so much for your understanding and presence. 💛
- 💬 Charisma Workshop & Bookstore Social | ART OF LETTING SILENCE SPEAK (THU)Phoenix Books, Montreal, QC
✨A people skills lab meets bookstore social. For thoughtful humans intentionally building community ✨
☕ The art of conversation is the difference between an espresso with milk, and an artisanal latte.
🧠 Some reasons to learn it:
- It's the most important adulting skill. Networking, persuasion, finding friends & partners - all are extensions of the art of conversation
- It's a health imperative to have friends and be in community. The World Health Organization even considers humanity's rising loneliness a public health threat
- It's really fun :) contrary to the addictive joy of social media, hanging out with real people is waaaay more fun than parasocial YouTuber friends
🔥 Honestly? I’m tired of conversations shaped by TikTok debate culture—where being rude is thought to be clever, and where empathy gets lost in the scroll.
😊 I want to be with the kind of people who are thoughtful about how they show up in the world, who communicate with intention and care, and who are the kind of people I want to know and be.
👋 If you've read this far, I'm guessing that's you :) this event is for:
- Recovering awkward humans navigating a confusing world with many social rules (same)
- Adults navigating the odd world of making adult friends
- Socially awkward (or anxious*) queens/kings 👑
- People-facing professionals sharpening their social talent
- Curious learners wanting to design their social presence
---
✨✨ What to Expect✨✨:🎉 1. Charisma Workshop (60-90 mins)
Led by ICF-Certified Authenticity Coach Amy Zhou (hi, that's me!) these workshops are all about designing a social presence that feels like you.
The focus can include powerful questions, boundaries, storytelling, and more.
💪 You’ll walk away with:
- A warm-up icebreaker to ease into connection and get comfortable
- A bite-sized masterclass tailored for the workshop, including a clear framework or group discussion to deepen understanding
- An interactive workshop where you get to try out new skills in a safe space and feel what it’s like to embody them
- A live coaching demo where you can experience your peers' growth and courage
- A confidence boost rooted in who you really are
🖊️ Optional: Please bring a pen & paper!
📚 2. Bookstore Social (30-60 mins)
The second half is slow and simple: connect with someone from the workshop, browse a book, or just sit in shared presence. No expectations—just human conversation and gentle community.
💸 Why It’s Free (and Why We Suggest Tipping)
These workshops are inspired by European Free Walking Tours—free to attend so everyone can join. But they take time, energy, and real resources from both me and Phoenix Bookstore.
In the spirit of community reciprocity, we suggest a $10–$20 tip in recognition that we are supporting the space together. Your contribution helps keep these gatherings going and are shared by me and Phoenix. Thank you for supporting accessible magic. 🧡
🗓️ When & Where
- 🕕 Hosted twice a month from August to November on Thursdays 6–8PM & Sundays 2–4PM. New topic each month, new style each time.
- 📍 The Venue: Phoenix Books is a charming used bookstore in NDG that's so much more.
- 🗓️ Find my other events on Meetup & on my calendar
---
❤️ Your Host: Amy Zhou
Amy is an ICF-Certified Authenticity Coach who supports professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs going from self-doubt to self-aligned. She's hosted Friend Meet Cutes around the world inspired by the search for our truest selves & closest friends, and believes friendship is a radical & needed act of care.
She’s also a newcomer to Montreal, she's lived in 6+ cities on 3+ continents & building new friend groups along the way, and a Swiftie who once nearly died getting to a Taylor Swift concert in Brazil. (True story.)
Follow me!
- @FriendMeetCutes Instagram
- Friend Meet Cutes Facebook
- Subscribe to future event announcements
📸 I sometimes take photos and short videos to capture the vibe of these gatherings for social media posts promoting the events. I never post audio of attendees. If you'd rather not be in close-up shots, just let me know—I'm happy to honour that. While I do my best to be mindful, it might not be possible to exclude folks from wide group photos. Thanks so much for your understanding and presence. 💛
- 💬 Charisma Workshop & Bookstore Social | HOW TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT YOU (SUN)Phoenix Books, Montreal, QC
✨A people skills lab meets bookstore social. For thoughtful humans intentionally building community ✨
☕ The art of conversation is the difference between an espresso with milk, and an artisanal latte.
🧠 Some reasons to learn it:
- It's the most important adulting skill. Networking, persuasion, finding friends & partners - all are extensions of the art of conversation
- It's a health imperative to have friends and be in community. The World Health Organization even considers humanity's rising loneliness a public health threat
- It's really fun :) contrary to the addictive joy of social media, hanging out with real people is waaaay more fun than parasocial YouTuber friends
🔥 Honestly? I’m tired of conversations shaped by TikTok debate culture—where being rude is thought to be clever, and where empathy gets lost in the scroll.
😊 I want to be with the kind of people who are thoughtful about how they show up in the world, who communicate with intention and care, and who are the kind of people I want to know and be.
👋 If you've read this far, I'm guessing that's you :) this event is for:
- Recovering awkward humans navigating a confusing world with many social rules (same)
- Adults navigating the odd world of making adult friends
- Socially awkward (or anxious*) queens/kings 👑
- People-facing professionals sharpening their social talent
- Curious learners wanting to design their social presence
---
✨✨ What to Expect✨✨:🎉 1. Charisma Workshop (60-90 mins)
Led by ICF-Certified Authenticity Coach Amy Zhou (hi, that's me!) these workshops are all about designing a social presence that feels like you.
The focus can include powerful questions, boundaries, storytelling, and more.
💪 You’ll walk away with:
- A warm-up icebreaker to ease into connection and get comfortable
- A bite-sized masterclass tailored for the workshop, including a clear framework or group discussion to deepen understanding
- An interactive workshop where you get to try out new skills in a safe space and feel what it’s like to embody them
- A live coaching demo where you can experience your peers' growth and courage
- A confidence boost rooted in who you really are
🖊️ Optional: Please bring a pen & paper!
📚 2. Bookstore Social (30-60 mins)
The second half is slow and simple: connect with someone from the workshop, browse a book, or just sit in shared presence. No expectations—just human conversation and gentle community.
💸 Why It’s Free (and Why We Suggest Tipping)
These workshops are inspired by European Free Walking Tours—free to attend so everyone can join. But they take time, energy, and real resources from both me and Phoenix Bookstore.
In the spirit of community reciprocity, we suggest a $10–$20 tip in recognition that we are supporting the space together. Your contribution helps keep these gatherings going and are shared by me and Phoenix. Thank you for supporting accessible magic. 🧡
🗓️ When & Where
- 🕕 Hosted twice a month from August to November on Thursdays 6–8PM & Sundays 2–4PM. New topic each month, new style each time.
- 📍 The Venue: Phoenix Books is a charming used bookstore in NDG that's so much more.
- 🗓️ Find my other events on Meetup & on my calendar
---
❤️ Your Host: Amy Zhou
Amy is an ICF-Certified Authenticity Coach who supports professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs going from self-doubt to self-aligned. She's hosted Friend Meet Cutes around the world inspired by the search for our truest selves & closest friends, and believes friendship is a radical & needed act of care.
She’s also a newcomer to Montreal, she's lived in 6+ cities on 3+ continents & building new friend groups along the way, and a Swiftie who once nearly died getting to a Taylor Swift concert in Brazil. (True story.)
Follow me!
- @FriendMeetCutes Instagram
- Friend Meet Cutes Facebook
- Subscribe to future event announcements
📸 I sometimes take photos and short videos to capture the vibe of these gatherings for social media posts promoting the events. I never post audio of attendees. If you'd rather not be in close-up shots, just let me know—I'm happy to honour that. While I do my best to be mindful, it might not be possible to exclude folks from wide group photos. Thanks so much for your understanding and presence. 💛
