A Note From Our Founder

Hello and welcome,

I’m so excited to have you here, and writing this fills me with so much emotion.

This group has truly given me a sense of purpose. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to create a space where people can connect, exchange ideas, and support one another. Along the way, I’ve faced my own struggles—feeling isolated, unsure, and trying to find my way—so being able to build a community like this is something I’m deeply proud of.

I thought I'd share a bit of my story, not to evoke sympathy, but to inspire you.

Life isn’t always easy, but no matter the obstacles, we all have the power to rise above and achieve what we set our minds to. It’s up to us to carve our own path and make things happen. My hope is that my journey encourages you to trust in your own strength and pursue your dreams with confidence.

My path to this point wasn’t straightforward. At 12, I lost my father and relocated to Australia, where I struggled to fit in as an outsider in a small coastal town called Dampier, north of Perth. Being a dark-haired Asian girl in a predominantly local and Indigenous community wasn't easy, and it took time to find acceptance. But everything changed when I stood up to the bullying and racism I faced. In that moment, I discovered my inner strength and realized that I had the power to shape my own story.

This was a significant milestone in my life.The mindset I adopted then has guided me through every challenge and success since.

At 16, I found myself living independently in a youth shelter. After completing my education, I moved to the Gold Coast. The road wasn’t easy, and I faced obstacles that were sometimes too difficult to put into words. But each experience only strengthened my resilience and reinforced the importance of a solid support network.

After years of searching for a place to truly call home, I’m beyond grateful to have found this incredible tribe. Some of the amazing women here have become my closest friends, travel partners, business collaborators, and so much more. The impact this community has had on my life is truly life-changing. What makes it even more meaningful, though, is knowing that my daughter will never have to face life’s challenges alone, as I once did.

Growing up, I often felt isolated and had to figure things out on my own. One of my biggest motivations for creating this community was to ensure that my daughter has the kind of support system I longed for. She’ll grow up surrounded by strong, encouraging people who will be there for her at every stage of her life.

Whether it’s finding guidance, building friendships, or facing tough times, she won’t have to do it alone.

Having been a single mother without support, I knew I wanted to do things differently for her. Watching her grow up in this environment—surrounded by a community that has her back—gives me peace of mind. She’ll always have people to lean on and a network she can rely on—something I wish I had growing up.

As I reflect on the journey that brought SLAM Society to life, I’m reminded that everyone’s path is different and meaningful in its own way. No matter what brought you here, my hope is that SLAM Society becomes your haven for connection, support, and friendship - a space where you can authentically be yourself, grow along others, and have fun along the way.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure, welcome to the tribe!

See you at our next gathering.

Love,

Toni

xox

You can view our events calendar here and join our Facebook Group here.

*Photo captured by Vix Photography