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Mariel Marshall and Nadia Barbosa

Mariel: ‘With nearly 40 per cent of Canadians affected by loneliness, we believe in the power of shared experiences to bring people together. Tandem Experiences offers a ‘things to do’ discovery platform and social club that focuses on local experiences that build community and connection. From themed parties to cultural adventures, Tandem+ offers a vibrant mix of opportunities to connect with a network of like-minded people.’

Nadia: ‘Our vision is to create a fun and inclusive community by exploring the best of Toronto’s culture, cuisine, and social scenes. We value inclusivity, community, and the joy of discovery, aiming to make Toronto a more connected city, one experience at a time.’

Tell us about yourself?

Mariel: ‘Our backgrounds are rooted in entrepreneurship, the arts, and technology. Our passion is creating immersive experiences that bring people together. Before founding Tandem Experiences, I worked in various roles in the creative sector, including immersive performance and technology integration. While Nadia has over 10 years of experience working with global food and beverage brands and has an MBA from the Ted Rogers School of Management.’

Nadia: ‘The inspiration to start Tandem+ came from witnessing the widespread issue of loneliness that’s impacting our communities. We wanted to create a space where people could form meaningful connections in a city as diverse and vibrant as Toronto while supporting the small business and arts and culture venues that were hard hit by the pandemic.’

If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

Mariel: ‘Building a startup comes with a whirlwind of advice, but our customers are our guiding light.’

Nadia: ‘I agree. I would emphasize the importance of actively listening to our early adopters. Their feedback is invaluable and continues to provide critical insights that help shape our business decisions.’

Tandem Experiences

What problem does your business solve?

Nadia: ‘Tandem Experiences addresses the growing issue of loneliness and social isolation, particularly among GenZ and Millennials in cities. We provide a “third space” outside of work and home, where people can connect through hosted social events. Our club is designed to help members build meaningful relationships, enriching their lives with new experiences and a sense of belonging.’

What is the inspiration behind your business?

Mariel: ‘The inspiration for Tandem+ came from recognizing the need for more genuine, face-to-face connections in our increasingly digital world. Many people, especially those who are new to Toronto, struggle to find meaningful social interactions. Our aim is to create spaces and experiences that make it easier to meet new people, try new things, and build a supportive community.’

What is your magic sauce?

Nadia: Unlike other social clubs with fixed clubhouse locations, our secret sauce is our flexibility. By partnering with a variety of local businesses and venues across the city, we offer a diverse range of experiences that cater to different interests and demographics. This approach allows us to keep our offerings fresh and exciting and ensures that our members are always discovering something new. Additionally, our focus on quality over quantity helps foster deeper connections among participants.

Tandem Experiences

What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?

Nadia: ‘Over the next five years, we’ll expand Tandem+ beyond the Greater Toronto Area to cities across North America. By bringing our unique community-building experiences to new markets, we’ll fight loneliness in urban centres. We plan to grow our community significantly, enhance our digital platform with additional connectivity features, and establish strategic partnerships with local businesses and cultural institutions. Our vision is to become a leading social club network known for creating memorable and impactful experiences that foster genuine connections and enrich the lives of our members.’

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

Nadia: ‘Balancing inclusivity with exclusivity is essential to maintaining the quality and appeal of our curated network and social club. To ensure that prospective members align with our values, we conduct brief 15-minute interviews. These conversations help us assess whether individuals are a good fit for our community while upholding the high standards that make our club unique. Our goal is to foster a welcoming environment where members feel connected and valued while also preserving the high-quality nature of our network.’

How can people get involved?

Mariel: ‘We’re currently accepting new members! We welcome anyone interested in joining as a Tandem+ member to apply. In terms of eligibility, we’re seeking culturally curious, kind, and engaged members for our Toronto community. Whether you’re new to the city, looking to expand your social circle, or simply want to experience Toronto in a new way, we have something for you.

Visit our website at www.tandemexperiences.com/membership to learn more about our membership, and sign up for our newsletter to discover our upcoming events. Photos by Pooja Maheshwari @lenses_for_love‘.