Can’t wait for next Saturday!

Delicious brunch at Hotel AX, bottomless girl talk, and all the drama, laughs, and feels Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (and the 2019 movie) can inspire.

These four sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March—growing up in New England during the Civil War, give us all the tea on creativity, family, womanhood, and those small rebellions that make us who we are.

We’re not here to dissect every metaphor or turn pages like it’s homework. This is girl talk: juicy conversations, sparks, insights.

Movie-only watchers? Totally welcome. Bring the moments that hit you, the questions that bother you, or just your bold self. Click below to grab a spot on the waiting list, and let’s spill some tea!

Join the waiting list

New Year, New Secrets

So much went down this year, and the word gratitude keeps echoing in my brain: gratitude. gratitude. gratitude.

That little seed I planted in 2022 changed my life, inspired amazing women, and completely flipped my career on its head. I tried on different shoe formats, projects, wild possibilities—before returning to the things that actually make me feel alive: writing, inspiring women to live deliciously, creative magic, journaling, and all the self-care vibes.

However

The first half of this year, life strapped me into a roller coaster I didn’t buy a ticket for. Hair-whipped, nerves rattled, brain spinning. To survive, my body pushed a panic button, and I’m already promising myself that 2026 is gonna be chill. No high-achiever grind, no exhaustion points.

I’m not the same Tássia from January (wild, right? I feel like a whole new human), and my life has never felt this sweet. The word regenerative that I’ve been reading from is finally echoing.

I hope 2026 is our Regenerative Era! Cups full, energy high, magic flowing—so we can share, lift, and thrive.

• meaningful and creative experiences

• journaling prompts and workshops

• deep conversations in our Substack Chat

• brilliant partnerships that will benefit you

• essays on delicious chaos every Thursday at 11:11 — of course

MINI FAQ

How to stay tuned with the meetups? Emails and our events’ profile (linked to our site and Instagram).

What will be the frequency of events in 2026? One or two events per month, it varies accordingly to public holidays.

Are we still having the book club? Yes, every other month — and you can expect surprises here!

Bye for now,
Tássia xx

Hello Pearls!

Our last edition is still echoing — and honestly, who knew men could be that embarrassing? Maybe we should forward the link to the guys as a gentle reminder: don’t be an asshole, honey.

Luckily, there’s still hope — none of my exes made it to Helsinki! And to celebrate, I’ve got a surprise for all our single-as-a-pringle pearls.

I’m thrilled to partner with Winged — a company founded by a woman who got tired of dating apps that don’t help you meet people who are actually interested. They’re on a mission to disrupt the dating scene and make real connections fun again.

Here's the deal:
Winged is hosting a private Single Social Club Night at Malja, Nov 14 @ 21:00, and they have invited the Secret Club community to join as VIP guests. Fancy, huh?

This is not your average singles event — it’s a curated night made for meeting effortlessly, vibing with new people, and enjoying the atmosphere.

Since you got this special invite, that means:
🎟 Free VIP entry
🍷 A bottle of wine on arrival
👯 Bring 3–5 friends (cloakroom fee applies to all guests)

Join as a VIP

Agenda

1900 – 2100 - How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Grab a glass of wine and take a seat next to someone new to watch a feel-good film.

2100 – 0200
Single Social Club Afterparty

Once registered, they’ll confirm your attendance and add you (and your friends) to the official guest list — it means one person can make the registration for up to 5 people.

🗝️ Don’t forget to mention Secret Club in the registration to get your VIP perks.

If you want to know more about them, check this video:

NOVEMBER

✺ Wednesday, 12 at 18:00, our classic Reading Club takes place at Tanner (Women Who Run with the Wolves).

☻ Saturday, 22 at 14:00, a super special edition of our Book Club (Little Women).

✺ Saturday, 29 at 15:00, a combo of Astrology (with Poema) and Journaling — you’ll receive the event page next week. We’re postponing our session, but I’ll let you know about the new date soon.

DECEMBER

✺ Wednesday, 10 at 18:00 — Our classic Reading Club (Women Who Run with the Wolves) with a Pikkujoulu twist! If you’d like to join, just read the last three chapters — they’re independent, so you’ll be fine.

☻ Wednesday, 24 — Our traditional sauna + pool day at Allas Sea Pool! This one’s being organized inside the WhatsApp group.

Leave a comment

xoxo,
Tássia

P.S. We’re ending the year surrounded by books (no regrets!), but next year we’ll shake things up a bit. Got an idea or wish for 2026? Just reply to this email, DM us on Instagram, or send a message on WhatsApp.

Favorite editions, in case you missed it ✩

I have big news!

Hotel AX is now a partner of Secret Club!

Yeah, babe! We are partnering with a hotel! 🧖🏻‍♀️💅

I’ve been plotting for a while, and it finally happened! I chose Hotel AX because it’s a true playground for art and inspiration.

When I first visited, my immediate question was: “What is that incredible creature in front of the hotel?” (You’ve probably spotted it if you’ve been around Jätkäsaari!)

And the answer couldn’t be better: it’s whatever your imagination wants it to be! The whole place is like an open gateway to art, play, and wild ideas. How perfect is that? It totally matches our Secret Club vibe.

To celebrate our partnership, we’ll have a dreamiest combo: Brunch + Book club, inspired by Little Women! If you’re into good food, great stories, sisterhood, and fabulous company, this one’s definitely for you.

Join the Brunch & Book Club

Haven’t read the book? No worries — you can watch the movie instead! All interpretations are welcome. 🎧 Bonus: You can also listen to the audiobook for free (click here).

This will be a super special gathering to celebrate creativity and sisterhood — the perfect mix of good food, good conversation, and good energy. Come with your favorite quotes, questions, or confessions about which March sister era you’re currently in.

Join the Brunch & Book Club

NOVEMBER

✺ Wednesday, 12 at 18:00, our classic Reading Club takes place at Tanner (Women Who Run with the Wolves).

☻ Saturday, 22 at 14:00, a super special edition of our Book Club (Little Women, mentioned above). We moved from Sunday to Saturday to accommodate the brunch.

✺ Saturday, 29 at 15:00, a combo of Astrology (with Poema) and Journaling — you’ll receive the event page next week.

DECEMBER

✺ Wednesday, 10 at 18:00 — Our classic Reading Club (Women Who Run with the Wolves) with a Pikkujoulu twist! If you’d like to join, just read the last three chapters — they’re independent, so you’ll be fine.

☻ Wednesday, 24 — Our traditional sauna + pool day at Allas Sea Pool! This one’s being organized inside the WhatsApp group.

Share

xoxo,
Tássia

P.S.: If you’re not a member of the Secret Club, I have something special for you coming tomorrow!

Favorite editions, in case you missed it ✩

Helsinki, Monday, 27, 2025 – This weekend was so special! I canceled most of my plans during the week and prioritized a short girls’ trip on Saturday — totally worth it.

On Sunday, I didn’t feel great again (as expected), but I regret nothing. Making the effort to be with friends I’d wished to have for so long feels like a way of honoring myself for putting my face out there.

It’s always worth stepping out and saying hi first — or inviting someone for a coffee, a pizza, a walk, or an ice cream. That’s why I always encourage every woman (and yes, especially women) to say hi to someone whose vibe you like.

If you don’t know what to say, tell her you read a column that encouraged you to message people you like the vibe of — and you thought of her. It doesn’t hurt, I promise. If she doesn’t reply, you’ve freed the spot and can message someone else. Or, better yet, message three people and see what happens.

Do it unapologetically.

Book Club — A celebration of Sisterhood

We postponed our Little Women discussion—and used the extra time to cook up something super special for this edition (a plan I’d been secretly plotting anyway). I’ll confirm all the details on Friday (31) on WhatsApp.

Honestly, keeping a book club alive in the age of Instagram scrolls and TikTok swipes is an act of rebellion—and one we should definitely celebrate.

Our next read, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, couldn’t be more fitting: it’s a full-on celebration of sisterhood. I can’t wait for us to sink into the beautiful chaos of it—how we’ve been shaped, how we’ve resisted, and how we keep showing up as our most real, radiant selves, no matter what.

Keep on reading, or click here to listen to the audio book.

Join our book club

Oh, and there’s a wonderful movie directed by Greta Gerwig (Barbie and Lady Bird) with Meryl Streep, Laura Dern, Emma Watson and Saoirse Ronan as Jo (the actress that plays Lady Bird). It’s a gem!

Sundays Off

This was my second offline Sunday! Yesterday I only broke the rule to post a quick video from Saturday—and that was it.

I know social media helps me find my people (and be found by them), but the endless scroll fries my brain and pokes my anxiety in all the wrong places. I haven’t figured out the balance yet, but Sundays offline are helping.

Also, I discovered a new trick to stay away from Instagram: cute, ridiculously satisfying puzzles. Might sound contradictory, but it’s easier to down my screentime from games than from social media.

Speaking of being offline — I just stumbled upon a journaling event! I thought we were the only ones talking about journaling (apparently, I need to burst my bubble).

Here’s the link — tell me if you’re going too:

xoxo,
Tássia

Helsinki, Tuesday, October 14 — It’s wild how often pain opens the door to the most beautiful connections — raw, real, and honest — the kind that create a vulnerable space for genuine sharing. Our last Book Club, on Sunday, turned out to be the most unexpected, and maybe the most needed, conversation I’ve had in a while.

Having a space where we can share our stories and feelings — no matter how unfortunate or how lucky they are — is exactly what I wished for when I started Secret Club. Our meetings are a place to cry together, to celebrate our wins, and to witness each other through it all. Sunday felt like a true moment of sisterhood. I really appreciate how real we are.

We’ve been incredibly lucky with our past events, and I’m excited to continue bringing more magic into our days with sessions that spark creativity, connection, grounding, and self-awareness. I’m letting it flow — following the sparks of synchronicity and curiosity wherever they lead.

Speaking of which, our last workshop with Tereza was an absolute blessing. Pure magic — I’m still buzzing from it!

READING CIRCLE — Wednesday, 15/10

This week, we’ll have our Reading Circle on Wednesday (tomorrow!), and I’ll add some journaling sparkle to see how it will be. If you feel called to join, come — we always have room for one more story in the circle.

Follow the call 📞

I’m sure we will have another fabulous dive into the Women Who Run with the Wolves themes. Each session is so special, and I’m looking forward to meeting you!

BOOK CLUB — Sunday, 26/10

Our next read is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott! I can’t wait to get into the beautiful mess of sisterhood — how we’ve been shaped, how we’ve resisted, and how we keep showing up as our most real, radiant selves anyway.

Join the Book Club

I have a super special invitation to all of you!

We will celebrate the Dear Diary column with something special!

After realizing I’ve been journaling out loud for over twenty editions (!), I want to invite you to journal with me in a casual and magical session. It’s open to everyone — all you need is a pen, paper, and your beautiful presence.

Grab your seat

Online Journaling Session — Tuesday, 21/10

Bring your girlfriends! It’s going to be a cozy, soul-sparking session where sisterhood and creativity take center stage. I’ll guide you through a juicy journaling journey, and we’ll wrap up with some honest sharing and a circle that feels like a collective exhale.

Afterward, you’ll get access to our exclusive Journaling Challenge in a Secret Club WhatsApp subchat — a cozy corner just for us.

And if we fall in love with it (which we absolutely will), I’m already seeing this becoming our new ritual: a circle of 15 to 20 women, surrounded by notebooks, glue, scissors, pens, laughter, and the kind of conversations that make life make sense again.

Oh, and in case you need a logical excuse for all this magic — journaling literally lowers cortisol by 23%, boosts mood, sparks creativity, and helps turn chaos into meaning. But really, do we ever need an excuse to feel this good?

Grab your seat

See you around!
— Tássia x

Helsinki, Monday, September 29 — Friday night was pure magic ✨. The Eclipse Survival Yin Yoga with Poema had everyone floating, and the feedback is glowing brighter than the moon itself. I couldn’t join (tragic, I know), but fingers crossed we’ll bring it back. Curious? Stalk Poema’s brand-new page here — you’ll see what I mean.

Missed it too? Don’t pout — I’ve got you covered. On October 7, Tereza will guide us through the most grounding, soul-soothing session: Yin & Touch: An Evening of Grounding and Care. Her bodywork has been the talk of the town (seriously, everyone’s whispering about it), so grab your spot before it’s gone. Think relaxation, reset, and that “ahhh” feeling.

An Evening of Grounding and Care

BOOK CLUB POSTPONED — Now for bookish business: our Book Club meeting was postponed — for a truly exceptional reason. (Promise it’s worth the wait.) New date: October 12. Luckily, the book is short — plenty of time for everyone to finish. Just don’t forget to sign up so your chair’s safe.

Join our next book club

READING CLUB — And yes, all the upcoming Reading Circle (Women Who Run with the Wolves) Club sessions are already scheduled. Click here to check the dates, and let’s keep reading together.

xoxo
🪐 Tássia

P.S. You might’ve noticed something was off — two missing columns last week, even though I turned one Secret Post into a video. Turns out, something actually was going on. On Friday, a hurricane blew straight through me. I made it — a little dizzy, hair in knots, but still on my feet. Maybe I’ll write about it on Thursday.

Luckily, I had the most beautiful people around me — some held me so I wouldn’t fly away, others had no idea they were saving my day. Together, they lit up my weekend and kept me grounded.

So here’s a gentle reminder: always show people you appreciate them. It lands deeper than you think. 💖 🌼

THE ALMOST END
Word is, Tássia nearly pulled the plug on Secret Club at the end of 2023. Too tired, too drained, too free. She realized she had enough friends, so why continue? Lucky us, someone whispered the forbidden word: paywall. And voilà — 116 paying members later, we’re still alive. Guess money really does make the world (and the Club) go round.

THE FAILED STARTUP ERA
Apparently, she flirted with the idea of turning Secret Club into a startup. Meetings, pitch decks, the whole thing. Spoiler: Even though she gave a killer pitch at Aalto University, she hated every second of it. She’s not a CEO — just a writer who prefers commas over KPIs. And honestly? Respect.

THE MEET-UP MANIA
How many gatherings so far? She doesn’t even know. Last year alone had 43, and with all the casual ones, we’re easily past 100. Looks like Helsinki’s hottest ticket is called Secret Club. How does she do it? Not even she knows. More recently, she’s been saying the events create themselves; she just shows up. Starting to think she’s not just woo-woo, she’s a real witch.

THE ORIGINALS
Not everyone sticks around — but some of the OG Secret Clubbers from 2022 are still close friends. Aww. Turns out, friendship contracts are real here. And yes, even I have my besties in the Club. Do I go to every meeting? No. But do I always come back for the workshops (irresistible) and the new people (always fabulous)? Obviously. Another witch flag.

THE INTROVERT REVEAL
They say she’s an introvert. People laugh — she doesn’t look like one. But trust me, she recharges alone, pen in hand, book on lap. Except at Book Club. Rumor is that’s where she’s finally found her crowd. Cute, right?

XOXO,
A Little Bird from the Club

Secret Club is going mushroom hunting… and only four lucky spots are left. 🍄✨

Anna Nyman (best witch in town) is leading us through the basics with a little mushroom exhibition — how to spot the edible gems, dodge the poisonous impostors, and know which terrain hides the good stuff. Then it’s off into the woods for a proper forage. Expect baskets, knives, and maybe a touch of sorcery vibes.

You’ll even learn how to dry and freeze your finds so the magic lasts all winter. At the end, everyone’s haul gets checked (because let’s be honest, we don’t trust you that much with poisonous mushrooms). Oh, and there’s an e-book to take home too — modern times, babes.

Practical magic: bring a basket, a mushroom knife, and water. Don’t have gear? Anna’s got you covered. Rain or shine, the hunt goes on — waterproofs encouraged.

📍 Luukki, 14:00–17:00. Bus 345 from Elielinaukio easily gets you there. If you’re driving, there’s a free parking lot.

Members first, but yes — non-members can sneak in too (as long as they’re women, of course).

Grab your ticket now!

Saturday was such a delight! A day before getting dizzy with this eclipse, we gather in a cozy space only for us! The weather was a bit rainy (perfect to be indoors), we had tea, candies, cookies, candles, and all the astrology vibes. Poema guided us through our birth charts and reflected on the topics that this eclipse will shake in our lives.

I’m a Leo Rising (Leo rules the first house), so for me — and all Leo Risings — this eclipse is a ctrl-alt-del into the 8th house themes: money, assets, debts, inheritances, taxes, and anything “ours” rather than “mine”. It also touches deep emotional connections, sex, trust, and the merging of energies. It’s like getting a restart in these areas of our lives. Of course, not all of us will feel it this way — take what you like and leave the rest.

To me, it’s hitting hard: my husband is on a work trip, and it kind of made me reflect on how dependent I am — I usually don’t like to be away for too long, but this month is forcing me to learn again to be by myself. And I’m surprisingly enjoying it!

I’m also taking these eclipse vibes as a cosmic nudge to shift the way I see money. It’s not easy to explain, but I can feel it: instead of being paid for “a job,” I want to be rewarded for the things that actually nourish my soul.

Eclipses always come in pairs, and this portal is wide open. First, this Lunar Eclipse in Pisces clears out whatever no longer serves us. Then, on the 21st, the Solar Eclipse in Virgo opens a new window in our 2nd house — the place that rules how we earn, handle finances, and build material security.

So I’ve decided: this eclipse is freeing me to work on (and for) myself, and to share it all with the world. I don’t know exactly what shape that will take yet — and that’s the exciting part. I just know I’m ready to mourn the past and be reborn.

Fun fact: on my 37th birthday this year, I randomly decided to “be born again, like a phoenix.” Ashes to fire, brand new. It felt weird at the time — now it makes even more sense. I hope this eclipse burns away the old parts of me. Thankfully, and with a little sparkle.

It’s funny to link our tiny decisions to such massive energy in the sky — so far above, so much bigger than us. It feels like the universe is tossing down fortune cookies, and we scramble to catch one, even knowing the message might not be sweet or easy to digest. Still, we crack it open anyway, trying to make sense of the challenges we’re living through.

xoxo
🪐 Tássia

Mushroom Foraging Workshop 🍄

We’re heading back to the forest with Anna Nyman on September 21st for a deep dive into the world of mushrooms!

This was such a hit last year that we just had to bring it back. We’ll begin with a small mushroom exhibition, covering the basics: how to identify different types (yes, even the poisonous ones) and the kind of terrain where they like to grow.

Then we’ll head out for a forest walk, baskets in hand, picking mushrooms along the way. Anna will also teach us how to preserve them — from drying to freezing — so the magic lasts long after the walk. We’ll wrap up by gathering to check and compare everyone’s finds.

Mushroom Foraging Workshop

Helsinki, Monday, September 1st — For some reason, Copenhagen made me understand Helsinki better — it became crystal clear how this city is designed to get us out of the urban landscape, while other cities are built so people can stay there, live there. Our forests, saunas, and mökit pull us into nature, not into the city.

This thought came back to me after going to Farouge on Friday — the food was good, service impeccable, the belly dancer gorgeous, and the space itself big, beautiful, full of people. So lively! A contrast with my experience at Farang — another large and beautiful restaurant, but instead of buzzing, it felt empty, and everything I ordered was out of stock. Just one visit, sure, but I left a little sad, wondering: can Helsinki really sustain a place like that? Sure, there are plenty of factors, but it still shows what Helsinki can handle — how we live here, how livable the city feels, and what kind of fun it can (or can’t) keep alive.

So today I’m bringing you a list of places close to my heart — the ones I quietly pray will keep thriving, because they make Helsinki a better place to be.

Maybe you’ll notice my recommendations are a little biased toward my own convenience — I can’t help it, so I’m being honest. I’m not a professional foodie (though living in São Paulo and having a close friend who’s a food researcher shaped my taste quite a bit). I’d call myself a well-trained amateur: curious, open-minded, and highly food-oriented. I love eating delicious food. Not a gourmet, but never say no to tiny fancy dishes.

Cafelito—Vinolito

This cute Spanish is currently my favorite place in Helsinki for casual meetings. It’s very well located at the beginning of Hämeentie, between Hakaniemi and Sörnäinen.

During the day, Cafelito serves all-day breakfast, perfect coffee, and delicious pies and pastries — try their Basque or Santiago pie. From 17:00, they become Vinolito, and you can get the same great service for wine, delicious tapas, and tortillas. I’ve been there a couple of times, and felt so welcomed, got a good wine recommendation, and everything I ate was delicious. Remember loving the mushrooms, and the Tortilla de Queso was really good.

Vinolito became the new home of our writer’s club, and we hope one day they’ll make a dish after us.

Shinobi—Shokudo & Izakaya

When we moved from Punavuori to Arabia, we both regretted and felt relieved because of Shinobi — we’re happy it’s not so close, so we don’t feel tempted to go there every week, and we regret not being nearby anymore. I went there many times for the Shokudo menu (59€) — everything is a delight.

Speaking of shokudos (casual Japanese eateries), Saburo was my weekday comfort spot back in Punavuori. That tiny place managed to hug me every time I walked out the door. I could name more Japanese favorites, but I’ll wrap it up with my go-to for sushi: Sushibar + Wine.

Missing the ex

My favorite Italian restaurant used to be Il Bucatino, but sadly, it closed after 12 years. Now, Osteria del Mancini has taken over the same spot — also Italian, but with a totally different vibe. I want to give it another chance, ‘cause my first visit only made me think about the ex (I still dream about that vitello tonnato).

I’m open to Italian recommendations — for now, my favorite is Madonna, though I know I need to finally make it to Osteria dei Gusti.

As for pizza, don’t even ask me to choose: Via Tribunali, Putte’s, and Pronto all share the top spot in my heart.

CATCH UP

ART PARTY — We had a painting workshop at Roba Buona with Jana. A delicious moment to relax with brushes and colors, a glass of wine, and delicious Italian antipasti. We had summer vibes in mind, but Helsinki decided it’s Autumn already! That’s why we had a cozy and decorated room with candles and flowers.

🌙 We’re Entering Eclipse Season (Again!)

Change is in the air — buckle up!

On September 7, a lunar eclipse opens the portal, and by September 21, a solar eclipse will light up the skies.

Think of eclipses as the universe’s reset button. You know when your device isn’t working right, and you hit restart? That’s exactly what eclipses do in specific areas of life — bringing sudden shifts, revelations, and opportunities to realign your path.

✨ This time, Poema and I created a complete Eclipse Survival Kit — designed to prepare, ground, and empower you through this cosmic shake-up.

🆘 Eclipse Survival Kit

Workshop (This Saturday, Sept 6): Learn how to calculate your own eclipse houses with the guidance of an experienced astrologer (Poema!) and the support of women on the same wavelength. Only two spots left!

Join the Workshop

Yin Yoga (Sept 26): A nurturing session to help you embrace eclipse energy and activate what you need for the next six months (yes, eclipses ripple out that far). Think of it as body magic meeting cosmic alignment — well, it’s sold out already.

xoxo
🪐 Tássia

Helsinki, Monday, August 25 — Eyewitnesses confirm: the skies over Töölö cleared against the weather forecast, leading some to whisper that witchcraft was involved. It’s getting hard to defend this Secret Club — maybe they actually are a cult. A cute one, tho.

This Saturday, they had the Secret Club’s annual Swap Picnic, now in its third glorious year.

After two postponements, the women of Secret Club finally descended upon the park with bags brimming full with clothes, accessories, makeup, books, and shoes, changing hands in a beautiful dance of “take it” faces!

There were sightings of Turkish delight (thank you, Lalin, still unforgettable), berries, pasta, all sorts of chips, and cookies! Reports say several attendees left looking even more fabulous than they arrived.

This 2025 edition proved once again that second-hand treasures and shared stories outshine anything money can buy. Sources close to the organizer reveal she calls it her “favorite” event — and though she promises to stop overusing the word, we don’t believe her for a second.

Small? Yes. But this little picnic has grown into one of Helsinki’s most charming underground traditions. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

🍋 Secret Art Party — This Thursday

We’re taking over Roba Buona — a cozy, carb-happy Italian gem on Iso Roobertinkatu — for an evening of painting, sipping, and connecting with fabulous women. Think less “art class,” more “wine, laughter, and oops-I-just-painted-a-bird-that-looks-like-a-potato.”

Guiding us is the wonderfully talented Jana, a local artist with a soft, playful touch. No pressure. Just antepasto, paint, and Italian vibes.

If the skies don’t want to collaborate this time, we’ll simply slip inside. Very Italian. Very chic. Very us.

Let's go

SHOCKING — the host hasn’t finished The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. Yet that’s hardly the biggest scandal: this 2014 Pulitzer Prize winner split the literary world in two. Critics called it everything from “remarkable” to “a children’s book for adults,” while readers either devoured it in a frenzy (still high from The Secret History) or dragged themselves, page by page, through all 771 of them.

Will you stand with the die-hard Tartt devotees, or the skeptics who never made it past page 200? And let’s be honest: will someone (whisper it) admit they only watched the movie?

Whatever your take, bring it. Because at Secret Club Book Club, it’s never about dutifully finishing every chapter — it’s about conversation as rich as the coffee on the table.

Join us

xoxo
🪐 Tássia

Copenhagen, Monday, August 18 — I wish I could make a living just writing from cute hotels. It matches my character, I think. Or at least I love the character I play while I’m doing this. It feels delicious, hedonistic. It’s like a materialization of what I keep reminding myself of: enjoy it, girl.

Hotels, more than anything, give me the feeling that “you have nothing to worry about”. And this writing session feels like a marvelous, slow plunge into the pool — it’s freaking delicious. An enlightening conversation with myself, a reflection, a joyful moment with my favorite toys: words.

A spiritual being once told me my writing isn’t the gift itself — it’s the bridge. A pathway between my brain and yours, carrying the reminder that we’re not alone in our dreamy thoughts and tangled feelings. Sharing my strangest emotions becomes my excuse to help us both feel seen, to find our flock, and to enjoy life unapologetically.

However, perhaps you were born knowing how to enjoy life without guilt, with the quiet certainty that you deserve the best. I wasn’t — I’m still learning. And as I do, I’ll keep writing you these little letters about how it feels, hoping they make your bubbles fizz like a chilled bottle of champagne, just waiting to pop.

​🍒 Secret Swap Picnic — This Saturday

Pack your snacks and maybe leave the sunnies at home — Helsinki’s chill is already here! ❄️ We’re gathering for the last picnic of the year, and it’s one of our favorites: the Secret Swap Picnic.

We’ll meet at Töölö: check the event page for the exact spot — I’ll be there myself.

Bring along anything you’d love to pass on — clothes, books, accessories, treasures in good condition, looking for a new home.

One little note: we don’t have a collection service, so please take back anything you bring that doesn’t get swapped.

Let’s soak up the last outdoor vibes together!

🌙 We’re Entering Eclipse Season (Again!)

Change is in the air — buckle up!

On September 7, a lunar eclipse opens the portal, and by September 21, a solar eclipse will light up the skies.

Think of eclipses as the universe’s reset button. You know when your device isn’t working right, and you hit restart? That’s exactly what eclipses do in specific areas of life — bringing sudden shifts, revelations, and opportunities to realign your path.

Personally, eclipses have always fascinated me. Probably because when I learned how to see which houses of my chart would affect, it blew my mind. That’s when I realized: it’s not enough to just watch a quick video about your Sun sign — if you want to step a little deeper into astrology, you need to know where the action is happening in your chart.

✨ And that’s why we’re doing this together again! This time, Poema and I created a complete Eclipse Survival Kit — designed to prepare, ground, and empower you through this cosmic shake-up.

🆘 Eclipse Survival Kit

Workshop (Sept 6): Learn how to calculate your own eclipse houses with the guidance of an experienced astrologer (Poema!) and the support of women on the same wavelength.

Join the Workshop

Yin Yoga (Sept 26): A nurturing session to help you embrace eclipse energy and activate what you need for the next six months (yes, eclipses ripple out that far). Think of it as body magic meeting cosmic alignment.

Join the Yin Yoga

In both event pages, you can buy both for a discounted price!

Secret Club Tote Giveaway — Here’s How to Snag Yours

Spread the gospel of Secret Club with your referral link. Every friend who signs up gets you closer to free months — and the exclusive Secret Club tote. We’re not selling it anymore, so this is your one and only shot to strut around town with it.

Refer a friend

XOXO
🪐 Tássia

Do you also love deep conversations that feel like group therapy? Because I simply love hearing stories and perspectives of different individuals, cultural creatures full of bias, feelings (and weird feelings), prejudice, flaws, but still always trying to be better. Better humans, so the next generations don’t have to walk down the same trauma sidewalks.

Maybe you love tarot, thrifting, and magic herbs, like I do. Maybe you’ve even read Women Who Run with the Wolves — the book we’re now devouring together in the Reading Club. And if you give those things a significant amount of your energy, you’ll know this: people who don’t get why they matter will probably feel like the ugly duckling in our pond — or make us feel like the ugly duckling in theirs.

It took me years to learn when I’m not in the right pond, and to recognise the ones who energise me instead of drain me. Now I know they are people I never have to explain myself to. Around them, I’m never embarrassed to speak my mind — and, most importantly, I don’t feel emotionally hungover the next day after sharing my feelings out loud.

If you feel like testing, say your wildest dreams out loud. If you get applause instead of a “why?”, they have passed the vibe check.

If they don’t? Don’t wait to be kicked out like the Ugly Duckling in Women Who Run with the Wolves. Be brave and leave the pond you don’t fit in. Easier said than done, I know — but trying to be like them is the least bold thing you can do.

That’s why I now cringe when I hear “adaptation.”

I don’t want to adapt anymore. I want to find or create my flock so I don’t have to squeeze in, or serve up an “editor’s version” of myself: more palatable, blander, generic. I don’t want to edit myself.

That’s probably the best way to find my people — not that I’ve cracked it yet. I know plenty of people, some who see me, but I’m still pond-hopping, chasing my flock.

COMING SOON

In our Reading Circle, we have so many good discussions that my next newsletter is entirely about a topic we raised there. It wasn’t the Ugly Duckling this time — it was The Joyous Body: The Wild Flesh, a chapter that explores the natural, instinctual relationship between women and their bodies.

The idea that our body is our soul’s vessel — and that’s why they come in all different shapes — is still deliciously dancing in my head. We laughed about how the patriarchy, via the media, praises female perfect-forever-young-tiny bodies, which is ironic, considering patriarchy and capitalism literally depend on mom-fertile-imperfect-bodies to keep their systems running.

On Thursday, 11:11. Stay tuned!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Secret Club

Does Delulu Work? I Tried a 10-Day Journaling Challenge to Find Out

Read more

8 months ago · 4 likes · 4 comments · tássia

Secret Club

Turns Out I’m Not a Founder

Read more

8 months ago · 12 likes · 12 comments · tássia

Secret Club Tote Giveaway — Here’s How to Snag Yours

Spread the gospel of Secret Club with your referral link. Every friend who signs up gets you closer to free months — and the legendary Secret Club tote. We’re not selling it anymore, so this is your one and only shot to strut around town with it.

Refer a friend

XOXO
🪐 Tássia

Anna is a witch — I can smell it!

Her calming presence, the kind you find in people who know what they are doing and simply thrive, is undeniable. Only witches have that. She’s so amazing, I want to be her—or be her friend and get inspired by what she knows, and also do what I’m supposed to do with confidence, knowing that this is enough. The universe doesn’t require anything else—just us, being who we are supposed to be.

Despite learning so much about Finnish herbs, what we took in was her presence.

Our Magical Herbs & DIY Cosmetics was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had with the club—surely it will forever be on my top list. It was super warm inside, but still, I was so happy to gather with the other seven women to learn about herbs and create our lotions, sprays, bath salts, and face masks together.

You know that feeling when you're at a concert of a band you love, and you’re singing along with strangers, and it’s like a special moment? That’s how this felt.

Because Anna is a biologist, she explains technical things about the herbs, but she also weaves in folk wisdom and their magical powers. After learning, we picked herbs based on what energy we wanted to invite in. I used Lady’s Mantle in everything, because I’m manifesting a glow-up this year. 🌟

🍄 If that made your heart flutter, click here to join our Mushroom Foraging Workshop! It’s on September 21st only, but since I’ve got your attention, I thought it’d be a good idea to share the link. If you’re a paid member, ask for the 10% discount promo code in our WhatsApp group chat or by replying to this email.

We’ve decided on all the books we’ll read this year! It was based on our members’ suggestions and votes. It was hard to place each book in a month, but we tried our best to keep sad books out of the winter and to match each story to the season—because reading Little Women during the autumn would certainly be a bliss!

To make it easier to follow, I created a dedicated page for it on our Substack. Whenever you want to check it out, click here. It’s public to all.

I also made our Book Club open to non-members under a small contribution fee. So, if you’re here only occasionally for the book discussions, you’re more than welcome—I love that it feels pointless to even state the reason.

Secret Book Club

Secret Reading Circle — On Thursday (7), we’ll meet up to continue our discussions about the Women Who Run with the Wolves, and you’re welcome to join at any time — no pressure to catch up! We’ll dive into chapters 6 and 7. Bring your thoughts, your questions, or just your lovely presence — all are welcome.
📍 We’re testing a new place, with delicious food: Tanner, in Kallio.

N.B.: Reading Circle and Book Club are two different things.

Secret Club

The Plot Twist: Turns Out I’m Not a Founder

Read more

8 months ago · 12 likes · 12 comments · tássia

Secret Club

Dear Diary #16: Moving for Love & the Overweight Baggage

Read more

9 months ago · 12 likes · 4 comments · tássia

XOXO
🪐 Tássia

Hey lovely! 🌞

Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

On Sunday, we said goodbye to a dear friend who's off to Amsterdam — bittersweet, as always. It was boiling, but I managed to sneak in a swim on my way home.

Speaking of goodbyes… no one tells you how intense the rhythm of coming and going can be when you’re an expat. And wow, it hits hard. I can already count six (!) friends leaving Finland this year alone.

Somehow, once you're outside your home country, moving around starts to feel more “possible” — not always because you want to, but because sometimes you have to.

But hey — it’s Secret Club Post day, so let’s save the drama for Thursday. 😉

TL;DR:
🇱🇺 Luxembourg hosted our first-ever Secret Club Pop-Up — 14 amazing women, 10 nationalities, and a whole lot of magic.
🗺 Secret Club is niche and global — wherever you are, you're invited in.
💌 Try our 60-day free trial and see if this inbox BFF energy hits right.
🍒 Secret Swap Picnic is back! Free, fun, and full of fabulous finds.
🌿 Magical Herbs Workshop coming this week!
📚 Reading Club (we’re reading Women Who Run with the Wolves) — come join!

💫 Luxembourg Pop-Up & What’s Next

The star moment of this edition is our very first Secret Club Pop-Up in Luxembourg! I’ve been dying to see this kind of event come to life — and it did not disappoint.

Massive shoutout to Alice, our first-ever Secret Host (queen of vibes 👑). She picked the place, chose the menu, sorted the drinks, and made magic happen at Ceruzzi — a charming Italian spot. Picture it:
✨ 14 amazing women
🌍 10 nationalities
🗣 11 languages spoken
And a ton of laughter, connection, and good energy.

Oh, and before wrapping up, Alice handed out cute little prompts where guests could pair up and dream up new event ideas. It was spontaneous and fun — the kind of thing Secret Club is all about.

So… What’s next?

Someone recently asked when our next Luxembourg meet-up is happening. The truth? We don’t have a date yet, but we’re hoping for something in September.

But here’s what I want you to know:
Secret Club is a newsletter first. It’s the heart of everything we do.

Yes, we have meet-ups, thoughtful workshops, and spontaneous connections — but it all begins with one thing: a weekly letter sent with love.

Whether you’re in Helsinki, Luxembourg, or Argentina, you can still be part of this — because the stories we share about friendship, identity, reinvention, and joy are universal and deeply real.

Over a thousand women are already soaking up the vibes through this simple, magical thread of an email — the heart of Secret Club.

So if you’re curious, try the 60-day free trial and see if this inbox BFF energy feels like home. 💌

Try it for Free

🍒 Secret Swap Picnic is BACK

First, a heartfelt apology! I’ll keep it brief — as we were planning a new date for the event, we found out we could no longer use the sauna lounge (ugh, it’s a whole story). If you paid the €10 fee, it’s already been refunded. I’m truly sorry for the change and appreciate your understanding.

But good news: we’re bringing back our classic Swap Picnic format from the past two years!

🧺 What to bring:

– A towel
– Snacks
– Something to swap (clothes, books, accessories, makeup)
– Your amazing self (and yes, friends are welcome — it's open to women only)

Go to the event page

Coming Soon

🌿 Magical Herbs & DIY Cosmetics Workshop w/ @foragingwithanna

We’re mixing up potions (okay, natural cosmetics) using Nordic plants. It's gonna be equal parts nourishing and magical. Secret Club members get 10% off, because perks are part of the magic — click here to find the workshop.

📖 Secret Reading Club — We're currently reading Women Who Run with the Wolves, and you’re welcome to join at any time — no pressure to catch up! Our next meeting will be at Tanner, a delicious little spot in Kallio, where we’ll dive into chapters 6 and 7. Bring your thoughts, your questions, or just your lovely presence — all are welcome.

Wishing you a week full of breeze, boldness, and little moments of beauty.

With love,
Tássia 💌

🗞

Hello, my dear pearls! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

I went to the Zoo with my husband on Saturday. It was my first time in a zoo in ages — I don’t remember going to the zoo at all, only a Safari in South Africa in 2018. Well, seeing animals is not an experience I love, but it was a gorgeous, sunny day. I had a vanilla soft ice cream and was amazed by the European bison, which somehow reminded me of Javier Bardem. 🦬

EDITOR’S LETTER

Finally Owning It

We have become a living space where we express ourselves, share stories, spark ideas, and remind each other that life can still be magical — this is our mission. Yet, I never had the guts to fully claim the way I picture it: a weekly community-led publication.

My eagerness for writing should have been enough, but data (!) shows that most of you are here to read, feel seen, and have your struggles understood. First, you read. Later, maybe, you show up to a meet-up. The magical connection that happens through written words also connects us, and perhaps you are not only looking for new friends at the moment.

Leave a comment

Hey you, secret reader. Thanks for making sure I’m not just shouting into the cosmic abyss. You’re living proof that connection wears many disguises.

Love you big time 💖
— Tássia

Our New Price

Our membership price will be set at €9.90/month — it took so long to find the perfect price that matches what we want to deliver! Hope that makes sense for many of you reading this.

It’s not as low as the €6 some of you paid way back at the start, but it’s also far more affordable than the €19.90 we once set when we were running tons of events ourselves and juggling the Mighty Networks platform, which honestly didn’t make sense.

I’m a writer first, and this newsletter will always be the main thread that brings us together.

If you’re a paid member, don’t worry — your price will automatically adjust down by the end of July 🚨

More newsletters — but what about the meet-ups?

Going forward, Secret Club won’t be organizing every single event ourselves. Instead, we’re putting more energy into empowering you — our members — to host your meet-ups, share ideas, and spark gatherings in true Secret Club style.

Got something in mind? A brunch, a creative session, a casual hang? Drop your idea in our WhatsApp community and see who wants in.

Of course, our Book Club and creative workshops aren’t going anywhere — speaking of which… brace yourself for what’s coming next. It’s good.

🍰 Cake Decoration Workshop

We had a delicious session at @boabim.cafe, learning how to decorate the cutest (and yummiest) bento cakes. Big shoutout to Noemi for the idea! If you loved the idea, grab a spot on 26/07 at 13:00. We still have 3 places!

🥒 Magical Herbs & Cosmetics Workshop

We’re about to dive into the art of whipping up natural cosmetics with the most fragrant, soothing, invigorating — and downright mystical — plants from our northern landscapes. I’m ridiculously excited because it’s going to be pure magic… and a whole lot of fun! Join us on 31/07 at 17:00! Secret Club members get 10% off — because perks are part of the magic. ✨ Slide into our WhatsApp or hit reply to this email for your code!

With love,
Tássia

My “no” post-its 🕯

If you have no idea why I’m showing this, click here.

🗞

Hello, my dear pearls!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend—even if Helsinki tried to rain on our vibes. My highlights were our tennis class with @helsinkitennis_academy and devouring a delicious Eggs Benedict at @gastrocafekallio. Highly recommend!

🎾 Tennis Class

Our tennis tryout class was a smashing success! The court was top-notch—no wonder Sanna Marin and the Finnish Team hang out there. Clearly, we’ve got excellent taste and maybe some star power rubbing off on us!

🍰 Cake Decoration Workshop

This Thursday, we’re getting our bake on at @boabim.cafe, learning how to decorate the cutest (and yummiest) bento cakes. Big shoutout to Noemi for the idea! The first group is already full (we’re a popular bunch), but don’t panic—you can still grab a spot on 26/07 at 13:00.

🌿 Magical Herbs & DIY Cosmetics Workshop

We’ll dive into the art of crafting natural cosmetics using the most fragrant, soothing, invigorating, and downright mystical plants from our northern landscapes. Join us on 31/07 at 17:00! Members of the Secret Club get 10% off!

Wanna join the fun? Snag a special discount to celebrate our very first Secret Club Weekly Post!

Join us for a special price

Wishing you a delicious start to the week. 💖

With love,
Tássia