In conversation with Oi Leng, co-founder of The Hearth
As The Hearth celebrates its 5th birthday this month, we’re so excited to bring you an interview with our co-founder, Oi Leng. Her journey from Singapore to London, her passion for creating safe, empowering spaces, and her commitment to restoring women to their power are what have shaped The Hearth into the unique community it is today.
Oi Leng shares the inspiration behind The Hearth, her insights on empowering women, and how her Asian heritage influences her work. Read on to discover the heart and soul behind The Hearth and what makes our community so special.
What was the inspiration behind The Hearth?
As women navigating midlife, my co-founder Samira and I noticed how many things were converging in our lives – raising children, supporting aging parents, taking care of our health, managing careers. We were each juggling so much, and it was clear we needed a physical space where we could feel grounded, supported, and connected with other women experiencing the same challenges.
We dreamed of a place where we could lift each other up, share our journeys, and not feel so alone. We wanted to create a community that offers not only support but also opportunities to learn, attend events, and grow together as we move through this stage of life.
"Restoring women to power" is a core value of The Hearth. How would you describe this in your own words?
Over the past five years of running the business, I’ve listened to so many women share their stories – some uplifting, some deeply challenging. Stories of resilience, loss, and moments of vulnerability. Hearing these experiences has made it clear just how much we need spaces where women feel safe, supported, and truly seen.
For me, "restoring women to power" means creating a space where each woman can connect with her own strength and wisdom. It’s not about prescribing what success or empowerment looks like; it’s about meeting women where they are on their journeys. The Hearth is here to provide community, not judgment; encouragement, not expectation. It’s a place to step into your power, however that looks for you.
How does your Asian heritage influence your work at The Hearth?
In Asian culture, community and connection are central – you have the village, the wise women, the grandmothers, all gathered to support each other. There’s a strong sense of openness and inclusivity that I think can sometimes be lost in a big city like London. I wanted to bring that warm, communal spirit into The Hearth, where everyone feels welcome.
One of my favorite cultural values is the idea that there’s always room at the table. Even if we don’t have enough, we improvise and make it work. That sense of generosity and sharing is something I carry into The Hearth every day. And, of course, food is a big part of how we connect too!
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We hope this look into Oi Leng’s journey and vision brings even more inspiration to your experience with The Hearth. Here’s to five incredible years, and many more to come.