A Smile a Day Hangout: Where Young People Unwind, Network, and Smile

At A Smile a Day Hangout, the atmosphere exudes positivity, fostering connections and spreading joy among attendees. An idea that started as a mere WhatsApp status, now pulls a crowd to share memorable moments.

This social hub embraces the power of genuine smiles as a catalyst for building relationships, relieving stress, and supporting personal growth.

Founded by Brian Khavalaji, a digital content writer and passionate advocate for Generation Z, A Smile a Day Hangout is a vibrant chain of hangouts designed to bring young people together for an unforgettable experience.

Fueled by his love for people, his networking prowess, and his desire to create positive change, Khavalaji has managed to hack the code and crafted a space that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.

The monthly hangouts aims to create a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals can unwind, network, and most importantly, smile.

Khavalaji’s vision for this hangout is to cultivate an environment where everyone leaves with a lighter heart and a brighter outlook.

We snatched an hour from him to discuss how the idea came about and what he envisions to achieve with the series of hangouts.

Brian Khavalaji, the brains behind A Smile a Day Hangouts. | Photo: Fresh360

How did the idea of A Smile a Day Hangout come about?

I have a thing for beautiful smiles. For some time, I have been posting my smiles and that of my friends on my WhatsApp status with the hashtag #SmileyDayAhead. The idea has always been to encourage people to smile without being preachy.

One time, my friend Lesalon Kasaine, the content strategist at Qazini invited me over to his place. While talking, he asked me, “How can you make this big? What else can you do so that you are not just posting on your status?”

We pondered it and decided to start with a small group of creatives, ten people maximum. Unfortunately, many people showed interest, so we allowed a diverse group to join in, and that’s how A SMILE A DAY HANGOUTs was started.

How did the 1st & 2nd edition go down?

I was so scared of the outcome, but luckily the people who showed up needed this. There was a gap. Almost half of the people who came during the first hangout came on the second one.

The only challenge is I find it hard to delegate duties, but I have learned picking the best brains to handle specific areas in event management helps. The fact that we are still going on and people are asking for hangouts at their hoods is encouraging (we are currently organising one for people in Kisii).

The only major difference is that more people showed up for the second edition than the previous one.

What are some of the things you opt to change in the coming editions?

I want to keep it as I had envisioned earlier, to create Networking spaces for young professionals. So there is so much work to instil that mindset in the people in the communities I create. I want to niche it down to a place where even people who like stargazing can have their own hangout. Basically make networking a norm.

What’s the end goal? Are you planning to make it an organisation, a travel and tours, or just a series of hangouts?

Legally, I am obligated to register the entity. So I would make it an events company focusing on networking for young professionals. I want to see young people create strong social capital. A step at securing a bright future.

If not, create a space where young people can get the right networks to make things work. For instance, you do not need to pay an agency to handle your graphic design work. I know someone who can help you. That’s the idea.

Smilers enjoying the fuss and jocund moments of the hangout. | Photo: Fresh360

What are some of the challenges you encounter while planning and executing the hangouts?

My greatest strength is coming up with ideas and mobilising people. Planning events is not my second nature, so it can be overwhelming sometimes. Secondly, I want Networking to be as affordable as possible.

Unfortunately, that can be hard because venues are expensive and sometimes, getting a place that caters to my people’s needs is hard. Luckily, I have created a team that helps with planning and logistics, and things look great.

What are you hoping to achieve with the 3rd edition, that you might have failed to achieve in the 1st and 2nd edition?

I have two amazing ladies helping me, Consolata Nekesa and Nelly Njogu. Their project management, event organising experience, and expertise help ensure we get the best experience for our people.

What’s one unique thing about A Smile a Day hangouts compared to other hangouts happening across the country?

I’d say what sets us apart is the fact that the SMILE is our signature. This is a place where you can expect to be entertained (hence unwind), network (we never go wrong on this) and smile from the conversations and games and the positive vibe. So I would say we kill many birds with one stone.

Would you say you are partly advocating for mental health awareness? (Having people to unwind from busy weeks and share a smile could be one way you’re advocating for MH, no?)

I mean, yeah. Our tagline is Unwind.Network.Smile. At the end of the day, we do this once a month just to get away from our normal routines to relax, have fun and network with peers.

Serene experience at the Smile a Day Hangout. |Photo:Fresh360

What would these hangouts look like in the next 5 years?

The honest answer is I do not know. In the next five years, we might have the people who have been coming on our hangouts to have a sacco or real estate investments. I guess we’ll see. The only constant thing will be growth.

What’s one philosophy that you live on?

Share a smile when you can. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyday.