How a WhatsApp Group Became a Women's Community: 9 Years of UWW

Harri Dhokia
May 25
4 min read

On 25th May 2017, I created a WhatsApp group. The goal? To see if we could score a group discount to attend Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within (UPW). There was no grand plan. No brand. Just a bunch of curious souls and a bold idea.

Nine years later, that group chat has blossomed into Unleash the Wolf Within (UWW) - a movement, a mindset, a global sisterhood, and a sanctuary for women on a soul-seeking journey.

This is my UWW birthday blog. A reflection, a celebration, a women's community and a look at what this movement actually mean.

How It All Began: One Group Chat and a Life-Changing Weekend

We started meeting monthly in Northwood, where we spoke openly (and excitedly) about manifesting, vision boards, healing, and crystals. We shared tears, laughter, and stories of transformation. Friendships were born. And a movement began to stir.

In the following year (2018), 15 of us attended UPW - and it cracked me wide open. I healed old wounds. I released layers I didn’t even know I was carrying. I learned tools and principles that have stayed with me ever since. I am able to change my state in a heartbeat.

What We’ve Birthed: From Chats to Changemaking

In 9 years, UWW has evolved from a WhatsApp group into a full-blown force of nature. Through collaborations and supporting each other, we’ve…

Created over 50 hours of personal development workshops and Zoom sessions
Launched Unleashed Wings – home of the Butterfly and Money Manifesting Challenges and a beautiful Healing Community.
Developed a team of incredible leaders building real-world connections across the UK
Held Zoom Summits, Healing Circles, Empowering Days, Nature Walks, Dinners and everything in between
Opened up a safe, empowering space through our online Drop-In Lounges
Created a growing Book Club, where our love of soul stories continues to blossom
Launched the Wolf Directory, connecting and promoting soulpreneurs from all walks of life
Growing Unleash Her Business - a space for personal and business growth for the soul-led business women
Deeper transformation and growth with our Soul-Pack membership

But above all, we’ve built lifelong friendships and connections. We’ve cried together, celebrated together, and held space for one another in ways that words can’t fully capture.

We Didn't Just Heal – We Gave Back

Giving back has always been part of the UWW soulprint. From early on, I used our gatherings to raise money for Mind in Harrow, supporting mental health in our local community. In 2018, I co-hosted a dazzling Awards Night, where all profits went to charity.

But perhaps one of the wildest things ever done was Jail Bail - yes, really! The idea was simple (and fun). We volunteered to be “arrested,” locked in a cell and only released when we raised £2,000.

Pre-Pandemic, thanks to this community’s heart, hustle, and generosity, we raised over £12,000 for mental health causes collectively through UWW events and initiatives.

Group of smiling schoolchildren in blue uniforms wave and pose on a metal frame under trees, outdoors in bright sun.

Honouring Renu: A Legacy of Love and Light

Fast forward to post-pandemic, and now a huge part of UWW’s charitable heart is inspired by someone very dear to me - Renu Ravalia. She was one of the early UWW sisters who supported me with her light, meditations and smile.

Renu grew her wings in 2023 and was a heartbreak many of us felt, but her legacy lives on through the charity I support today.

It was Renu who first connected me to the Gatan Marayu Foundation, a beautiful charity in Nigeria focused on educating children and empowering widows.

Today, I’m proud to serve as one of the UK Ambassadors for the Foundation.

Through UWW, we’ve sponsored over 30 children's education. What started with a single sponsorship through Renu (Aisha, who has since graduated!) has become an ongoing wave of impact.

We’re not just healing ourselves—we’re helping others rise too.

We also support Life In London Trust with their seasonal Easter Egg and Christmas projects.

Our 9th Birthday Lunch – Sunshine Energy, Pani Puri & Iced Lollies

Last weekend, we celebrated in true UWW style with a buffet lunch at Farzi London.

There was food (so much food), deep catch-ups, far too many photos and a vibe that could only be described as: soulful, joyful and food coma by the end. It was the perfect reflection of what UWW is - nourishing, warm and deeply connected.

Smiling group of women pose at an indoor party, one holding cake, under colourful hanging umbrellas and warm lights.

More Than a Women's Community

UWW isn't a destination. It's a journey.

A journey of growth, healing, connection, courage, laughter, tears, breakthroughs and everything in between.

Over the years we've watched strangers become friends, friendships become chosen family, and women rediscover parts of themselves they thought they had lost.

Whether you're taking your first step into personal development, exploring spirituality, navigating a life transition, growing a business, or simply looking for your people, there is a place for you here.

Because sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is realise we're not walking the path alone.

To Every Soul Who Has Walked This Path With Us…

Whether you’ve attended every Zoom, joined every challenge, or quietly followed along from the sidelines - thank you.

You are the heartbeat of this movement. You are the reason UWW is what it is today. And if this is what we’ve built in 9 years, I cannot wait to see what we create next.

With love and purpose,

Harri x