Meet the UK founder who created a kind girl community

For almost a decade Lydia Leyland was best known for her globe-trotting lifestyle, Instagram-envy pictures and world-travelling journals, but since swapping plane tickets for the Lake District, she has not just changed her address, but her sense of direction too.

Founding one of the fastest growing communities for isolated women with her brand, We Got You Boo, the female run Kind Girl Community brings UK 20-40 year olds together to make friends in a way unlike ever before.

We Got You Boo hosts a variety of meet-ups, events, online chats and retreats. Aimed at uplifting and empowering girls through kindness, connection and positive experiences, and with Lydia leaning into her own escapades to deliver memories that will last a lifetime for others, the community already has thousands of members and continues to grow every-single-day.

At just 31 and originally from Leeds, Lydia spent eight amazing years travelling the world full-time whilst working as the community marketing manager for Sweaty Betty, followed by being the marketing lead for a US-based eCommerce company, living and working as a digital nomad. These days she is pouring her heart and soul into a vibrant community and brand, saying: “My life’s mission is simple: to support other women in living their happiest lives surrounded by great friends.”

In 2023 a report by the think tank Onward revealed that around 20% of 18- to 34-year-olds had one, or no, close friends – triple the number in 2012- and declaring a ‘friendship recession’ in the UK, making the We Got You Boo ethos even more essential than initially set out.

One female member said about her experience since joining the We Got You Boo community; “Being part of this community makes me feel like I have forever-kind-of-girlfriends from all walks of life! It gives me a sense of security, knowing even if I am alone and new in a big city, I can always text/call someone from WGYB and I’ll undoubtedly feel the support of a group of women.”

Not one to turn her back on travel and life experiences completely, Lydia still loves to explore and experience all that is wonderful in life, explaining; “When I'm not working on building this amazing community, you’ll find me hiking up mountains, hunting down the best foodie spots around the world, and enjoying all of the biggest adventures with friends and my husband.”

Since the start of the year We Got You Boo have sold-out almost every one of their in-person events, with their most recent selling out in just nine-minutes. This type of interest, alongside Lydia’s mission to help as many women as possible means her goal to help as many women as possible is less of a luxury, and more of a demand.

Are you feeling isolated, moved to a new city, outgrown your old friendship circle or simply looking to meet new, like minded people in the UK? We Got You Boo is the perfect space for you - head to their website and explore the community today.