would you like to meet me?
I’m Jess Janz, a tender-hearted writer, community facilitator, and the creator of Dinner With Strangers.
I started Dinner With Strangers in 2017 with my friend Ryan at his hair studio to invite people who didn’t know each other to get past small talk and get inspired by each other’s stories. Since then, I’ve hosted nearly sixty dinners (which is over 1000 people and counting), plus dinners for Altea Active Club, The W Hotel, Staub, and Wealthsimple.
My writing focuses on the collective ache that binds us all together (which makes me super fun and chill to talk to at parties!) I host a monthly writing workshop called In Good Company and host Poetry Club through my Substack community.
i’m currently…
Publishing my first book, The Table Where We Meet (Source Books, March 2026). Pre-order news to come soon!
Hosting at least two dinners a month in Toronto, as well as taking a limited amount of corporate/ private dinners. Want me to facilitate an event for your group? Send me a note!
Looking for companies, makers, and creatives who want to collaborate & partner together. Start the conversation here.