Sharlene Durfey François | Source | Founder/Creator of the Intimacy Cards at Intimacy Cards
Sharlene Durfey François
Sharlene Durfey François is an artist, connector, and entrepreneur leading an Intimacy Movement to redefine how people connect. Through the Intimacy Cards, a thoughtfully crafted deck encouraging deep, meaningful interactions across all relationship types, Sharlene invites people to explore the layers of human intimacy.
This movement took root in Berlin with Beyond the Surface, a unique event series she started where strangers play the cards in a “speed dating” style exercises focused on openness, presence, and vulnerability, removing judgment with a goal to connect rather than romance. She hopes to franchise this event all over the world.
Inspired by the mycelium networks that interconnect forest ecosystems, Sharlene finds a natural parallel in the way authentic connections sustain social landscapes. Known for her mushroom-inspired art under the moniker Shhhroooms, she views these fungal networks as symbolic of the support and nourishment that true intimacy provides.
A Taiwanese-Californian with nearly a decade in Berlin and a meditation practice since age nine, Sharlene brings a multicultural and mindful perspective to her work. Her attention to the beauty in life’s details adds depth and harmony to every project. Sharlene is an ideal media guest on themes of modern intimacy, nature-inspired art, and the transformative power of meaningful connection.
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Intimacy Cards (https://www.intimacy-cards.com)
Founder/Creator of the Intimacy Cards
started Jan 2023
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Debunking Intimacy: Here's the Secret to Genuine Connections & Successful Crowdfunding
In this special live episode of On the Up and Up, recorded after my Beyond the Surface connection event, I join the hosts in an honest conversation about the journey of entrepreneurship and my mission to redefine intimacy. The audience, fresh from experiencing meaningful moments through my deck of Intimacy Cards, joined in as we discussed how true intimacy is often misunderstood in society—it’s not just romantic; it’s about cultivating genuine, meaningful connections. Together, we explore the power of connection, the challenges of building community, and my path as a connector and entrepreneur committed to creating spaces for authentic relationships.
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Intimacy Cards!!! with Sharlene Durfey François on Sober Sex Podcast
In this episode of Sober Sex Podcast, I join as a guest to discuss my Kickstarter campaign for Intimacy Cards and the unique role these cards can play in the lives of those embracing sobriety. We explore how people often rely on “liquid courage” or substances to create connections, as they lower inhibitions and make intimacy feel accessible. Living a sober lifestyle, however, means finding new ways to foster these connections authentically. My Intimacy Cards offer a structured yet fun approach, helping people engage meaningfully without needing substances. Tune in to hear how this deck can support genuine, sober connection.
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Ms Informed Ep. 172 Real Talk with Sharlene about Intimacy
In this engaging episode of Ms Informed, I join as a guest to share my mission to redefine intimacy in ways that go beyond conventional ideas. Together with the host, we discuss how intimacy is about cultivating meaningful, authentic connections in all relationships. We explore how gamifying intimacy through my deck of Intimacy Cards helps people connect more deeply and naturally. To bring this concept to life, the host and I draw one of the cards together, sparking a candid conversation and showing how a single question can create space for genuine connection.
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"She was like, 'this isn't just a game, this is a movement. " And this really stuck with me. This is why I talk about the Intimacy Movement because I really think that encouraging face to face interactions is such an important thing. And especially with all the time we spend on our phones and behind our computer screens, we should value and prioritize the time we have with a friend or partner or a stranger. Let's all connect more on a deeper level."
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"I really believe in redefining intimacy. Because I know it's a euphemism for sex, it's something that makes people uncomfortable. But I like to say that my cards are like practice cards or flash cards for intimacy. And they're like baby steps for people who have a hard time."
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"I do believe intimacy is symbiotic and we all need each other, we all need connections, and we all need to continue creating relationships to feed each other nutrients of love"
