When Michael Bowden observed that traditional entertainment wasn’t filling seats at his business Cin Cin Wine Bar, instead of doubling down he focused on what Kiama needed.

This has resulted in a wholesome approach to hospitality alongside co-owner Melanie Allen, that focuses on getting people to reconnect with others, which has seen events sell out in days.

This approach came from Michael’s own journey in mental health advocacy, his involvement with the Man Walk, his social enterprise Rockstar Dads, and years of experience in hospitality (28 years to be exact).

“I've always found that being able to connect with other people is one really good tool when it comes to having good mental health,” he said.

“I've sort of gone, ‘well, what am I passionate about and how can we bring that into the business?’”

This strategy is proving to be effective, with the venue’s ‘The Case of the Kiama Blowhole Mystery’ event selling out in days. The intimate event includes drinks on arrival and a full interactive experience unraveling the mystery of the Kiama Blowhole body.

“I thought it was a really good way for people to connect … we advertised it and within two to three days we sold the first one out,” said Michael.

Cin Cin’s variety of hands-on experiences also includes paint and sip sessions, clay making, candle workshops, and macrame classes. All of the events that Cin Cin offers have a mutual purpose, building connections.

Cin Cin’s Thursday Book Hour is an example of this, running from 4-5pm in collaboration with Kiama Unplugged, people are encouraged to ‘disconnect from your phone and reconnect with a good book’. This has expanded to include knitting, crocheting, board games, and conversation.

The partnership with Kiama Unplugged is also working on expanding to unplugged date nights, giving couples the opportunity to put their phones away and connect over dinner. These nights will also include a community table for singles to meet new people and have conversations over dinner.

“The main thing is it's just not doom scrolling on your phone, it's about doing something with a purpose,” Michael said.

Monthly Barstool Brothers gatherings offer men a relaxed and low-pressure opportunity to connect over a free meal, meeting on the last Wednesday of each month. Michael’s collaborative approach doesn’t stop there, with a project in the works with local resident Tamara Campbell. The project involves a dinner at Cin Cin where a topic is set for the evening and people are encouraged to connect through fun conversations facilitated by Tamara.

“I know Tamara quite well and I know her personality, it will bring to the facilitation some fun and some playfulness,” said Michael.

Michael is also reaching out beyond just events and into practical solutions, including a new courtesy electric van that provides sustainable transportation for patrons. Michael is using Cin Cin’s new courtesy van to create connections with local businesses, Fillmore’s and Little Betty's, running a circuit between the three venues to get patrons to and from home.

Connection is the cornerstone of Michael’s innovative and collaborative approach to his business, and as he says it’s as simple as “being open to having a conversation with just the person sitting next to you”.

Cin Cin Wine Bar’s upcoming events can be found on their social media pages or at their website. The Case of the Kiama Blowhole Mystery event runs Thursday September 18, 6-9pm, with tickets available through Eventbrite.