Leilah Perchaluk, "When I started Knew House nearly three years ago, I wasn’t trying to launch a community — I was just trying to find one."

Leilah Perchaluk

Founder, Knew House

LinkedIn

Every month, we spotlight one of the incredible women who make up Knew House. This time, we’re flipping the spotlight around.

You hear a lot about what Knew House is, but not always about why it exists — or the woman behind it. So we thought it was time to share a little more about our founder, Leilah Perchaluk, and the vision that started it all.

If you’ve ever wondered how Knew House came to be — or what fuels the fire behind the scenes — keep reading....

“I Was Looking for My People…”

 

When I started Knew House nearly three years ago, I wasn’t trying to launch a community — I was just trying to find one.

I was running my own business and constantly finding myself in spaces that didn’t feel quite right. The casual business groups weren’t deep enough, and the serious business networks felt like old boys’ clubs I had to perform in. I needed something real.

I needed a place where ambitious, accomplished women could come together to have conversations that actually matter — about business, growth, challenges, and life. So I created it.

Knew House has grown a lot since then — from a few women meeting around a table to nearly 70 members across multiple cities.

But what hasn’t changed is why we meet: to connect, grow, and push each other to the next level.

And the best part? It’s never really been about me. It’s about us.

XO, Leilah

Q&A

Leilah answered some questions - from the real story behind the name Knew House to her favorite guilty pleasure. Because behind every business builder is a woman who’s still figuring it out as she goes.

Why did you name it Knew House?

It came to life while I was sitting on the dock at the lake brainstorming ideas for this new project. I wanted it to be unique, cool, and make people wonder what it was. I didn't want to have it spelt out for you right away, you had to ask the question and make the first move.

Playing with the word 'knowledge' and thinking about sharing past experience, I stumbled on the word 'knew'. I believe we already know what we need — we just need the right space (and people) to bring it forward. It’s also a nod to creating a new kind of space: strong foundation, curated rooms, real conversations, a home.

What’s something you wish more women talked about openly?

The moments where they feel lonely or stuck — and the fact that success doesn’t mean you never question yourself. That’s why Knew House exists. High-achieving women need support too, and sitting across the table from them, you get the real connection you need.

What’s been the hardest part of building this community?

Letting go of control.

I care so much about the experience, so trusting others to carry the vision with me has been a learning curve. I operate very independently, which makes growth feel hard. Knowing you need to bring in people that want to support you, and be on the journey has been worth it, though. In every way.

What’s been the most rewarding?

Watching women show up for each other in a way that’s raw, generous, and powerful. When someone says, “this changed my life,” I melt. Every time.

Who and what inspires you right now?

The women in our Houses. Seriously. I see how hard they work, how honest they are, and how much they still show up for each other. That energy is unmatched.

When it comes to the business, marketing is where my heart is. I'm feeling drawn to and inspired by unique campaigns I'm seeing in the fashion and ecommerce space. Being able to draw inspiration from that in a service-based business model has been really fascinating.

What’s your vision for the next chapter?

More cities, more curated Houses, and more women feeling seen, challenged, and connected to one another. I want Knew House to be the place for women who’ve built something and are ready for more.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Stress cleaning my whole house, a full skincare routine, followed by three episodes of Housewives.

What’s a quote or mantra that’s stuck with you lately?

I wish I knew where this quote came from, but I read it on Instagram and it stuck with me.

"Start enjoying the struggle. Start enjoying the pain. Start enjoying the sanity-testing path you're on to do things younger you wouldn't believe were possible. It's hard. It sucks. It's confusing. You're not even sure you can do it. And that's exactly what will make the coffee at the top of the mountain taste so much better. It's why your victory will feel so damn personal. Training montages are fun to watch - until you're Rocky. Well, guess what? It's not meant to be comfortable. So you might as well embrace the discomfort. Smile for the cameras. You're up. This is your movie. Go do some main character shit."

Ah, I just love it. It speaks to me, and I imagine so many other women who are doing hard things on a daily basis. Why not do some main character shit every once in a while?