What do you get when you combine women of color mixed with brunch for the purpose of creating friendships? Well, you get a sisterhood. And that was the idea behind the app, Brown Skin Brunchin′. Its purpose is to be the platform by which black women from all over the world could connect and develop a sisterhood with no judgment or expectations.
Lillian Jackson and Melissa Mason are the brains behind this idea. What they realized was that young girls usually had a circle of friends, but as women age, their friendships start to dwindle.
Jackson and Mason understood the mission and they went to work. Their idea was to formulate a social group of women who could identify with having a friendship void. So, they set the app, Brown Skin Brunchin′ in place, and within a short time, there was a domino effect where women from all over the country including Canada and Grenada were yearning to be a part of their movement. Before long, women anticipated their meet-and-greets and looked forward to eating brunch, chit-chatting, making connections, and creating lasting memories.
Since its inception, Brown Skin Brunchin′ has grown exponentially and continues to expand. This is our conversation.
What is the story behind the Brown Skin Brunchin’s start, and what is your mission?
Brown Skin Brunchin’ was created by childhood best friends Lillian Jackson and Melissa Mason in the fall of 2018. Their journey began more as a personal one after a career opportunity meant Lillian had to move across the country. Without being able to see each other as often as they used to, Lillian and Melissa realized they needed to expand their social circles outside of their immediate groups. The two quickly learned that making friends as an adult was not as easy as making them when one is a child, and as one gets older, it becomes increasingly difficult to connect with others in genuine ways.
Traditional networking events weren’t as fun and interactive, so the two decided to use something they both loved as a means to bond with others, brunch.
After the first two events were posted online, an overwhelming response from others facing the same dilemma was received, and thus, Brown Skin Brunchin’ was born. Brown Skin Brunchin’ specializes in bringing together women of color in an unconventional, yet fun way, to expand their personal and professional circles. Its goal is to build community and foster healthy relationships amongst women of color in a positive and uplifting setting. We support one another, encourage one another, and most of all, enjoy our time with one another through food, fun, and travel.
You have grown all across the United States and are now into Canada and Grenada as well. How did you know this movement was needed and who is it targeted towards?
When the first two events were posted, one in Richmond, Virginia, and the other in Los Angeles, California, both events sold out quickly. After the brunches were held and Melissa and Lillian started sharing the photos of each event, women from all over the country began to reach out asking, “What is this? How can I be a part of it? How do I bring something like this to my city?”
Melissa and Lillian quickly realized they were not alone in their struggle and that they were on to something. From that point, they began looking for ways to reach as many women as possible to help them expand their circles, and make connections they would not make otherwise. Brown Skin Brunchin’ is geared towards women of color, ages 21 and up. The group has had women from ages 21 on up to age 80 attend their brunches.
Tell us about your Brown Skin Brunchin′ App and your champagne line.
The app was launched for members to stay connected outside of brunch and to expand their reach even further. The app gives members the opportunity to join their local city group, as well as connect with women around the world. They can view and purchase tickets to events, share photos from past brunches, ask for advice when exploring or moving to a new city, plan to travel to attend brunches in other cities, get advice on places to work, and much more. The opportunities to build their circle within the app are endless. The Brown Skin Brunchin’ app is available in the App Store and the Google Play Store. Brunch in a Bottle is Brown Skin Brunchin’s own branded wine. It comes in Peach Mango Sparkling and Moscato, and is the perfect way to get a little taste of brunch no matter the day of the week.
How can people join, and what can they expect after joining?
Women may join as a member of the website at www.brownskinbrunchin.com, as well as through the Brown Skin Brunchin’ app. Once they are a member, they can join their local city group to connect with women in their area. They may also join other cities they are interested in and connect with women there as well. They can sign up to receive as many updates as they’d like, and register for upcoming events. Events are posted on both platforms and members may register through either to attend a brunch. On the day of the event, it’s time for brunch. Members can expect to come into a welcoming environment and connect organically with like-minded women. They may come in not knowing anyone, but leave with their new best friend!
Why do you think it’s important for women to have valuable friendships as adults?
It’s important for women to have valuable friendships as adults because life can take you on paths you could never have imagined, and going through life’s journey with a strong support system makes the journey a bit easier and a lot more fun. It’s even more important for women in communities of color, as our experience is unique, historically communities of color have been driven apart, and the perception is that there aren’t many healthy relationships among women in the community. Brown Skin Brunchin’ is here to help change the narrative. The group is judgment-free, supportive, and positive. Having a support system in place helps you through all phases of life, good or bad, and lets you know you are not alone. Every woman should have a friend or group of friends that they can depend on in various ways. Friends can keep you sane, humble, grateful, happy, and all-around make you a better person.
Since connecting with so many women and hearing their stories, what impact has this movement and the friendships had on your members?
Brown Skin Brunchin’ has turned complete strangers into life-long friends. Members constantly talk about how the group has changed their lives for the better, and that they would not have built their sister circle the way they have without it. Members have found their new best friend, travel crew, favorite hang-out spots, homes, employers, customers, and the list goes on. Melissa and Lillian have had the best time witnessing members flourish in so many positive ways.
If someone wanted to join and become an ambassador for their state, how can they go about it and what would that job entail?
Brown Skin Brunchin’ is always looking for new ambassadors, as they are the backbone of what we do, and how we keep this movement going strong. If someone is interested in becoming an ambassador, they may submit an application on our website at www.brownskinbrunchin.com/becomeambassador. Ambassadors are responsible for all aspects of the monthly brunch event, including researching and contacting restaurants, scheduling brunches, responding to member inquiries, and ensuring the overall brunch experience is enjoyable for all attendees.
What’s next for you, and where do you see this women’s brunchin′ movement within the next 5 years?
Brown Skin Brunchin’ is currently working on its goal to reach 100 cities before the end of the year, with plans to expand to 130 cities, domestic and international, by 2023. There are also goals of increasing international expansion, supporting women in their entrepreneurial journeys, and creating scholarships and opportunities for young women of color. Melissa and Lillian see the Brown Skin Brunchin’ movement changing the lives of millions of women across the globe.
How can people connect with and follow you?
You may connect with us online at www.brownskinbrunchin.com, via the app, which is available in the App Store and the Google Play Store, and on social media by clicking these links: Instagram │Facebook │TikTok
Writer, Debbie Stokes is a contributing writer. Follow her on Instagram here @iamdebbiestokes
