Today we’d like to introduce you to Francesmary Loughead

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

My name is FrancesMary, but most people call me FM. I was born and raised in downtown Chicago, where I attended Ogden International for elementary school and later commuted to Timothy Christian in Elmhurst for high school. Even though I stayed rooted in the city, it was during high school that I met my now husband. From there, I went on to DePaul University, majoring in Public Relations and Advertising.

I’ve always had a strong work ethic and a love for being around people, so I started working as soon as I could. Through college, I worked in the restaurant industry, which taught me so much about communication and building relationships. When COVID hit, it really shifted my perspective on work-life balance, and I found myself drawn to the flexibility of remote work. I pursued multiple remote internships and ultimately landed a fully remote role as a marketing specialist.

2021 was a big year for me! I got married just a week before graduating college, and my husband and I relocated to Indiana for his career in racing. Moving to a new city, though exciting, came with its own challenges—like finding a sense of community. I tried using apps to make friends, but they didn’t feel quite right. So, I decided to create something myself.

It all started with a small idea: a weekly watch party for The Bachelorette. I invited a group of 10-15 ladies I’d connected with online, and soon these casual meetups evolved into wine nights, dinners, and other fun outings. Over time, I realized just how many women in the area were also searching for authentic friendships.

Fast forward to December 2023, I officially launched BFF Indy, a community designed to bring women together through events and shared experiences. Today, it’s grown to over 18,000 members, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far it’s come. It’s been an incredible journey, and I feel so fortunate to help create spaces where women can connect and thrive.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Honestly, I feel very blessed with how naturally BFF Indy came together. Of course, nothing is ever entirely smooth, and there have been challenges along the way. In the beginning, I wondered if people would actually show up to events or if they’d find value in the community I was building. There’s always a bit of self-doubt when you’re putting yourself out there.

That said, I’ve been overwhelmed—in the best way—by how many people have embraced BFF Indy and made meaningful friendships through it. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact this community has had, and while there are always little bumps here and there, I truly believe those challenges make the success even more rewarding!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

BFF Indy is all about creating authentic connections and a sense of belonging for women in Indianapolis. At its core, we’re a community that thrives on fostering friendships through in-person events, collaborations with local businesses, and opportunities for women to step outside their usual circles and try something new.

What sets BFF Indy apart is our emphasis on real, face-to-face connections in a world that often feels overly digital. We specialize in curating events that are fun, inclusive, and low-pressure—whether it’s a wine night, yoga session, book club, or a casual dinner. Our goal is to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and comfortable being themselves.

I’m incredibly proud of how the community has grown, not just in numbers but in impact. We’ve connected thousands of women, helped small businesses reach new audiences, and built a network that truly supports one another. Seeing friendships blossom and hearing stories of how BFF Indy has made a difference in someone’s life is what keeps me going.

For anyone looking to join, we offer a wide range of events and opportunities to get involved, from our signature gatherings to partnerships with local brands. My hope is that readers see BFF Indy as not just an organization but a movement—a reminder that it’s never too late to find your people and build meaningful relationships.

What matters most to you? Why?

What matters most to me is creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and genuinely connected. Relationships are such a vital part of life, and I’ve always believed that having a strong community can make all the difference—not just in our social lives but in our overall happiness and well-being.

I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find that sense of belonging, especially in a new city or stage of life. That’s why building BFF Indy has been so meaningful to me. It’s not just about hosting events; it’s about helping women feel like they have a place where they can be themselves, make lasting friendships, and know they’re not alone in their journey.

This mission drives everything I do because I’ve seen how powerful connection can be. Whether it’s someone finding their best friend or simply feeling a little less isolated, those moments are what matter most to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bffindianapolis.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bff.indy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BSZoYQ77n/

Image Credits

BFF Indy