We recently connected with Michelle Moulliet and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

MISSION: Breaking bread together breaks down barriers. At DMV Brunch Babes, we’re more than just a brunch club; we’re a movement of women building genuine connections across the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia). Our gatherings are about more than sharing a meal—they’re about sharing stories, laughter, and a sense of belonging that lasts beyond the table. Together, we toast to new beginnings, build bonds, and remind each other that no one has to explore the city alone.

THE STORY: After several of my friends had moved away and motivated by the pandemic ending, I posted in a Facebook group looking for new friends. The response surprised me and I remembered how difficult it is to make friends in a new city, especially as an introvert in a transient city like Washington, D.C. That post has since evolved into a club with 125 members and counting.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

DMV Brunch Babes is a social club for middle-aged women new to the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia). We explore at least two new restaurants/venues a month. Joining us is like having a ready made group of trusted gal pals with similar interests. Because of our growth and community’s spirit, we attract businesses interested in hosting us, which ultimately provides a better experience for our members.

I think what sets us apart is the level of organization and creativity I instill in the club. I have a strong background in project management and have always had an interest in creative projects. A playful attitude, certainly doesn’t hurt either.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

DMV Brunch Babes is my third foray into the world of creative side hustles. The first was voice acting, which ended up not being a good fit for my lifestyle, the second was travel memoir writing (there was just not enough interest in this) and finally, the total accident (but a happy one), DMV Brunch Babes.

I think the best way to know when to pivot is to set time boxes and financial limits, along with quantifiable goals. Once you’ve reached the end of those limits, if you have not seen the success you want to see, it’s time to move on.

I started DMV Brunch Babes out of necessity, then was inspired by the great women I met and the power of community. Now I’m curious to see how else we can evolve, as we start to partner with local businesses.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

As a middle-aged introvert, social media initially seemed really daunting. I had to learn pretty much from scratch. One of the most effective tools in my toolbox is Jasmine Star’s program, Social Curator. This is where I met Simone Bueno, who referred you to me. My biggest takeaway from Jasmine’s program is “likes don’t pay the bills.” The focus is not on follower counts but on who really responds to your content. Simone Bueno helped me with camera confidence and formatting stories for video. Jonathan Tilley also helped with video technique. He has a fabulous Instagram reels challenge every year. Lastly, the D.C. area influencer community has been nothing short of amazing – focusing on community over competition. Some standouts for me have been @northernvirginiafoodies, @spicyaivy. @dmvbobabae and @nomnomboris. All have been so supportive and informative.

Finally, my approach to content focuses on 3 key content pillars – Pink Purpose, Video Vibe and The You in UGC. Pink Purpose is any sort of informative content about the group, including member spotlights, FAQs and our monthly calendar, all with a splash of our signature raspberry pink. Video Vibe – is playful content that is more spirited and not directly community related – brunch fashion, morning humor, food puns, etc. Lastly, The You in UGC is probably the biggest workhorse, as it features event and venue coverage, attracting both host venues and new members alike.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmvbrunchbabes/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dmvbrunchbabes
• Other: The club

  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dmvbrunchbabes/