We were lucky to catch up with Francesmary Loughead recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi FrancesMary, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
At BFF Indy, our mission is deeply personal to me. When I moved to Indianapolis in 2021, newly married and working remotely, I found myself in a city where I didn’t know anyone. It was challenging to make connections, and I quickly realized that building friendships as an adult isn’t always easy. After trying different ways to meet people, I noticed there were a lot of other women in my situation, searching for genuine connection but not knowing where to start.
So, I took a leap and began hosting weekly watch parties for The Bachelorette, gathering women with a shared interest. What started as a small group watching TV together turned into brunches, winery visits, dinners, and other outings that gave us all something deeper—a sense of belonging. Over time, I realized there were so many others who felt the same way, struggling to make real connections, especially in the online world.
That’s when I decided to create BFF Indy. I didn’t just want to solve a personal need; I wanted to provide a space where women in Indianapolis could build lasting friendships and truly feel connected. In just eight months, we’ve grown to a community of nearly 17,000 women who have found support, friendship, and joy through our events. This mission is meaningful to me because I’ve lived it—I know how much having a strong community can change your life. I’m driven by the desire to help others find that same sense of connection and belonging.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m FrancesMary Loughead, the founder of BFF Indy. My journey into creating BFF Indy began when I moved to Indianapolis in 2021. Newly married and working remotely, I found myself in a new city with no established connections. I quickly realized that forming genuine friendships as an adult could be challenging. Determined to build a sense of community for myself, I started organizing weekly watch parties for The Bachelorette. These gatherings evolved into more than just TV nights; they became a series of social events like brunches, winery visits, and dinners.
From this experience, I saw a broader need: many people were struggling to find real connections and build meaningful relationships, especially in our increasingly digital world. This realization inspired me to establish BFF Indy—a community dedicated to creating opportunities for women to connect and form authentic friendships.
At BFF Indy, we provide a variety of events designed to foster genuine connections. Our offerings range from casual social gatherings and themed parties to educational workshops and community outings. We focus on solving the problem of loneliness and disconnection by bringing together like-minded individuals in welcoming, supportive environments. Additionally, we are passionate about connecting our members with local businesses, creating opportunities for women to engage with and support the vibrant local economy.
What sets BFF Indy apart is our commitment to creating real, in-person connections. While many networking groups and social platforms exist, we prioritize face-to-face interactions and personalized experiences. Our community has grown rapidly, with over 16,000 members engaging actively in our events and activities. This growth reflects the genuine need for and impact of our mission.
I’m most proud of how BFF Indy has blossomed from a small idea into a vibrant community. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how our events have helped people find friendships and build supportive networks. The main thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that BFF Indy is more than just a social group—it’s a space where real connections are made, lasting friendships are built, and local businesses are supported. We’re here to support you in finding your community and making meaningful connections while also connecting you to the fantastic local businesses that enrich our city.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been putting myself in other women’s shoes and welcoming them to the community with open arms. I know firsthand what it’s like to be new to a community and not know anyone or where to start. By truly understanding these feelings, I’ve been able to create a welcoming environment that feels inclusive and supportive.
Additionally, I’ve focused on offering something for everyone, ensuring that our events and activities cater to diverse interests and needs. This approach, combined with a positive, accessible, and affordable atmosphere, has resonated with many and helped foster a strong, engaged community. Ultimately, it’s this genuine connection and adaptability that have been key to our growth.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
As the founder of BFF Indy, I keep in touch with our clients and foster brand loyalty through several key strategies:
Active Communication Channels: We share our events and updates on our Facebook page, Instagram, website, and email list to ensure our community stays informed and engaged.
Engaging Content: Beyond event announcements, we offer blog posts that help women explore and enjoy the community. Topics range from discovering new coffee shops to fun fall activities, providing valuable insights and recommendations.
Exclusive Member Benefits: To enhance our members’ experience and introduce them to new local spots, we offer member discounts at various businesses. This not only adds value to their membership but also strengthens their connection with both BFF Indy and the broader community.
These approaches help us maintain strong relationships with our members and keep them excited about being part of the BFF Indy community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bffindianapolis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bff.indy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/738321548187841
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bff-indy
- Twitter: https://x.com/bff_indy
Image Credits
Please provide all credit to BFF Indy