We recently connected with Jenna And Runsi and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenna and Runsi, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

We took a risk with starting a social organization called “Pretty Girls Who Walk Fort Lauderdale”. Our goal was to create a fun and social way for girls in the community to connect.

It started our with the two of us discovering the women’s walking groups all over the country and wanting to start one in Fort Lauderdale. We each reached out to the host of the walks in Miami and the host ended up connecting the two of us. Initially, we had just 5-10 girls joining our walks, but the concept really resonated with people. Now, we have over 40 participants each time!

The idea was simple: get together, make new friends, and explore local businesses and restaurants. It’s been incredible to see how it’s grown and how much it’s brought our community together.

Jenna and Runsi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

“Pretty Girls Who Walk Fort Lauderdale” began as a simple idea from two friends who wanted to combine socializing with staying active. They envisioned a fun and relaxed way for women to meet new people while exploring their city. Starting with just 5-10 participants, the group quickly gained momentum, thanks to the positive, inclusive atmosphere they created.

As word spread, the walks grew in popularity, and today, over 40 women join each event. Additionally, local businesses started reaching out to us to help sponsor the walks. The group’s success lies in its blend of exercise and community spirit. Participants not only enjoy a good walk but also get to discover and support local businesses and restaurants along the way.

The initiative has blossomed into a vibrant social network, where making friends and engaging with the local scene go hand in hand. It’s amazing to see how something so simple has brought so many people together and made a real impact on the community.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Initially known as “Hot Girl Walk Fort Lauderdale,” the group faced an unexpected challenge when another individual trademarked the name. This sudden legal hurdle required us to completely rebrand and rename our beloved community walk. It was a tough transition; we lost all our social media presence and following overnight, which was a significant setback for us. Despite the initial blow, we were determined to keep the spirit of our walks alive and rebuild from scratch.

Through hard work and dedication, we launched “Pretty Girls Who Walk Fort Lauderdale” and gradually regained our footing. With the support of our loyal participants and the power of word-of-mouth, we managed to rebuild our social media presence and grow our community even stronger than before. The experience, while challenging, only deepened our commitment to fostering connections and celebrating our local businesses.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

The journey of “Pretty Girls Who Walk Fort Lauderdale” began with a serendipitous connection facilitated by the host of the Miami walk. The founder of the Miami chapter saw potential in a collaboration and introduced us, sparking the beginning of a meaningful partnership. What started as a professional connection soon evolved into a personal one, as we shared our vision and passion for creating a vibrant community in Fort Lauderdale.

As we worked together to establish and grow our local chapter, our professional relationship naturally deepened into a strong friendship. We spent countless hours brainstorming, planning events, and navigating the challenges of rebranding. Through these shared experiences, we developed a deep bond, supporting each other both professionally and personally.

Today, our friendship is one of the cornerstones of our success with “Pretty Girls Who Walk Fort Lauderdale.” What began as a business connection has blossomed into a close-knit friendship, enriching both our personal lives and our professional endeavors. We’re proud not only of the community we’ve built but also of the strong, supportive partnership that has made it all possible.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @prettygirlswhowalk

Image Credits

Photo Credits – Florencia Rodriguez Lomeli
Instagram – @florencia_r_l