We were lucky to catch up with Monica Figueroa recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Monica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
In 2022, founded LA Girls Who Walk, a free social club for women across Los Angeles. It all began with my own struggles of meeting new people after moving back to SoCal, when I decided to end my long-term adventures on the east coast. Feeling isolated and disconnected, I yearned for a sense of belonging and community. What started as a simple idea to walk together has blossomed into a supportive community, touching the lives of hundreds in our bustling city.
Our club goes beyond just exercise; it’s about fostering connections and offering support, especially for those struggling with mental health. We’ve found that our walks provide a sanctuary for vulnerable groups like remote workers and women dealing with social anxiety. For remote workers, who often feel isolated in their home offices, our walks offer a much-needed break from solitude and a chance to connect with others in person. And for women battling social anxiety, the non-judgmental atmosphere of our club provides a safe space to step out of their comfort zones and build confidence.
With each step we take together, we’re not only improving our physical health but also nurturing our mental well-being. It’s incredible to see how something as simple as walking can have such a profound impact on our lives. As we continue to grow, LA Girls Who Walk remains a testament to the power of community and the strength found in solidarity.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Being a traveling sales rep for the past three years was quite the adventure, but it came with its own set of challenges. Moving from city to city every few months meant that I never had the chance to put down roots or build lasting friendships. Sure, I met plenty of interesting people along the way, but just as I’d start to feel a connection, it was time to pack up and move on.
Coming back to California after all that time was bittersweet. On one hand, it was good to be home, but on the other, it felt like starting over again. Many of my college friends had moved away, and those who remained were caught up in their own lives. I found myself longing for the kind of deep, meaningful connections that only come with time and shared experiences.
That’s when the idea hit me: why not create my own community? A place where people like me—transplants, travelers, and locals looking to make new friends—could come together and bond over our shared experiences. And so, I set out to start a social club.
It wasn’t easy at first. Building something from scratch never is. But little by little, the pieces started to fall into place. I reached out to people I’d met on my travels, as well as friends of friends who were new to the city. We started small, with casual strolls, but soon our little group began to grow and now hundreds of women have attended our walks.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Leveraging Instagram reels, I revamped our social club’s online presence by prioritizing the theme of building friendships. Each reel conveyed our core message of connection, targeting isolated groups such as remote workers and newcomers to Los Angeles. By showcasing the camaraderie and activities our club offered, we aimed to provide a sense of belonging in a bustling city. Consistent posting kept our audience engaged, leading to increased followers and genuine interaction. Ultimately, our success was measured not just in numbers, but in creating a welcoming online community where people felt valued and understood, achieved through the power of Instagram reels, one friendship at a time.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Starting my social club as a passion project, I never imagined it would become a profitable small business. As our community grew, I saw the potential to collaborate with brands aligned with our niche. Crafting compelling proposals and negotiating win-win partnerships became essential. We focused on delivering value to both our members and brand partners, promoting products, hosting events, and refining our approach based on feedback and data. Through these efforts, our social club evolved into a thriving business, demonstrating the power of creative collaboration and entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.girlswhowalk.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/lagirlswhowalk