Meet Christina Duren: Community Organizer, Beautiful Brown Girls™

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Duren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I am originally from Miami, FL, but spent most of my early adult years in New York City. I formed my core group of friends there. We had a blast every weekend enjoying brunch and different events around the city, and in 2009 I decided to move back to Miami. It really felt like a “starting over” moment for me. I was in a new city “in my eyes” and really missed the friendship and sisterhood bonds I created while in NYC. So that started me on my quest of how do I find like-minded friends. I frequented Meetup often in NYC being new to the city there and finding my tribe that way. Moving back to Miami led me back to Meetup. I searched through a few groups and could not find a good fit for me. I needed a space where I could just fully be me, find some good girlfriends who had similar interests, and as a new mom, I just needed a day off! So that day I decided to create my own group doing all the fun things I loved to do with friends back in NYC and the Beautiful Brown Girls Brunch Club was created.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Beautiful Brown Girls™ creates unique and memorable experiences for women of color to foster a world that runs on love, inspiration, and acceptance. Well known for our monthly brunch events that bring members together in over 29 locations. With over, 51,000 members Beautiful Brown Girls™ has expanded to much more than a brunch club. We have also created the Beautiful Brown Girls™ social network that gives our members opportunities to build their sister circle locally and globally through similar interests, age, location, and more. Our digital membership platform gives members exclusive access to content, community, curated events, self-care and wellness through insightful articles, thoughtful conversation, and webinars with inspiring Black women. Self-care plays a major role in my life. Growing up from humble beginnings in a low-income environment, I know firsthand how it feels to find your voice and your support system in a world that feels against you at every turn. Sisterhood is self-care. Having a tribe of sisters has helped me to identify qualities in myself that I would not have noticed if I didn’t have that encouraging friend or that safe space where I can show up as myself 100 percent. Beautiful Brown Girls™ has become an extension of my struggles as a woman of color and has helped me create an environment for other women of color to know they are loved, valued, accepted, and has a sisterhood of supportive women behind them rooting for them to win.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If brunch is on your radar, my most favorite brunch meal in Atlanta was at Poor Calvin’s. Poor Calvin’s features an Asian fusion menu that is delicious. Their drinks are classic & creative. I’d recommend going early and staying for the fun ambiance well into the evening. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Growing up my parents consistently reminded the importance of family. I would like to thank my parents for allowing me to think freely, and always being my biggest supporters.

Website: https://beautifulbrowngirls.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautifullyshaded/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautifulbrownu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautifulbrowngirls/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7plXRvN-7c_cphu9EnTkDw

Image Credits
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