Meet Aryn Morris | Event Curator and Teacher

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

Hi Aryn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Bestie Brunch was started from a personal need for friends but a constant struggle to find them. I would often go out alone in hopes of making these connections but always fell short. I figured, if I can’t find a place, why not create a safe space for women who need friends to come together and be able to show up alone to aid in the friend making process. The point of it being all women is, sometimes when there are men in the room it creates a distraction and makes it more difficult to make genuine friendship connections.

Creating this brunch has not been an easy task, especially considering it is completely ran by me from; location scouting, to social media, funding, emails, branding, hosting, event set up and so much more. Despite the difficulties, it is always worth it and so fulfilling seeing so many women express their need for a safe space, and watching women come to together and be able to make genuine connections fills my heart and warms. My goal each event is that even if there is one lady that finds a friend, or is able to show up alone and feel welcomed, safe, and enjoy herself, it is a success!

I chose to create Bestie Brunch as a brunch because I personally find it difficult making connections at night in loud environments that are dark, overly crowded and full of distractions. But brunch feels light hearted, food is a shared love language, and sometimes a mimosa can help with the nervousness of showing up alone. And not to mention women love dressing up for an early afternoon brunch! Thus the creation of Bestie Brunch!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a work. in progress and so is Bestie Brunch. I think that is what makes it all so special is that I am learning along the way. I put my all in to creating this safe space for women and I want it to continue to grow to where I can take it across the country and eventually the world. I truly believe that everyone needs a friend, and that as we grow older with careers, families, and life it becomes more difficult to find friends, or even have a space where you feel safe, and are still able to have fun and enjoy yourself.

My career happened by chance; I have been in education since I graduated college, which is funny because I got my degree is Design. I fell into the world of teaching by chance and I believe that being around children and teens reminded me of how important camaraderie and connections is. I noticed that as adults we lose sight of how friendship fuels our excitement and gives us a sense of purpose outside of ourselves, and going into work everyday and hearing my kids thoughts and ideas and the importance they place on friendship helps me connect that importance to Bestie Brunch.

There is an article by the U.S. Surgeon general that is “calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country.” That article was released a year and a half after I started Bestie Brunch, so it goes to show that what I am seeking to create is a real thing and there is a real need for it! Connection is essential for our mental health, and I feel especially amongst women because I find we have a harder time finding and maintaining genuine connections. This is truly why I am so passionate about this cause, and continuing to provide these spaces for women.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles is such a big city with so many things to do and explore. Whenever I have someone visiting especially for the first time it is only right to take them to a beach. However, not just any beach but the infamous Santa Monica. I love Santa Monica beach because you can start off across the street at the Promenade, which is a 4 block outdoor shopping mall with restaurants, bars and stores and lots of outdoor street entertainment. Then just right across the way is the actual beach if you choose to bring a blanket and want to catch some sun in the sand, but what’s most unique in my opinion is the pier! There’s a carnival on the beach that has rides, games, the best funnel cakes you could imagine, and so much life to observe and enjoy. Funny enough you can really make an entire day or two out of Santa Monica because theres also the option of walking, or renting a bike or skates and going a few miles down to Venice Beach which is interesting in its own way.

Los Angeles also has some of the most beautiful views from hikes in Malibu/Pacific Palisades, to Griffith Park and observatory which is where you can see the Hollywood sign, while gaining a full view of all of Los Angeles. There are innumerable things to do here, Disneyland, Universal City Walk, rooftop bars and restaurants, Historic locations and even just catching a tan mid December in Laguna Beach. There isn’t much room for boredom when visiting me in Los Angeles.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All glory is always to the Lord because without his provisions and word I would not have the will or confidence to pursue this. Bestie Brunch is my ministry and I am constantly encouraged to spread the same love I receive from Jesus to every single woman I encounter. He is my. fuel when I run empty. My family is also a major part in my life. They are so encouraging and supportive of me and my journey. My mom and dad are very hands on when it comes to helping with the events from set up to catering and being there for me emotionally. My three brothers also have helped tremendously from creating graphics, to offering business advice and help, to simply encouraging me to keep going. Not to mention the amazing Bestie Brunch logo was created by my oldest brother Danny Morris. Lastly, when I thought I didn’t have a friend in the world, I found a sister in my biggest help Rachel Rodriguez. She has been a tremendous help in all areas of Bestie Brunch from hosting, to set up, spreading the word and her enthusiasm for my vision. In all, it takes a village and it all stems from faith in the Lord and everything else is a result of that!

Website: https://www.bestiebrunchla.com

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