From charm bracelets and matcha to coffee, treats, boutique pop ups and giveaways, the Lucky Charms Brunch hosted by the DSM Girls Club at Grand Entrance Tattoo on March 21 highlighted a clear theme: women in Greater Des Moines value community. The event brought together local women for a morning of connection, conversation and shared experiences.
Founded by Kristen Falatea, who is new to the Greater Des Moines region, the DSM Girls Club offers both free and paid opportunities for women to meet and build relationships. Activities range from free fitness pop-ups to paint-and-sip evenings featuring local vendors.
I’m always looking for ways to make new friends. When I graduated from college and moved back to Greater Des Moines, I almost laughed when people said making friends afterward was difficult. I thought, ‘how hard can it really be?’ It turns out they were right. Finding the time, the right spaces to meet people, and the energy after a full workday can make building connections challenging. That’s what led me to attend the event.
As I arrived right at the start of the event, I couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. Kristen Falatea, founder of the DSM Girls Club, encourages women to attend these gatherings alone or with a friend – and I chose the former. Unsure of where to begin, I joined the first line I saw: matcha from Green Finds Cafe. After ordering, I chatted with the barista, bonding over our shared love for the drink and my ongoing struggle to perfect it at home.
With matcha in hand, I stopped by the charm bracelet booth, striking up conversation with the vendor while selecting the charms for my bracelet at $1 per charm and the chain for free. After getting my charm bracelet secured and fastened on my wrist, I decided it was time to find a fellow attendee to connect with.
First, I met a young woman who had recently relocated to Greater Des Moines, eager to meet new people, build community and try new things. Next, I struck up a conversation with two other attendees I had seen at the charm booth. They shared that they attended the event to get to know each other better as they work in the same field and were looking for something fun to do.
During our conversation, another young woman joined us sharing she had come to the event alone. New to the area, she was hoping to find friendships, try something different and explore her new home.
Together, our small group exchanged favorite things to do in the region, talked about our day-to-day work and connected over shared interests.
Before leaving, I had the opportunity to connect briefly with Kristen, who I’d met two months prior to hear her story and vision for the DSM Girls Club. Her excitement about the event’s turnout was clear and she was eager to hear about my experience.
As I walked back to my car, I noticed the nerves I’d felt upon arrival had completely disappeared throughout my conversations and I was leaving with something truly valuable: the reminder that I’m not alone in my search for community.