If you had asked me a year ago if I would ever host a meetup for other moms, I probably would've laughed.
The truth is, I almost talked myself out of hosting my very first one.
I worried no one would come. I worried people wouldn't like me. I worried it would be awkward, that everyone already had their own friends, or that I wasn't "qualified" to bring people together.
Sound familiar?
As moms, we're so good at talking ourselves out of the very things we need most.
Motherhood Can Feel Surprisingly Lonely
Motherhood is beautiful, but it can also be incredibly isolating. You spend so much of your time taking care of everyone else that it's easy to forget you need people too.
Some days, your conversations revolve around snacks, laundry, homework, or what everyone's eating for dinner. You love your family with your whole heart, but somewhere along the way, you realize you've stopped pouring into yourself.
For me, that feeling became even stronger when my family moved to Charlotte from Virginia at the end of 2024.
We didn't have family nearby. I didn't know a single person. No mom friends. No support system. No one to text and ask, "Want to grab coffee?" or "Want to take the kids to the park?"
I remember thinking, How do adults even make friends anymore?
We're busy. We're exhausted. We're juggling a million things.
As much as I wanted a community, I also felt guilty for feeling lonely. I had my husband and my kids. I should have been grateful.
But here's what I've learned:
Being grateful for your family and longing for friendships can both be true at the same time. Missing community doesn't make you a bad mom. It makes you human.
After moving to Charlotte, I realized I had two choices. I could keep wishing I had mom friends.. or I could take a leap of faith and become the person who brought moms together.
So, I reopened The Not So Perfect Mom in October 2025, started showing up more to my online mom community, and finally hosted the meetups I'd been dreaming about in Charlotte.
Hosting That First Meetup Changed Something
I remember wondering if anyone would actually show up. Then they did! I was nervous on how to start conversations. Do I need icebreakers? Should I make a speech? I was overthinking everything.
I realized we are all grown and know how to start conversations, especially when you have something in common - we're all mothers just trying to do our best and wanting connection.
Women started talking like they'd known each other for years. Conversations flowed naturally. We laughed, shared stories about motherhood, books, work, relationships, and life.
Since then, I've watched friendships form, moms exchange numbers, recommend books, celebrate wins, and remind each other that none of us have to do motherhood alone.
At nearly every meetup, someone tells me that they are new to the Charlotte area or have moved here years ago but haven't found their mom tribe.
"I just moved here." "I don't know anyone." "I've been looking for mom friends." "I found your page on Instagram/TikTok."
Every single time I hear those words, I'm reminded that I wasn't alone in how I felt. There are so many moms quietly searching for connection, wondering if anyone else feels the same way.
It's crazy how these mom meetups almost didn't happen because I nearly let fear make the decision for me. I'm so thankful God guided me to do what I was set to do.
"But I'm Introverted..."
Here's something that might surprise you...
I'm introverted.
People often assume that because I show up on social media or host events, I'm naturally outgoing. I'm not.
I still get nervous walking into a room where I don't know anyone. I still overthink conversations afterwards. I still wonder if people actually had a good time.
Being introverted doesn't mean you don't need connection. It just means your social battery might recharge differently.
You don't need a huge group of friends. You don't need to attend every event. You simply need people who make you feel seen.
If Making Friends Feels Hard, Start Small
You don't have to completely change your personality to build community.
Try things like:
- Say yes to one local event this month.
- Start a conversation with another mom while waiting at school pickup.
- Join an online community that shares your interests.
- Invite one person for coffee instead of organizing a large group.
- Join a book club if reading helps you connect.
- Remember that everyone else is probably just as nervous as you are.
Connection doesn't have to be loud. Sometimes it starts with one conversation.
You Already Have a Community Here
If you're local to Charlotte, I would absolutely love for you to join one of our upcoming mom meetups. We host two every month.
- TNSPM Walk & Talk: We meet at a local park, get our steps in, and catch up/ meet new local moms. A very relaxed, no pressure meetup. Kids welcomed but optional, because we all need/deserve a break.
- TNSPM Mom Event: Every month we host a mom event that's for MOMS ONLY. This is the time we leave the kids so we can truly refill our cup. We meet up at a local business or do a fun activity. Every month is something different and exciting!
You can learn more about our meetups on our social media channels or here on our website where we share our monthly event schedule and links to RSVP for the meetups.
If You're Not Local, You're Still Part of This Community.
Join our private Facebook group where moms encourage one another, share recommendations, ask questions, and remind each other that perfection isn't the goal.
And if you're a reader, come hang out in our Hot Moms Book Club broadcast channel on Instagram, where we vote for 2 books to read a month and discuss at the end of the month on google meet. No pressure to read both books. We just love to talk books, share recommendations, and celebrate making time for ourselves - one chapter at a time.
No matter where you live, I hope this community reminds you of one thing:
You were never meant to do motherhood alone.
There's a place for you here.
And if you're waiting for a sign to reach out, attend the event, send the message, or introduce yourself...
This is it. 🩷