CLEVELAND — When was the last time you made a new friend? Studies show that most Americans find it difficult to make friends in adulthood. And while it can be tough, Euclid native Rebecca Maxwell is working to change that narrative.
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With a combined following of nearly 100,000 between Instagram and TikTok, Maxwell has no trouble making friends.
"I almost force friendship on people. I'm like, I like you, I like your outfit, we're going to be friends. So for me it's that easy," she explained. " For others it's not."
However, after years of hosting parties in her downtown Cleveland apartment, she decided to extend a helping hand to women unlike herself, taking her mission of inclusion to the next level.
"I wanted all my friends to become friends. I did not want to have to pick and choose who I got to hang out with and when I got to hang out with them," she explained.
In February, Maxwell created and launched The Girls Room. It's an event-based company specifically designed to foster genuine connections among the women in attendance.
"So basically we host different events at different venues, all different themes, a reason to get dressed and go out and mingle and make some girlfriends," explained Maxwell.
Through The Girls Room, Maxwell is bringing groups of diverse, yet likeminded women together across Northeast Ohio. Her most recent event, “Sis, you sparkle” brought nearly 70 women to Big Bang Piano Bar in the Flats. And while the venues and themes change, there’s one thing that remains the same.
"The second that you walk into the room, you will feel that welcoming energy. You will be able to talk to anyone. Everyone's here for the same reason and it's really, it's for everyone," said Maxwell. " It's age-wise, race, where you're from, anything. Everyone is welcome here."
And her attendees agree Maddie Jaffe is a regular at The Girls Room events and says the organization has helped her escape her comfort zone.
"Everybody's so nice and so happy and there's no drama, there's no problems, nothing. So that's really the best part, " said Jaffe.
And she is just one of many success stories at the Girls Room. Anessa Arnold recently moved to the area, and she says the girls room is the safe space she's been looking for.
"I really didn't have that many friends in this area and I wanted to have an experience where I can connect with women who also like connecting with women," said Arnold. " I think women uplifting women is one of the most powerful things that you can have in your life and experience, and I feel like women that have the same kind of mindset and a similar comradery with you, I feel like it really is just valuable for me to have those kind of connections."
And these aren’t fleeting connections, they're built to last.
"I've had so many strong connections. I feel like where I've met people I feel like I'm going to be friends with for years to come," said Arnold.
And for Maxwell, that was always the plan. She closes each event with the following phrase.
“I hope you leave with one more friend than what you came with.”
Because at the girl’s room, there’s no mean girls allowed!
The next 'Girls Room' event is a Euphoria themed party scheduled for October 10 at Lost Social Club. You can find ticket information and more about the organization by visiting there Instagram, click here.