Welcome to the Table: The Brunch Club
Brunswick is a small town, but there’s always something happening. You just have to know where to look.
That was the case for me one day while doing a little maintenance on the Black-Owned Brunswick Facebook page, checking mentions, replying to comments, and catching up on community happenings. That’s when I stumbled across a group called The Brunch Club.
I was amazed to see hundreds of local women in the group, many I know personally, along with photos from vibrant gatherings full of laughter, style, and connection. Women from all walks of life coming together, sharing stories, and creating space for each other. I was instantly intrigued.
So I followed the page and reached out to the group’s organizer, CeCe Patterson, to learn more. I’m so excited to share her story and the beautiful movement she’s building here on the blog.
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Meet The Curator: CeCe Patterson
“I am originally from Miami, Florida. I met my husband in Ft. Lauderdale. He is from Brunswick. My first question to him was, ‘How far is that from Atlanta…LOL.’”
What was meant to be a short trip became the beginning of a new chapter. “We came to Brunswick for what was supposed to be a 3-day trip to honor Michael’s late grandmother, but there was an open door of faith and surrendering that led to us staying in Brunswick.”
CeCe and her husband are now sharing their journey in an upcoming book. “We have an incredible book detailing our journey, so stay tuned!”
Learning to Navigate Brunswick
CeCe’s Miami upbringing came with a different social rhythm than what she found in Brunswick. “People from Miami are like this—if they like a product or service, that’s all you will need for your come up in order to be successful. Brunswick people want to know who your people are!”
“Miami people are not friendly and we don’t easily open up, especially to strangers,” she explained. “Luckily, my husband has a very big family, so I learned quickly I needed to show my personality and show a more personable side.”
That shift helped her build trust in a new place. “Once making the adjustment, I came to appreciate the community even more. Once you’re locked in, you’re locked in. People here want to know you are who you say you are and that you’re genuine. Products and services change like the wind, but character lasts forever.”
Creating What Was Missing
CeCe’s desire to feel like herself again sparked a vision. “The Brunch Club was birthed out of a need to get out of the house! Coming from a bigger city, I was used to having a nightlife, having an outlet, and I was searching for something like that here in Brunswick.”
“I was looking for a reason to dress up and feel like myself again and I was sure there were other women in the community who felt the same way. I was shocked to hear so many women in their thirties and beyond say all they do is go to work and go home… I knew then the Brunch Club would provide a need for a social outlet.”
A Gathering That Sparked a Movement
The very first gathering took place on January 22, 2023. “We had our first gathering at Salt Aer and it was phenomenal. Carolyn Johnson catered the food and Salt Aer allowed us to use their space for gathering. I thought only 10–15 women would attend. Instead, over 30 women came. It was so packed we had to find extra seating!”
Stepping out in faith wasn’t easy. “It took a lot of courage for me to step out and do it. I had many intrusive thoughts telling me not to do it—‘I wasn’t popular enough,’ ‘People wouldn’t come,’ all the things… so to see the overflow of women who came and the event be exactly what I wanted it to be and more was the greatest confirmation from God.”
A Space Designed with Intention
At the heart of every event is emotional connection. “The vibes are always amazing. Very relaxed, very organic, lots of laughter.” CeCe’s background in psychology shapes the experience. “It helps me be in-tuned with my emotions and identify why I feel a certain way. My lived experiences help me to identify a core memory and how it made me feel.”
“I go into every brunch thinking about how I want someone to feel after they have left a brunch and what that core memory will be.”
Moments of Sisterhood and Healing
One gathering that stood out was a small focus group. “There was a woman who attended, she was very shy and timid at first. As always, I ask the women to share something about themselves, and she began to minimize the role she played in being a stay-at-home mom.”
“Like eagles, the women gathered around her and began to pour into her, speaking life over her and lifting her up.”
These intimate settings are where transformation happens. “The more intimate gatherings of 4–6 women seem to be the ones where breakthrough happens, even if only for that moment. Women become very vulnerable and transparent, and I am often overcome with joy that there is a community of women who are there to embrace them.”
Growth and Evolving Purpose
Since its launch, the Brunch Club’s reach has quietly expanded. “On our Facebook page we are hovering at 240 members. In-person gatherings range between 8–12. What I have found, however, is it is rare to see the same faces, which is a good indicator of growth.”
Her long-term vision has also grown. “Initially, I thought I would mimic a brunch community I was a part of in South Florida called Beautiful Brown Girls.” But now, she sees something much bigger. “My vision now is to make the Brunch Club a physical place that women from all over the world travel to visit. I think of it as the Disney World for women—any and everything that you can think of that pertains to self-care can be found at The Brunch Club Club House.”
From Competition to Compassion
Leading this space has changed CeCe deeply. “It has caused me to soften greatly. When you have lived in survival mode, you become hardened and you become repelled by ‘excuses.’ Having empathy and sincerely wanting what’s best for others has been an internal triumph.”
She once shared a vulnerable moment with her guests: “I was very candid at a Galentine’s Day brunch I hosted last year where I stated that at one point in time I carried a spirit of jealousy and envy. While on the outside I appeared supportive, on the inside I would be fuming with jealousy.”
“It took accountability for me to recognize it and do the work. To go from a person that used to be in competition with other women, to now wanting to uplift other women is truly God. He has given me my greatest test, because I could have been a leader that was a manipulator and a deceiver taking advantage of broken women.”
“But when I saw what the Brunch Club was becoming, I prayed to God that I become more like Him. I didn’t want those former strongholds to corrupt what God placed in my lap to build. I can say without a doubt He has answered my prayer. I don’t count the people, I look at the quality. I know that I am building on a strong foundation, and I give Him all the glory.”
Favorite Gatherings and Real Connections
One event that holds a special place in CeCe’s heart is Brunch N Candles. “It was a very fun experience. We had an opportunity to make our own fragrances and just be very girly. I noticed connections were made with women who now do business together or have become friends even after the brunch, which I find to be amazing.”
Even when women hesitate to attend, the feedback is affirming. “I often hear, ‘I wasn’t going to come, but I am so happy I came.’ I never take offense because I know breaking a routine is hard. Most people are accustomed to work and home—or work, church, and home—so to see people get out of their comfort zone is a win.”
Expanding Through the Food Tour
In summer 2025, CeCe launched The Brunch Club Food Tour. “We kicked off our Brunch Club Food Tour June 22nd. We will be visiting restaurants in Brunswick, Darien, Jacksonville, and Savannah.”
“This is a fun way to include women from the surrounding area to take part in the Brunch Club experience, so I am super excited about it.” And the perks are growing, too: “I have partnered with different hair salons, nail salons, and more who are willing to give discounts and perks to those who attend the tour.”
The next stop is Tulua Bistro (Springfield) in Jacksonville, Florida on July 12th.
How to Join the Brunch Club
“We are normally at Reid’s Apothecary downtown Brunswick every 4th Sunday from 1–3 PM, but due to our Summer Tour that will look different. We will resume in September every 4th Sunday at Reid’s Apothecary.”
“Currently, women can casually drop in and attend a brunch.”
To stay in the loop, follow The Brunch Club:
📍 Facebook: The Brunch Club Brunswick GA
📍 TikTok: @TheBrunchClub912
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Brunch, Belonging, and Becoming
“To me, transparency and connection means the willingness to be vulnerable and let others in. The more you share and have in common, the stronger the connection becomes.”
What CeCe Patterson has created is more than a monthly brunch—it’s a space where transformation, friendship, and faith intersect.
✨ Here’s to brunch and becoming.
