Intentional Sisterhood: The Birth of the Mafo Dress Brunch

It all started with a call.

My childhood friend, Pamela Wirlen, told me she and the Queens of Maryland were coming to New York for a girls’ getaway and that I had to join them. Of course, I said yes.

What followed was a whirlwind. Lagos Restaurant in Times Square, the View at the Marriott Marquis, 5th Avenue visits,  Broadway shows, photos, laughter… just living, just being girls.

Then it was time to part ways.

But just before we did, Manda said,
“I’m not leaving New York without buying from you.”

I said, say no more.

I went to my showroom and came back with seven dresses for the seven Queens. One by one, they tried them on
Adeline, the organizer
Mavis, full of questions
Valerie, reflecting on friendship
Mabel, soaking in New York

And just like that… all seven said yes plus Loveline who was not present

That moment? Something shifted.

I casually said, “I’ll come to Maryland and we’ll do brunch and create content”
Simple idea. Cute plan.

But it didn’t stay simple.

As we started planning, I realized I already had Mafo Ladies in Maryland so I invited them too. What was meant to be small grew… beautifully.

By the day of the brunch, women came from everywhere.

From Atlanta, Aunty Nams showed up - i felt i was dreaming when she walked in.
From New York, Marianne came and told me Emily had to attend, who bought her dress that same day and had it Uber delivered just in time.

Gracious Prudy had her dress ready
Diane, my very first Mafo Dress model, was there.
Tambra made time despite her packed schedule.
Marilyn came, just as promised.
My sister Linda Arrey arrived last minute.
Anwi brought the energy.
And Pastor Agatha covered it all.

What was meant to be a simple brunch became something else entirely.

It was organic.
Unforced.
Alive.

I shared my journey as a female founder in the US and as an African creative. I spoke about the Mafo Dress, the meaning behind it, the symbols, the story.

We ate, we toasted… and somehow it turned into a full fashion show.
Even a little “Miss Mafo” moment. The entire Catherines Restaurant was watching us and owner awarded the winner a gift. We took over that restaurant.

Then the women spoke.

They uplifted each other.
They prayed for me.
They spoke life into the brand.

And then Diane said,
“When this hits social media, it will blow up.”

At the time, it felt like love.
But it was also prophecy.

Because it did.

What started as one table became many.
What started as a moment became a movement.

Today, I’m scheduling more brunches than designing clothes… and that says everything.

Because this was never just about fashion.
It’s about women. Connection. Something bigger than all of us.

And right now, a whole new chapter is unfolding.

Stay with me.