Young women “bloom where they are planted” through new social club

When 21-year-old Nolyn Weller moved to Peachtree City last year, she felt what many young adults do after leaving school — a gap where friendship and community once flourished. Within weeks of launching her idea for the Planted Girls Club, she’s discovered that dozens of other women across South Atlanta felt the same way.

“I moved to Georgia last year at 20, and the only person I knew was my now husband,” Weller said. “I just remember coming home and crying because I didn’t have community. I felt so lonely and had so much FOMO watching my friends back home. One night I just prayed, ‘Lord, please plant an idea in my head if I’m meant to do more.’ The next morning I woke up thinking, a girls club would be so much fun.”

From that quiet prayer grew a fast-growing network. In just three weeks, the Planted Girls Club has built a group chat with more than 100 members from across Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Newnan, and even into Midtown Atlanta and Norcross. The club’s social media presence includes over 230 followers on Instagram and nearly 2,000 on TikTok, with dozens more joining weekly.

“There’s no membership fee right now,” Weller said. “It’s just about getting girls together and building friendships. But I could definitely see it getting a lot bigger if we keep growing at this pace.”

The club’s name draws from a favorite saying of Weller’s former youth pastor: “Bloom where you are planted.” After moving several times — from Missouri to Texas to Georgia — the phrase became personal. “I knew when I came here to Peachtree City to settle down, it was time to plant myself,” she said.

Each month, Weller and other volunteers plan at least two events. October featured a “Planted Picnic” and a group trip to Warbington Farms’ pumpkin patch. Weekly “walk and talk” meetups, dinners, and line dancing nights in Senoia fill the calendar between larger gatherings.

“For November, we’re doing a Pilates class with Burn Boot Camp and a Friendsgiving where everyone brings a themed board — taco, cookie, whatever they want,” she said. “December plans include a ‘sip and sew’ pajama event that will double as a community service project, with donations going to local charities.”

The diversity of activities — and participants — is part of the appeal. “There’s girls from all different backgrounds and cultures, girls that do something crazy for work, girls in school full time,” Weller said. “It’s been crazy to see how many different kinds of people have shown up, but how many you connect with at the same time.”

For many, joining the club has provided more than just social outings — it’s offered belonging.

“I think Planted is amazing,” said member Grace Cain. “It’s just a great group for young women to find friends, be able to experience fun activities, and make memories.”

Leah Holder agreed: “It’s honestly the highlight of my week getting together and catching up with everyone. It’s so nice to be able to relate to one another and just be supportive friends.”

Kaleigh Ward, who recently moved back home after college, described it as a “fresh start.” “When Planted started, I remember showing up to the first picnic full of excitement and hope,” Ward said. “Since then, I’ve met amazing girls and built friendships that mean so much to me. If you’re a girl looking for genuine friendship and community, come join the Planted Girls Club — you just might find your new besties here.”

Weller said most members fall between ages 18 and 30, with a few in their early thirties. She screens each new member personally to keep the online community safe and supportive. “I like to make sure we’re not adding scammers or men into our group chat,” she said.

Between her full-time job, leading a ninth-grade small group at Southside Church, and recently marrying her husband in May, Weller laughs that life has become busier than ever — but in the best way.

“It’s about connection,” she said. “People say there’s nothing to do here for young people, but there’s so much to do when you find the right community.”

To learn more or join an upcoming event, follow Planted Girls Club on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/plantedgirlsclub) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/1GY56WTnDk/?mibextid=wwXIfr). The club’s TikTok, also @plantedgirlsclub, shares highlights from recent gatherings and event announcements.