Coast Life: Socialite Society builds sober based friendships

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) - Many people search for ways to connect with others and build friendships. Kaitlin Jones is using her Coast Life to create a positive and uplifting community for women.

“The Socialite Society is a group for women who are living a sober life, sober curious life, or any woman who’s looking for friendships,” Jones said.

When Jones moved to Ocean Springs, she wanted to connect with others, but it wasn’t easy.

“I was here for almost three years and hadn’t met many new people,” Jones said. “So, I thought if I’m feeling this way, then there has to be other women feeling this way as well.”

Jones met Cecelia Lamb, and while walking together, they started exploring ways to grow a community.

“She was like, ‘I have this idea.’ I said, what is it? and she said, ‘It’s a sober social club,’” Lamb said. “I was like, no way, that’s exactly what I felt like we needed on the Coast.”

The idea turned into the Socialite Society, a place for women to get together without alcohol.

“It’s so hard to find friends, especially when you’re not in the bar scene as an adult, so I wanted to provide an opportunity for that,” Jones said. “I had so many people reach out to me saying, ‘I’m so happy we do sober events.’ I provide a space for that where it’s not all centered around drinking, where you have to worry about how I am going to get home and things like that.”

The Socialite Society features creative and outgoing activities like walking on the beach, bonfires, yoga, pottery, and even an upcoming get-inked party.

“The events are very girly, aesthetically pleasing, so that makes it super fun,” Lamb said.

Since Jones started the group in January, women from a variety of backgrounds and age groups have gotten involved. Many more have expressed interest.

“I knew that there was a need for it because I personally felt that and saw it in my friend groups,” Jones said. “So many people have come to me and said they were in recovery and needed it, or it’s been so hard finding friendships as an adult, I needed it. It warms my heart to see that, and it brings me so much joy to feel like I am making a difference.”

There’s plenty of room to grow and more friendships to be made.

“If you’re looking for a place to connect with other women and a place where alcohol isn’t a part of that connection, then the Socialite Society is your place,” Lamb said.

If you want to get involved or looking for more information on the Socialite Society, visit the group’s website.

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