Kelsey Nichole Brooks, the founder and creative force behind My Friend Frankie (MFF), has created a unique platform dedicated to fostering connection and creativity within local communities. Founded in 2021, MFF offers opportunities for local artists, creators, and businesses to come together through art markets, exhibitions, workshops, and networking events. What started as a literary magazine has evolved into a dynamic network aiming to support and uplift individuals, especially in the face of growing challenges like gentrification.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
MFF (My Friend Frankie) is a creative network centred around three core principles: creators, the community, and local businesses. We focus on creating opportunities that consider these three tiers, ensuring collective success for all. Some of the ways we bring this vision to life include hosting art markets, exhibitions, consignment opportunities, workshops, and networking events.
What problem does it aim to solve?
We noticed a gap in how society fosters opportunities for connection and mutual support in personal and professional growth. People are happier and more fulfilled when pursuing what they love and are passionate about, so we’ve centred our mission around this principle.
MFF operates with a circular model that ensures everyone benefits. For instance, most of our profits come from our markets, where we charge a small table fee for participation. A portion of this fee is used to pay the venues we partner with—bookstores, cafes, and churches—helping them sustain their operations. Artists benefit from these markets by selling their creations, building their clientele, and connecting with the community.
We’ve also noticed a concerning rise in local shops closing due to the gentrification of our neighbourhoods. Big businesses can afford skyrocketing rents, moving in and absorbing the local charm and heritage of our communities. This loss of small businesses undermines the unique identity and culture of our neighbourhoods. Our markets aim to counter this trend by providing local creators and entrepreneurs with opportunities to thrive while encouraging residents to support their neighbours.
The community benefits by discovering and supporting local talent. We encourage people to buy locally and support their neighbours instead of large corporations with poor environmental ethics. Why purchase a $12 bottle of shampoo from a mass retailer when you could buy a handcrafted shampoo bar from a neighbour who’s passionate about creating clean, sustainable products? This not only supports local businesses but also strengthens the local economy.
At the heart of it all is the belief that our community is our greatest asset. The remainder of the funds from our markets go toward production costs and reinvesting in other opportunities to grow the network.
As a relatively new organization, MFF is continuously evolving, but our mission remains focused on fostering connection, creativity, and collective growth.
When did you start/join it?
MFF was founded in 2021, and we have been growing rapidly since then, sitting at almost 6k members in the network.
What made you want to get involved?
It all started with Frankie. You might have noticed the network is named “My Friend Frankie”—so who is Frankie, you might be wondering? Frankie was my dear late friend who passed away from brain cancer in 2020. She was an incredible person who supported me during one of the most difficult times in my life. While I was battling mental illness, she encouraged me to pursue art and writing—an outlet that, quite honestly, saved my life. I tell people all the time that “she saved me from being just another villain in this world.”
When Frankie passed away suddenly, I was struck by how precious and fleeting life is. She loved life to the fullest, and losing her left an indelible mark on me. I created this network as a way to honour her memory and help others do what they love. In a way, it allows Frankie and me to continue our creative friendship, keeping her spirit alive through the work we do.
I also believe that with this life comes a social responsibility—one we all share—to care for and uplift one another. Through MFF, we aim to foster connection, creativity, and support, ensuring everyone has the chance to thrive.
What was the situation like when you started?
Starting a network is no easy task, and MFF has evolved in so many ways since its inception. It originally began as a literary magazine meant to share ideas, but I quickly realized that Montreal already had an abundance of similar publications. That realization pushed me to rethink and refine the concept, focusing instead on how we could truly bring people together in meaningful ways. I have big dreams of expanding the network across Canada so that we can offer opportunities to others outside of Montreal.
How has it changed since?
Creating the network really pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I’ve come to realize that I can often measure the network’s growth by my own discomfort and personal development. For instance, I had to teach myself how to design and maintain a website, master marketing and social media management, and develop the confidence to be sociable while finding creative ways to attract new clients.
Learning new skills was a challenging and uncomfortable process because I often felt like I didn’t know what I was doing. However, I discovered that true growth comes from stepping beyond what’s familiar and embracing trial and error. The network, much like myself and the people within it, is constantly evolving—and that’s where its true power lies.
What more needs to be done?
I feel the urgency to move quickly as we’re seeing a significant demand from the community to create opportunities in other locations. This is my next big goal: finding ways to expand and establish opportunities in other major cities. This is what we’re aiming to achieve in the coming years.
How can our readers help?
Join us! Come out to our markets and support your local artisans. Attend our networking events, or simply follow us to stay updated on everything we’re doing in the community. We welcome everyone to join us and are always open to collaborations and events.
Do you have any events coming up?
Our Summer Markets kick off at the end of May and will be held at the Epiphany Church in Verdun. These events are always a blast, thanks to the exciting promotions we organize. Last year, for example, we partnered with Alice and Theo, an incredible pastry shop in Verdun, for an Ice Cream Social. They even brought their ice cream truck! We’re excited to host these markets throughout the year and can’t wait to see you there.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Facebook | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
We deeply admire the work of Collective 4891. They have been strong supporters of MFF from the very beginning and genuinely embody the strongest values and mission. Their organization is exceptional, and they show a heartfelt commitment to the people they collaborate with.
