Why Building a Strong Community of Female Entrepreneurs is Key to Success (and How I’m Learning That Too)
Starting a business is hard. I mean, really hard.
There are endless to-do lists, imposter syndrome, and—let’s be honest—more than a few days when I just wanted to pull the covers over my head and pretend I didn’t have a mountain of work waiting for me. But one thing that’s been a total game-changer for me—and honestly, something I didn’t realize would be so crucial—is building a community of female entrepreneurs.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m still pretty early in my own journey. In fact, I’m still figuring out the ropes in a lot of ways (hello, brand-new business owner here!). But one thing I’ve learned already is that having a support system of like-minded women has made all the difference.
So, if you’re like me, just starting out or thinking about taking that leap, I want to share why I think building a strong community of female entrepreneurs is the key to success, and how it's helped me—yes, even as a newbie. If you’re feeling isolated in your business journey or unsure of your next step, this one’s for you. Let’s dive in.
The Power of Community: It’s More Than Just Networking
When I first started my business, I thought a lot about the technical stuff—brand identity, website design, setting up processes, figuring out what the heck SEO even is. But the thing that I overlooked—that I didn’t realize was even more important than all of that—was community.
As entrepreneurs, we often feel like we’re supposed to do everything on our own. After all, this is our business, right? Who else could possibly understand the vision we have? But what I’ve learned, both through personal experience and from watching other business owners, is that community is where the magic happens.
Building relationships with other female entrepreneurs has been like finding my people—like I’m no longer doing this solo. These women have become my sounding boards, my cheerleaders, and yes, sometimes even my personal therapists when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Honestly, I don’t think I would have made it this far without them.
A huge part of why I’ve been able to build this community is thanks to my mentor, Mariah Althoff. She’s been a guiding light for me from the very beginning, teaching me not only the graphic design and business side of things but also how to approach entrepreneurship with the right mindset. Having someone like Mariah to lean on and learn from has been invaluable, and I honestly don’t think I’d be as far along in my business without her influence. If you’re looking for a mentor who gets it, she’s the real deal.
A Network of Support When You Need It Most
One of the first things I realized when I started reaching out to other female entrepreneurs was how willing they were to help. We all know how competitive business can be, but there’s something uniquely special about the way women entrepreneurs support each other.
I remember one day feeling totally defeated. I had just finished a big project for a client, but everything seemed to go wrong—deadlines were missed, I was second-guessing my design choices, and I was exhausted. I didn’t know who to turn to for advice, but I remembered a Facebook group of fellow female business owners I’d joined a while back.
I reached out to the group, and honestly? The women in that group turned my whole mindset around. They shared some of their own struggles and how they overcame them, gave me a few pointers, and reminded me that setbacks happen, but they don’t define us. That moment was a lightbulb moment. I wasn’t alone in this. We’re all facing similar challenges, and the best way to overcome them is together.
I know it sounds cheesy, but sometimes just knowing someone else has been there, or even hearing a simple, “I’ve got you, girl!” can be enough to turn everything around. That’s the beauty of community.
The Accountability and Motivation You Need to Keep Going
I don’t know about you, but I really struggle with staying motivated sometimes. When you’re building something from the ground up, it’s easy to get bogged down in the never-ending list of tasks and forget why you started in the first place.
But here’s where community comes in again. It’s not just about moral support—it’s about accountability. I’ve found that having a group of fellow female entrepreneurs to check in with keeps me on track and pushing forward.
For instance, I’m part of a small mastermind group with other women who are at similar stages in their business journey. Every week, we set goals and share our wins and struggles. The accountability is huge—when I have to check in and share my progress, I can’t just let a week slip by without doing the work. And when I do hit those goals, having a group to celebrate with makes those little wins feel so much sweeter.
The same goes for motivation. When one of my fellow business owners shares a big win, it lights a fire under me. I get inspired to push myself harder, take risks, and think bigger. It’s a reminder that success is possible, and it’s also a reminder that we’re all in this together.
Sharing Resources and Learning from Each Other
When I first started my business, I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. I didn’t have a team of people to advise me, so I turned to online communities. The women I’ve met in these spaces have been absolutely invaluable.
We share resources—tools, templates, recommendations for great podcasts or books, tips for better productivity, and so much more. The wealth of knowledge and insight I’ve gained from other entrepreneurs has fast-tracked my learning curve. The things I’ve learned from fellow business owners are things I wouldn’t have picked up on my own.
And, honestly, sharing resources is such an underrated part of being in a community. We’ve all been there—stumbling through the early days, trying to figure it out. When someone shares something that makes your life easier (like a resource or a new tool that streamlines your process), it feels like a small victory.
The Value of Collaboration Over Competition
This is something I’ve had to remind myself of again and again: collaboration is more powerful than competition. When I first started my business, I felt like I was competing with everyone. After all, there are so many other brand designers out there. But here’s what I’ve come to realize: There’s enough room for all of us.
Working with other female entrepreneurs doesn’t mean I’m giving up business or sharing my secrets. It means I’m lifting up other women who are on the same path, and in turn, they’re lifting me up too. The amount of collaboration I’ve experienced has been incredible—from referrals to co-hosting workshops to simply brainstorming ideas together.
Building a supportive network of entrepreneurs means that we can each do what we’re best at, helping each other grow and thrive in our respective fields. This mindset shift has been freeing—and it’s made me realize just how much community over competition truly fuels success.
Why You Should Start Building Your Community (Even as a Newbie)
Here’s the thing: I’m still figuring it out. I’m still learning and growing and making mistakes along the way. But one thing I know for sure is that the relationships I’ve built with other female entrepreneurs have been key to my growth.
So, if you’re reading this and you’re feeling alone in your business journey—trust me, I get it. It can feel so isolating, especially when you’re just starting out and there’s no roadmap for what’s to come. But building a community of women who understand, support, and cheer you on is not only helpful—it’s absolutely essential.
Even as a newbie business owner, I’ve realized that I don’t have to do this alone. In fact, it’s far better to lean on a community than to try to make it on your own. Whether it’s through online groups, masterminds, or local meetups, make the effort to connect with other female entrepreneurs. It’ll change your business—and maybe even your life.
Let’s Build This Community Together
If you’re ready to find your community—or if you just need a little more support and encouragement on your business journey—reach out. I’m here, and I’m cheering you on, no matter where you are in your entrepreneurial path. We’ve got this!