5 Online Communities For Women Entrepreneurs

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In early 2016, it dawned on me that beyond the support of family and friends, connecting with individuals who share similar passions and circumstances was essential. This entailed balancing a full-time job while fervently dedicating myself to various endeavors during my evenings and weekends. Recognizing this, I understood the importance of carving out time to engage in and foster a community centered around my interests.

Therefore, unlike many who tune into music during their morning commutes, I opt for my favorite business podcasts. In the evenings, as others prepare homemade meals, I quickly toss a bag of Bertolli Shrimp, Asparagus, and Penne into the skillet while simultaneously beginning my podcast editing and article writing.

The initiation of the Let’s Talk About Fashion Truck Facebook group with Astral Riles several years back, which I no longer manage, highlighted the significance of uniting like-minded individuals within a communal space.

I’ve committed to actively seeking and joining communities that will enable me to network with peers and uncover the tools and techniques utilized by fellow enthusiasts. Moreover, I’m eager to learn how they manage their time and what drives their continuous motivation.

The inspiration for this article stemmed from a conversation with Bree from the Tall Society, who emphasized the importance of building communities. Interestingly, some of the communities I’ll discuss were introduced to me by another podcast guest, Alexis, a graphic designer based in San Diego. She ardently believes in the transformative power of connection and community. Here are some community based Studio 78 Podcast Episodes:

• 169. Building a Community for Black Women: The Birth of Ìpàdé
• 113. Cultivating a Crochet Business via Community, Authenticity, and Creating an Experience
• 129. A Virtual Adult Summer Camp for Creatives!

It’s important to acknowledge that not all the featured entities are women-owned or operated businesses. However, they all share a commendable reputation for fostering networking opportunities and encouraging women to chase their dreams.

Ladies Wine & Design

Website: ladieswinedesign.com

Several people I follow on Instagram follow this group, so they must be something special! Founded by Jessica Walsh, Ladies, Wine & Design offers a global network of creative women who come together to foster dialogue and collaborations. This initiative organizes salon nights for a small group of creative women to wine, dine, and have honest conversations about their challenges, successes, and practices. With chapters in cities worldwide, it provides a nurturing environment for women in the creative industry to support and inspire each other.

Here is a snippet from their website:

Ladies, Wine* & Design is a global non-profit initiative with chapters in over 285 cities worldwide. LW&D was founded in 2015 by Jessica Walsh after this happened. Only .1% of creative agencies are founded by women & non-binary people, and the numbers are even smaller for women/non-binary BIPOC. Our mission is to see more diversity in the creative industry, especially within leadership roles. LW&D takes an intersectional approach to this work. We offer free mentorship circles, portfolio reviews, talks & creative meetups for underrepresented creatives.

The Rising Tide

Website: risingtidesociety.com/chapter-directory

Renowned for its substantial presence on Facebook, The Rising Tide Society is a group I’ve watched grow from its inception. It has impressively sustained momentum, attracting a diverse and dynamic community of creatives and entrepreneurs. The Society’s “community over competition” ethos resonates through its chapters and events. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to attend one of their future gatherings and experience firsthand the vibrant collaboration and support that The Rising Tide Society champions.

Here is a snippet from their website:

Rising Tide brings small business owners together to collaborate and share their diverse perspectives and expertise. By uniting individuals over their various struggles, experiences, and ambitions, we create a welcoming environment that fosters both personal and professional growth.

Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG)

Website: badguild.info/apply-for-membership

The Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG) is a global platform and curated collective of independent Black artists, makers, and designers across various disciplines in the creative industry. Founded by Malene Barnett, BADG aims to challenge the lack of representation of Black talent and culture in the design industry. Through exhibitions, collaborative projects, and direct support, BADG creates opportunities for visibility, recognition, and empowerment for its members.

Here is a snippet from their website:

BADG is a member-driven platform for creative professionals.
Founded in 2018, The Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG) is a dynamic, action-oriented, member-driven platform for creative professionals seeking community community, collaboration, and creative support. Founded on the principles of a traditional guild, BADG thrives on the active participation of its members, as well as on the contributions of patrons who support our initiatives. We are proud to be mission-driven, value-centered, and committed to equity and inclusion.

The Yellow Collective

Website: yellowco.co/membership/

Although it’s likely evolved since my time as a member in 2017, the Yellow Collective offered an enriching community experience with a quarterly membership model. Members gained access to exclusive Facebook, Instagram, and Slack groups, fostering a vibrant online community. Weekly discussions on Slack covered various topics, from taking risks to identifying role models. A quarterly empowerment box featuring a carefully selected book and other motivational items was also mailed out. For local engagement, the Collective organized in-person meet-ups in various cities and virtual gatherings for those in areas without local groups.

Here is a snippet from their website:

the membership for entrepreneurial women who care about what they’re building, who they’re becoming and the impact they’re making

BUILD A BUSINESS THAT MAKES BOTH YOUR LIFE AND THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

WeAllGrow Latinas

Website: weallgrowlatina.com/directory-apply

Love the vibe of this site! WeAllGrow Latina is a vibrant network aimed at empowering Latina creators and entrepreneurs. Founded by Ana Flores, this community provides a platform for Latina professionals in the creative and digital spaces to share their stories, elevate their careers, and connect with like-minded individuals and brands. Through events, summits, and an active online presence, #WeAllGrow Latina focuses on amplifying the voices and work of Latina creatives, offering resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities designed to foster growth and collaboration.

Here is a snippet from their website:

WeAllGrow Latina is the most established digital and IRL lifestyle community of impactful Latinas and Femme-Latines who support and uplift each other. By Latinas, for all.

We began as the very first network of Latina content creators and bloggers on a mission to elevate the voices and stories of Latinas through the power of community. Today, #WeAllGrow has evolved into the go-to community and leading media and lifestyle brand for Latinas and femme-Latines that drive social and economic impact.

Creative Mornings

Website: creativemornings.com

I’m an avid subscriber to the Creative Mornings newsletter and am keenly awaiting the announcement of their next speaker series in DC. For those curious about events in their own city, I recommend visiting their website and utilizing the search feature in the top right-hand corner to find local chapters. If you find yourself attending an upcoming event in DC, do reach out — it would be a fantastic opportunity for us to connect and share in the Creative Mornings experience together.

Here is a snippet from their website:

In 2008, Tina Roth Eisenberg (Swissmiss) started CreativeMornings out of a desire for an ongoing, accessible event for New York’s creative community. The concept was simple: breakfast and a short talk one Friday morning a month. Every event would be free of charge and open to anyone.

Today, attendees gather in cities around the world and online via Virtual FieldTrips to enjoy creative inspiration and meaningful connections.

Our volunteer hosts and their teams organize local chapters that not only celebrate their city’s creative talent, but also create an open space to connect with other big-hearted individuals.

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