Sisterhood for Female Entrepreneurs: Find Your Tribe & Thrive
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Sep 27, 2024
- 6 min read
The Power of Sisterhood: Why Your Tribe is Your Secret Weapon in Business (and Motherhood)
Ever feel like you're navigating the entrepreneurial rollercoaster solo, clinging on for dear life while simultaneously juggling screaming kids, overflowing laundry baskets, & that ever-present "mum guilt"? Trust me, I get it. The beautiful chaos of motherhood & the demands of building a business can feel like a constant balancing act, & let's be honest, sometimes it feels like you're teetering on the edge of a very messy, glitter-covered cliff.
But what if I told you there's a secret weapon, a hidden superpower that can transform your entire entrepreneurial journey? It's not another fancy marketing tactic or a complicated productivity hack. It's something far simpler, yet profoundly powerful: the unwavering support of a sisterhood, your tribe.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Carlene, I barely have time to brush my teeth, let alone cultivate a 'tribe'." & Believe me, I hear you. I'm a mum of four, a PhD student, & have two miniature pinchers, Cappuccino & Espresso, who think the living room is a racetrack! My days are a masterclass in organised chaos. There have been many mornings where I’ve stepped out the door with one purple eyeliner on (because it was the only one I could find after my toddler decided to redecorate the bathroom with my makeup bag) while simultaneously trying to untangle Espresso from the curtains she’d somehow managed to braid herself into. But here’s the thing: finding your tribe isn’t about adding another to-do to your already overflowing list. It’s about finding a source of strength, inspiration, & practical support that makes the entire journey less of a solo climb & more of a joyful, shared adventure.
Beyond Networking: The Transformative Power of Authentic Connection
Let's be clear: this isn't just about generic networking advice. This isn't about collecting business cards at stuffy events while secretly wondering if anyone there really gets the unique challenges you face as a woman, a mother, & an entrepreneur. This is about something much deeper – forging genuine connections with women who understand your journey, celebrate your wins, offer a shoulder (or a virtual hug) during the tough times, & share invaluable insights from their own experiences.
I remember attending networking events in my early corporate days, feeling like a fish out of water. I’d listen to conversations about golf & mergers while thinking, "Do these people even know what it’s like to try & pitch a marketing campaign while simultaneously stopping your toddler from eating the dog’s food?". It wasn’t until I started connecting with other female entrepreneurs, particularly mothers, that I finally felt seen, heard, & understood. There was a time, early in my entrepreneurial journey with Nisbett & George, when I felt so lost & overwhelmed, like I was the only one struggling to balance motherhood & business. Connecting with other women who got it was a game-changer.
These weren’t just business contacts; they became my sounding board, my cheerleaders, my source of inspiration, &, dare I say, my sanity savers. They’re the ones who get the "one eyeliner on" mornings, the "Dora the Explorer on repeat" work sessions, & the sheer exhaustion that comes with juggling it all. They’re also the ones who remind me of my strength, celebrate my every win (no matter how small), & offer practical advice, like how to use AI to automate my scheduling so I can actually have dinner with my family. My approach to business is all about integrating smart systems & strategies, which is why AI is woven throughout my coaching.
From Isolation to Empowerment: How Sisterhood Fuels Your Business Flourish
Building authentic connections within a supportive community isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic investment in your holistic success. Here’s how:
Combating Isolation & Building Resilience: The entrepreneurial journey can be incredibly isolating. It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling with self-doubt, tech hurdles, or the constant pressure to do it all. Connecting with other women who share similar challenges normalizes those struggles & builds resilience. When you realize you’re not alone, you’re far less likely to give up when things get tough. What’s one area you're currently feeling stuck in? Let's break it down together! There was one time I was about to shut down my entire business after a particularly brutal launch that flopped spectacularly. I felt like a complete failure, questioning every decision I’d made. But then I reached out to my tribe, shared my vulnerability, & they rallied around me with such incredible support & practical advice that I not only didn’t quit, I actually pivoted my entire strategy & ended up having my most successful quarter yet. Remember, even if your journey looks different, like mine with four kids & a PhD, taking ownership is key. & Having a supportive tribe to cheer you on makes that ownership feel less daunting. It’s so true that "It’s only in the dark that you see the stars" as Martin Luther King Jr. said. My research into the experiences of Black female entrepreneurs highlights this need for community even more.
Fueling Collaboration & Shared Learning: A supportive community isn’t just about emotional support; it’s a powerhouse of shared knowledge & collaborative opportunities. I’ve learned more from my fellow female entrepreneurs than I ever did in a boardroom. We share tips on everything from marketing strategies to childcare hacks, creating a powerful ecosystem of mutual support & learning. It’s like having a team of expert advisors on speed dial, all rooting for your success.
Unlocking New Perspectives & Challenging Limiting Beliefs: One of the most valuable aspects of a supportive community is the ability to challenge limiting beliefs & gain fresh perspectives. Reflections informed by my ongoing PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship often show me that we sometimes internalize negative narratives about our capabilities or our worth. My research suggests that having a strong support network is a significant factor in helping women overcome these internalized barriers and achieve greater business success. A supportive tribe can help you recognize & dismantle these beliefs, empowering you to step into your full potential. They’ll remind you that you’re not "just a mum"; you’re a brilliant, capable entrepreneur with a unique vision & the power to make it happen.
Join the Sisterhood: Your Invitation to Femme:Connect
I created Femme:Connect precisely because I believe so deeply in the power of sisterhood. It’s a free, global online community where ambitious female entrepreneurs at all stages, especially valuable if you’re a Foundation Builder, can connect, collaborate, & support each other. It’s a place where you can share your struggles, celebrate your wins, ask those "silly" questions you’re afraid to ask anywhere else, & gain invaluable insights from women who truly understand your journey. It’s about friendship rooted in love that will stand the test of time, as I like to say.
This isn’t just another Facebook group; it’s a thriving ecosystem of support, inspiration, & practical guidance. We host regular connection events, masterclasses on topics relevant to female entrepreneurs, & create a safe space for you to find your voice & build genuine, lasting connections. Imagine having a tribe that understands the "12-13 weeks of school holidays" juggle, the exhaustion of recovering from a C-section while launching a business, or the sheer chaos of managing energetic pets while trying to meet a deadline. That’s Femme:Connect. What you appreciate, appreciates, & I really appreciate this community & how it continues to empower women!
Taking the First Step: Your Invitation to be Featured
Ready to take your involvement in Femme:Connect to the next level? Apply to be a featured member of our community. This is a unique opportunity to share your story, expertise, and connect with even more ambitious female entrepreneurs.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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