There are points in history, no matter what culture you are from, where women fostered sisterhood through entrepreneurship. From the Tupperware parties to the quilting clubs, you would see women gather together to create and generate revenue. This sisterhood was how they helped a neighbor in tough times or how they raised money to pay rent. It was the fish platters and cakes being made on Friday nights or the popsicles being sold to the neighborhood kids.
This was one of the ways we kept our children safe. I’m not sure how or even when the shift happened but a major shift happened that took us away from that level of entrepreneurship. It hurt our children and our neighborhoods.
So, as we went into a new decade I really dis dome reflecting on my family, my business and myself. I wrote out ways that I wanted to grow and excel. I also looked at areas where I was doing something that worked. For me, supporting and empowering women was one of the areas where things were working in my favor. Now don’t get me wrong. Not all of it had been a bed of roses…more like a rose bush at times. Although there were some snags I found myself connecting with some powerful women.
Then I had the opportunity to watch “She Did That” on Netflix. Whew! Those women were doing great. Immediately I wanted to share the show with others and possibly interview the women. (My potential podcast guest list is growing by leaps and bounds) I wanted to see them win even more. Then I had a thought that crossed my mind. I wonder how these women are supporting each other or other women.
It was a thought that kept rolling through my mind days after I watched the documentary.
Personally, I have found myself on both ends of the spectrum. I have received a lot of support and at times received hardly any support. As someone who is very supportive, I created opportunities and platforms that foster support. The #OurVoiceMatters Blog, The #SpeakEasy Podcast and even the World Voice Summit are all platforms where I celebrate and market women in business. Trust me when I tell that many people have ridiculed me for being so supportive.
I do it anyway and have found that it continues to open up great relationships with other female entrepreneurs. My personal experience is one thing but I wanted to see how other women in business were being supported. (or not supported) Below are ten of the answers from female entrepreneurs that have anywhere from 1 year in business to 20 years in business.
Do female entrepreneurs support each other? (Mentally, financially, etc)
Tiffany Mack Yes we do. At least that’s my experience. I support a ton and a ton supports me. I’ve been a vendor at a few places and had an ashy hand, crusty beard entrepreneurs not support me if they felt like they couldn’t convince me to buy their stuff. lol
www.etsy.com/shop/beautiffullycreated
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Brittany Johnson Yes in general. But I have noticed in smaller areas that people only support who they like.
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Bryna Haynes YES!! Once you give women permission to see others and be seen themselves, they slough off the bullshit and SHINE unconditionally for themselves and others.
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Bernadette Willis Yes, I do & also the wonderful women who I know in the upstate NY capital region. We are authors, speakers, and also sell products & services. We support each other by purchasing each other’s products/services & sending leads for free publicity or other opportunities to make $$$$. There are a few that utilize me for venting &i have at times utilized them for the same purpose.
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Zakia Ringgold Everyone in my circle does. It’s required for entry
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Jeanette Andrada We have to! We need each other more than we realize
Ree Williams Yes, there are many of us that are not riding on the nonsense train. We have actively supportive networks. But there are so many women in this entrepreneurial pool who ate not supportive, they are insecure, messy, catty and work overtime to create cliques.
www.reewilliams.com
LinkedIn: Ree “CoachRee” Williams
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Revital Hasson Nahum I believe we do. I never saw a question/request that never got any answer at all or ignored. Also one has to know how to ask and receive help.
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Selena Teems That’s a great question. My response is yes! I am supported and I seize every opportunity to support other women entrepreneurs. Truly what I put out into the universe returns to me. When the occasion arises that I do t see reciprocal support, I seek the opportunity to serve more.
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Jacqueline Kaba-Harrison I would say I have run into a mixture. Some women I have approached are real, sincere and are genuinely supportive. Others appear to be supportive until they get what they want. A select few are bold and blatant opportunists. Overall I’ve had more good experiences than bad.
www.realizingyourpotential123.com/
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With over ten years of writing, Altovise uses her platforms to create opportunities for women to have their voices heard. Founder of the World Voice League, she educates and empowers through courses, a weekly accountability call, blogging, books, and the #SpeakEasy Podcast.
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