In this transformative episode, Femi Lewis explores why community building is essential for Black women entrepreneurs. Femi shares how community can support you in growing your business and your experiences as an entrepreneur. Moving beyond superficial networking, this episode dives deep into creating authentic, intentional relationships that become the foundation of sustainable business success.

Episode Timeline

[00:00] Welcome & Introduction
[00:11] Episode topic introduction: Building community as business transformation
[01:46] Personal story: Early business struggles and lack of entrepreneurial feedback
[03:35] Why community transforms everything - business, family, and broader impact
[05:27] The generational change happening in real-time
[07:19] Building authentic community: Values, authenticity, and generosity
[08:50] The power of showing up authentically and finding your real people
[10:53] Practical community building: Starting small and being intentional
[12:40] Personal community examples: Maya Hiradat's group and Grameen America
[14:46] Where to look for community: Online and offline strategies
[16:47] Maintaining relationships and showing up consistently
[18:56] Final thoughts and weekly assignment

Key Topics Covered

Why Community Matters for Entrepreneurs

• The isolation of entrepreneurship and its hidden costs
• How community transforms business operations
• The generational impact of entrepreneurial community
• Creating economic ecosystems within Black communities

The Foundation of Authentic Community

• Values Alignment: Building relationships with entrepreneurs who share your core values
• Authenticity: The power of showing up as your real self, struggles and all
• Generosity: Leading with giving rather than taking
• Reciprocity: Creating cultures of abundance where everyone wins

Practical Community Building Strategies

• Starting small with 3-5 core relationships
• Finding community both online and offline
• Maintaining relationships through consistent touchpoints
• Creating your own gathering spaces and mastermind groups

Host's Personal Stories

Early Business Challenges

Femi shares her experience of trying to build her brand alone, using Canva for design work, and seeking feedback from well-meaning friends who couldn't provide the entrepreneurial insight she needed.

Where Femi Found Community

• Malla Hiradat's "Crush Your Sales" Group: A pandemic-era community that helped Femi level up her business game
• Grameen America: A micro-lending program in NYC that provides both funding and weekly community meetings for women entrepreneurs

Key Insights & Quotes

• "Entrepreneurship was never meant to be a solo journey, even if we are heading our own companies."
• "Community isn't just about what you can get, it's about what you can create together."
• "Quality over quantity - you don't need a community of a hundred women. You need a core group of three to five women who are genuinely committed to each other's success."
• "When one woman in your community

Follow our Instagram @ForBlackMompreneurs for behind-the-scenes content and community moments

Release Schedule:

New episodes drop every Thursday - subscribe so you never miss the conversation

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional business, financial, or legal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions. Individual results may vary.