So no one told you networking was gonna be this way...
Cultivating Connections Carolina is the community for women business owners in Charlotte who are done with stiff small talk and ready for the real thing:
genuine friendships, actual support, and a group of women that shows up for you like it's their job.
Founded in 2021, we've grown to nearly 30 members across the Charlotte area and we're just getting started.
We exist for women business owners who want more than a referral quota and a name tag.
We're the group that actually texts you back, shows up to your launch, and reminds you that you're not doing this alone — even on the days it really feels like you are.
Here's what sets us apart from every other networking group you've tried and ended up dropping out of or ghosting:
We'll be there for you
yes, really!
Membership isn't a transaction. You're not here to hit a monthly quota — you're here because you want to be, and that's exactly the energy we want in the room.
No referral requirements (Ever)
Our events are designed for real conversations about business and life. You'll leave with actual relationships, not just a contact list you'll never reach for.
We go deeper than the elevator pitch
Our members are photographers, coaches, designers, consultants, therapists, and everything in between. The only thing they have in common is that they built it themselves.
Everyone here built something from scratch
Fair warning: this is not a subtle or formal group. Our events involve laughter, real conversations, probably some happy tears, and the kind of energy you didn't know you needed until you were experiencing it.
We're loud, warm, a little chaotic, and completely genuine
and more if you want them
Third Wednesday of Every Month
Hop on from wherever you are, just as you are, for a standing date with your community to connect, share what's going on in your business, and get the kind of support that actually makes a difference.
Virtual Gathering
Two ways to show up every month
Fourth Thursday of Every Month
This is where the magic really happens. Face to face, in south Charlotte, with the women who make up this community. These are the evenings you'll leave feeling genuinely energized instead of drained.
In-Person Meetup
Think Flower Hours, workshops, holiday parties, and guest speaker sessions — the extras that make membership feel less like a subscription and more like a social life upgrade, but for your business.
Member Events Throughout the Year
For members who want a tighter inner circle, our minimind groups offer a smaller, more intimate space for real accountability, real talk, and real support. This is the "I need people who actually know my business" level of community.
Minimind Groups
You own a business and you're in the Charlotte area
you might be one of us if...
hiii, we might be your people!
You've tried other networking groups and felt like an outsider
You want a community that celebrates you as loudly as you celebrate everyone else
You thrive in environments that are warm, real, and just a little bit unhinged (in the best way)
You believe that other women winning is never a threat to your own win
You've been looking for your people and haven't quite found them yet
- A listing on our member page so more clients can find you (and increase your search engine footprint)
- The option to contribute a guest blog post to expand your reach
- Member-only events all year long (Flower Hours, workshops, education from guest speakers, and more)
- Miniminds: small-group sessions to workshop your business and your mindset with other members
- Guest speaker workshops on topics that move your business forward
- A social media feature that puts you and your work in front of our whole community
- A spot at Trunk-or-Treat and our annual Christmas party
- And the thing that makes all of the above possible: a community of women who are genuinely, enthusiastically, relentlessly in your corner
(officially the most underpriced thing in your business)
$100 annually
Cultivating Connections Carolina was founded by Katie Henriques, who has spent her career making sure people feel seen, heard, and understood, and decided the local business community needed that same energy. What started as an idea became a movement, and now we've got a board of women who tend to this community like it's our own.
We built the community we couldn't find anywhere else
meet our board of directors
katie henriques
sara sovie
jordan chan
allison converse
Katie Henriques
co-founder, chief coordinator
Katie owns Nourish Your Life, which provides individual sensory & feeding coaching sessions for parents and group workshops for parents, teachers, and therapists. She has continuing education in Yoga & Mindfulness for adults, children, and disabled and/or neurodivergent populations as well in areas of as feeding, sensory integration, ADHD, and infant massage. Katie's mission is to help everyone feel seen, heard, understood, and live in a state of joy. She loves connecting people which is what inspired her to create Cultivating Connections.
Sara Sovie
BTS tech extraordinaire
Sara is a Tech Strategist who helps solopreneurs and small business owners simplify their backend tech, from systems and automation to email marketing and funnels. With a focus on collaboration and ease, Sara ensures her clients’ businesses run smoothly, so they can focus on what they do best. She joined Cultivating Connections for its shared values of support, community, and growth, and is passionate about helping others succeed through genuine relationships.
Jordan Chan
designer, creative strategist
Jordan is a brand & website designer who helps female founders elevate their business with strategic design and rave-worthy client experiences. Her designs are data-driven and dripping with personality (she designed this site!), so her clients can chase their biggest business dreams without worrying about their visual identity. She joined as the Creative Lead for Cultivating Connections because she is passionate about bringing like-minded entrepreneurs together.
Allison Converse
community engagement
Before starting her business, Allison worked as an Occupational Therapist and has always been passionate about supporting others and advocating for mental health. Joining Cultivating Connections has given her a place where she truly feels like she belongs and can show up as her authentic self without judgment. As the Social Media Manager, Allison loves sharing and celebrating others’ wins and using her love for social media to lift up the community.
Cultivating Connections has provided a space to hone how I present myself as a woman entrepreneur...
It's sparking meaningful friendships and built a safe space to share about the ups and downs of business ownership. I always share this group with my other friends who own businesses and they are always asking what has Cultivating Connections been up to recently. I love building alongside the most amazing women entrepreneurs in the Carolinas!
- Dr. Patience Canty
The best thing about Cultivating Connections is that the members genuinely care about each other...
I can fully show up as myself on the good days and the hard, messy hair days and be equally seen on both. I love that this group honors that we have more identities outside of business owner, and designs activities to help support the whole person. It really is a collaborative environment where you can brainstorm and problem-solve with others without feeling judged.
- Shaina Partlow
Cultivating Connections has been such an encouraging space to grow alongside other women entrepreneurs...
It’s more than networking — it’s genuine support, collaboration, and women cheering each other on through every stage of business and life. I always leave feeling inspired, empowered, and reminded that we are stronger together.
- Jayme Diehl
Since joining CC, I have felt such a relief in business...
Having a community of women who are on the same path as you or before or after you is so fulfilling. Business was boring and to be honest… discouraging before and now business is fun and inspiring again. The group is encouraging and willing to go out of their way to make someone feel good and that is something really special. Highly recommend joining!! You won’t regret it.
- Madalyn Ramsey
Your people are already in this room
They're the ones who remembered your relaunch date, sent the encouraging voice memo at 7am, and made you laugh until your sides hurt at the last event. They're women who own businesses, love deeply, and show up — for their clients, for their families, and for each other.
we have a spot with your name on it