January of 2022 I had a light in my soul, some may call it a whisper, that I needed to create a networking group. I had been guests at various groups and saw what existed over the years. There seemed to be a gap…a gap I felt I could help fill.

There were lots of women only groups, groups with minimal diversity, groups that felt stuffy and too formal or corporate, facebook-only groups, groups that were expensive to join or offered no loyalty, groups that were only online or only in person, groups that didn’t offer personal and business development or mission opportunities.

I wanted to create a group that valued taking care of yourself and understands the importance of family life… owning a business while making family a priority. I wanted to offer a place where everyone had a seat at the table no matter their background, gender, race, experience or lack of. To offer opportunities to reach the local community and connect with consumers to get the word out about their services. To bring in mission-minded entrepreneurs who were looking to elevate their business in a fun, lift the lid on possibilities, and grow alongside one another, experience. 

I knew I couldn’t do it alone but that when finding the right people something incredible could be created. I can be spontaneous but I felt that no matter what, bringing people together is always a good thing. I reached out to my dear friend Kiswuana Green Jones about co-founding the group alongside me. After meeting a few times at places like the Invigory & HotWorx (because we really do value taking care of ourselves as business owners) and discussing what we wanted to create, the group was started.

I can remember sitting in my daughter’s room and looking out the window at this tree in our front yard. It was the last to bloom on our street but it wasn’t because it wasn’t going to thrive. It was a different type of tree and it’s flowers ended up being the most beautiful in the spring. The word “cultivate” came to mind. That was it. Breaking through the soil and digging deep, growing strong roots in our values and developing leaders, consistent and sustainable businesses so we can flourish in all areas of our life.  Cultivating Connections was born.

Today, we have a core group of 5 phenomenal leaders who have strengthened the leadership and offerings we get to provide our members. From organized onboarding, exclusive website, community, and social media spotlights, to collaborative mini breakthrough groups, and guest business coaching courses. This group is one of a kind and I’m honored to be a founding leader.