If ever there was a time to be a part of a community, it’s when you are an entrepreneur running your own business. While this is not to say that you can’t benefit from the support of a community at any point in life, there’s something notable about communities comprised of like-minded entrepreneurs who can help you on your entrepreneurship journey. Last week, I had the opportunity to join the Hamptons BossMoms member event at K Pasa in Sag Harbor, NY, and it was everything that I needed…and more.
By the end of last year, I was burnt out and questioning whether entrepreneurship was for me. It felt like nothing I did was working, I was constantly stressed, and I was in a place where I needed to examine if it was time to throw in the towel. While it pains me to write this, it was the truth. When the new year rolled around, I was determined to make some difficult choices. I was waiting to hear about a full-time job offer after numerous rounds of interviews, and I seriously thought my life was going to involve a move to Washington, DC, and my career was going to take me back into caregiving policy. After weeks of pondering whether a full-time job was something I even wanted, the Universe answered the question for me when I learned that the role had changed and the organization had gone in a different direction with its hiring. In the moment, it felt devastating, but in the aftermath, it was liberating. I decided to go back to the drawing board in my own business.
Once I recommitted myself as an entrepreneur, everything seemed to shift. I began talking more about my business and the services I offered on Instagram, and people started booking more discovery calls. At about this time, Kim Lenar-Ehrhardt, the founder of the Hamptons BossMoms reached out about doing an Instagram Live together on her platform, The Kim Code (tune in here to give it a listen). She also invited me to join her monthly members meeting in Sag Harbor. The opportunity to get in a room with other entrepreneurs was too good to pass up, so last Thursday, I made the almost two-hour drive to meet her members for brunch.
Despite the name, the Hamptons BossMoms is not for just moms but rather for anyone with an idea, a side-hustle, or a full-fledged business. I instantly felt welcomed by all of the members, and within minutes found myself having one-on-one conversations with everyone in attendance. The intimate group setting was an ideal way to get to know people and hear more about their businesses and backgrounds. And, who doesn’t love a delicious brunch to accompany great conversation?
One of the challenges I’ve faced living on Long Island is that it’s hard to find a good community where entrepreneurs can meet in person. I’ve always believed that female-led groups are not well represented here, and I am thrilled that Kim created something for the East End. Finding the right community is crucial, and when you do, suddenly, you’re not just working by yourself, you have a team to celebrate every win and help you through the missteps. Whether it’s needing a soundboard for an idea or looking to hire a consultant, these types of groups that embody community over competition can make a big difference in the entrepreneurship journey. It’s also a great way to make new friends.
If you want to see more from the member event, check out this Reel!
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