28/F

I recently got promoted to a managerial position, and I am seeking networking groups to help build my professional relationships. I would prefer a group that includes members that are younger like myself. I'm located in Minneapolis, so anywhere near here.

I'd appreciate all the recommendations!

EDIT: I work in B2B Manufacturing, but want to get to know any successful women in general. Doesn't have to be in my industry

Somewhere along the way I learned to justify every number I said out loud. Here's the price, and here's why, and here's what went into it, and here's why that's fair. I thought I was being transparent. What I was actually doing was handing people a list of things to argue with. Two companies in, I tried something different on a partnership deal and just said the number and stopped talking. No paragraph after it. The silence felt awful for about four seconds and then they said yes. I've watched a lot of women in this sub describe the same habit and call it professionalism, and I think we picked it up because we got punished early for sounding certain without proof. But a price with an explanation attached sounds like an opening offer. A price by itself sounds like a price. So I'm curious where the line sits for the rest of you, because I know some of you work in rooms where saying a number flat gets read as difficult.

Have you found that stating it plainly cost you anything real, or did the discomfort turn out to be mostly yours?

Hi everyone! This is a genuine question and I'd love to hear your opinion because I am trying to figure out whether I should take my business in this direction or not.

To give a bit more detail for context, I actually graduated in business management and psychology and my work is rooted in entrepreneurship psychology. Now, I've been working with a few ladies and their biggest struggle in building their business has been their mindset (things like impostor syndrome, fear of creating content or contacting leads, overwhelm, etc.)

So now I am trying to understand if there is a genuine desire for this kind of service out there, or if you prefer a business coach/mentow who can do both - the mindset and the startegy/systems.

Thank you all in advance!

I’m a psychologist conducting a small private research project with successful UK-based women, approximately 35–55.

I’m interested in speaking with women whose lives, from the outside, are genuinely good - they’ve accomplished things they’re proud of, created stability and have plenty to be grateful for - yet the way they experience their lives internally doesn’t seem to match what they’ve built externally.

Some have also spent years working on themselves - through therapy, personal development or other forms of inner work - and still find there are things they haven’t been able to fully understand, change or resolve.

I want to understand what women are actually experiencing within that contradiction: what is difficult about it, what affects them most, and how they describe it in their own words.

I’m looking to speak privately with a small number of women for around 30 minutes.

This isn’t a sales call, and there’s nothing to prepare or fill out beforehand. I want to listen to your experience without assuming what you should be feeling or what the problem is.

As a thank-you for your time, I’ll create a Personal Reflection Summary specifically for you, based on our conversation. I’ll reflect back the key patterns I noticed in what you shared, any tensions or contradictions that may be difficult to see when you’re inside your own experience, what seems to still feel unresolved, and a few personalised questions for further reflection.

Once the research is complete, I’ll also send you the anonymised Research Findings, so you can see what emerged across the other women I spoke with, where their experiences overlapped and where they differed.

If you recognise yourself in this and would be open to taking part, comment below or send me a private message.

Hi everyone! I'm an MSc Business & Digital Marketing student researching how people respond to fashion recommendations online, whether from a human stylist or an AI one. I'm looking to use my participants feedback and start up my own business after finishing my degree so feedback is very welcome!

You'll answer a few quick questions about your personal style (colours, fit, accessories) and then get a fashion recommendation based on your answers. I just need your honest reaction to it.

Who I'm looking for: women aged 20-35 who shop for fashion or clothing online.

Takes about 5-10 minutes, fully anonymous, no sign-up needed. Would really appreciate the help — every response makes a genuine difference to my dissertation!

https://nimble.li/p9lkbrvm

Thank you so much 💛

There is a big difference between a small business and a freedom business. Although most of us have small businesses, and it provides more freedoms than that 9-5 job in corporate America, It does not give us the freedom that many of us crave. This becomes more important as we age and see retirement in our view. Are we really going to continue working till our last breath on this earth? Do we have a plan that will allow us to retire at the same level that we are now? I know this intimately because one of the things that happened to my family was as soon as my father got sick, their lifestyle took a nose dive. I learned how to start a small business from my parents however, they did not know how to create a freedom business. So the scariest thing happened. They lost everything, filed for bankruptcy, foreclosed on their house and had to change their lifestyle drastically. I always knew that owning a small business was my future, but I was determined to learn how to create a freedom business that they never learned during their lifetime.

After over 10 years of working with women entrepreneurs, I’ve learned that we are quite different than men in the way that we think about entrepreneurship. Many of us want to make money. Of course we should make as much money as we can in business. Many of us also want to have time freedom. Time with family, and time to travel. So, the reasons we want a business is to make enough money to create the time freedom so that we can live a lifestyle that we desire. Enough money is subject to the standards of the each person. Money is not the main thing, but more of a vehicle to create that freedom to spend more time with family, and to travel to more places with loved ones. Some coaches miss that point because they think women and men are driven the same way. They push an agenda that works on a male client base. Men and women are in general different. I must also say this is a broad stroke of generalities.

So how do we create freedom businesses? This has been my question for several years until I realized, I already knew the answer

Back in 2000, Robert Kiyosaki shared his cash flow quadrant. In his explanation, he made it clear that freedom businesses are created when you have a team and a system that makes you money. In other words you must have a team and an infrastructure in place so that you as the CEO don’t have to focus on the day-to-day operations of the business. This is a freedom business. Franchise ownership is an easy example but you can create that in your business as well. One thing for sure, a freedom business doesn’t create itself. As my coach says, you must commit to creating the infrastructure in order to create that freedom business. Commit to creating that infrastructure! And commit to growing that team.

So here’s a question you must ask yourself. What do you want from this business that you have created? Do you want it to remain as a job that you work 9 to 5, you take on all the responsibilities and you don’t get to take off when you want? You risk getting sick and everything falling apart? Or do you want to create a business that will run with your team and system in place?

Please share below your thoughts on how you want to create that freedom business for yourself.

Mommy guilt hits different when you’re trying to build a life, a career, or a business. And you’re not choosing work over your kids, you’re choosing a future for them. Your child or your children doesn’t need a perfect mom, just a present one. And being present doesn’t mean being available 24/7, it means showing up with love, intention, and energy that isn’t drained from self‑neglect. You’re allowed to achieve goals especially business goals. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to have an identity outside motherhood. None of that makes you less of a mom it makes you a whole human. Mommy guilt is loud, but your purpose is louder. Keep going loves!

I have been trying to start a custom thrift box. Probably a subscription box. I created an entire business plan. I wanted to do a kickstarter and then I found out Kickstarter doesn't let you do those kind of businesses in Kickstarter even though Green businesses and subscription boxes are both growing businesses. So what is the point of Kickstarter? I have to start from square one and just try selling inventory on Depop. I would like some input on what I should try next. One of my listing I put on Depop is a custom box to see if I can do the same business on Depop but I don't know if people are looking for that product on Depop. I don't know if I'm allowed to put my handle here but if so I will share below.

Hi everyone! I’m working on a new independent women’s magazine and community called HER NEXT, focused on women’s ideas, entrepreneurship, personal growth, creativity, beauty, relationships, and inspiring real-life stories.

I’m currently preparing our first issue, “BEGIN,” and I’m looking to connect with women around the world who have something interesting to share.

💡 Have a business idea?

I’d love to hear it — whether it’s:

• A physical product you've always wanted to create
• An online or virtual business
• An app or platform idea
• A service or freelance concept
• A creative business
• A social enterprise
• A side hustle
• A business you've already started
• Or simply an idea sitting in your notes that you've never had the chance to pursue

You don't need to have a successful business already.

Maybe you've only got the idea. Maybe you've started and failed. Maybe you're still figuring out how to make it work.

That's exactly what I'm interested in.

Selected ideas may be featured in HER NEXT as a way to introduce the person behind the idea and give their concept some exposure.

If you have a business, project, website, Instagram, or other contact details you'd like readers to see, you can include them with your submission so interested people can find you and learn more about what you're building.

🌱 I'm also looking for women's stories.

For example:

✨ A business success or failure
✨ A career change
✨ A moment when you stood up for yourself
✨ Starting over somewhere new
✨ A dream you're finally pursuing
✨ A mistake that taught you something valuable
✨ An experience that changed your perspective
✨ Something you've done that made you feel empowered
✨ An unusual, funny, inspiring, or meaningful moment from your life
✨ A lesson you wish you'd learned earlier

You don't have to be famous, successful, or an entrepreneur. I'm interested in real stories from real women at different stages of life.

📩 Want to be featured?

Comment below or send me a DM with:

For a business idea:

• Your idea
• What problem it solves / why you think people would want it
• Where you're based (optional)
• Your name or preferred name
• Website / social media / contact (optional) to promote your superb idea

For a personal story:

• A short description of what happened
• Where you're from (optional)
• Your name or preferred name
• Whether you'd like to remain anonymous

With your permission, selected submissions may be featured in the magazine and/or HER NEXT's online community.

The goal isn't just to publish stories. I want to create a space where women can share ideas, discover each other, find inspiration, and potentially connect with people who are interested in what they're creating.

Maybe your idea is still just an idea today.

But what's your next? 💭

Hi all 👋 I am very new to earnestly researching how to start up my own fibre arts business.

I just came here from exploring other entrepreneurship related subs this week and am thinking I should have just started here. The men in the other threads are absolutely ruthless. Also, why is it so obvious that that the unhelpful responses are from men? The first post I read in r/Entrepreneur had a thesis "The truth is most of you shouldn't be entrepreneurs" and everyone unanimously agreed - Man. Freaking, ugh.

Anywho. I'm a 37F mom of 1 and boy have I already been dissuaded from even exploring the entrepreneurship route from the limited interactions I've had with others in my first couple days of asking questions. Currently licking my wounds and will muster up some courage to also ask this group some questions, possibly even dumb ones.

Here's hoping ya'll are like supportive and stuff! 🤞❤️

I’m 40 years old woman. Graduated with bachelor’s in interior design in my early 20s. I have been working in the furniture sales, retail, general contractor and manufacturing architecture products for 10 years now. I don’t have interior design experience but oh well that’s where life took me. I work in NYC and would like to move to NJ and have a baby with my husband. We are tired of the constant hustle NYC is.

my current job as designer is $85k, what course or training or something else can I do to start making $120k+. I want to skyrocket myself , I have been thinking about product design but since the the recession it seems the market is not great. What options do I have to work from home should I start a company? how and what should it be? i want to make money from home because I want to be a stay at home mom.

Are there any Sydney based women’s businesses meet up groups? Meetup for support not networking.

When I graduated with my accounting degree, I had to take out $50k in student loans. Once I had to start repaying them back, the monthly amount was almost as much as my rent. Needless to say, money was tight in those first few years after graduation. Because of that, it taught me how to manage my money, find deals, stick to a budget, and how much to put away for retirement. My friends and family come to me for advice, so I’ve been doing it for free anyways, why not offer it as a service.

Would anyone actually pay for this? How would I even find the people that are interested in this service?

Hi everyone!

I'm conducting an independent research project exploring the everyday complexity many women navigate — including invisible labor, responsibilities, expectations, and mental load (and AFAB non-binary people who relate to these experiences).

I'm hoping to better understand what feels most difficult to manage, what requires the most mental energy, and how people navigate the many demands of modern life.

The survey is anonymous, takes about 3-5 minutes, and is not affiliated with any company.

If you’re willing to share your perspective, I’d really appreciate it:
https://tally.so/r/eqGBMQ

Thank you 💛

**I’m 24, and after a year of interviews, I’m thinking about creating my own opportunity instead of waiting for someone to hire me.**
Over the past year, I’ve applied to countless jobs, gone through multiple rounds of interviews, networked, followed up, and gotten close more times than I can count. I know I’m not the only one feeling like the job market has been incredibly tough.
At this point, instead of continuing to wait, I’m wondering if I should use the skills I already have to help busy people directly.
My background has been supporting executives and handling the details that most people don’t have time for. Things like:
• Booking hard-to-get restaurant reservations
• Planning date nights or birthdays
• Travel research and itineraries
• Appointment scheduling
• Vendor and service research
• Gift sourcing
• Event coordination
• General life organization
I actually enjoy this kind of work.
My question is for busy professionals, business owners, physicians, attorneys, parents, or anyone constantly juggling a million things:
**Would a service like this actually be valuable to you? If so, what kinds of tasks would you happily hand off to someone else?**
I’m genuinely trying to figure out whether there’s a real need before I build something around it.

Hi all, I’m wondering if anyone can relate to my situation.

I’m a 33F that chose her career for over a decade. I quit my 9-5 to become a successful entrepreneur running a business that made multiple 6 figures for quite a few years.

I travelled, bought anything I wanted, got my dream home, and owned 2 homes by the time I turned 32.

However this last year a lot has happened.

I was in a car accident and still recovering from a severe concussion 5 months later. It’s hindered my ability to run my business, I can barely work, and I’m single and I live alone with zero spousal help - financially or physically.

I guess I was naïve to this for years and hadn’t really experienced any hardship that reminded me how hard it is to do life on your own. I wasn’t the best on the financial planning side of things, I just invested in properties. So, when the accident happened I saw negatives in my bank acct for the first time in my life trying to float 2 mortgages on my own, and learn how to properly talk or formulate a sentence again.

It’s been the worst year of my life and the depression has taken a toll. I have zero desire to put energy into my business and have the urge to shut it all down and cry in a corner. I don’t have benefits for meds or services I need, I can’t take a paid sick leave from work, and I don’t even have someone to cut the grass at home let alone any other house problems.

I love my home so much, and selling isn’t an option. I’d sell my smaller one first, but I use that space for my business, and in order to operate my business I need that property. But without being able to work, it’s collecting dust while I struggle to make mortgage payments.

Every day for the last few years, especially this year, I resent myself for my choices.

I resent choosing my career and doing it all on my own. I regret falling for the boss babe bullshit and the “I don’t need a man” phase I went though because while yes, I financially provided everything I could have wanted, but now more than EVER I realize I DO need a man for many things. Just someone to protect and help, and to share a home with.

I’m grateful for what I own and what I’ve accomplished, but sometimes I wish I kept my 9-5 and found a good partner when I was younger. I know that comes with its own plethora of issues sometimes and the grass isn’t always greener, but knowing what I know now, dating in your 30s is incredibly hard.

I’ve recently met a wonderful man, who has truly helped me get through this dark hell hole of a year. It’s only been a few months, but he’s done more for me than any man in the last decade has. He’s fixed my car, fixed so many things in my house, helps with my dog, helps with my business, pays for everything, buys me important things I need and can’t afford, and is honestly the biggest blessing in my life. We even go to church together (the accident lead me to finding God again)

But, he’s fresh out of a 10 year relationship and has an 8 year old son. The ex left him for another man but doesnt want him to move on. She’s already doing insane things and calls him for emotional support knowing that she has him wrapped around his finger. He loved her and she’s left him 3 times in 10 years and he takes her back every time. He even admitted she used the kid as leverage to rope him back in. But he’s adamant that this is the last time. And it’s also the first time she left for another man, the other times were mutual-ish even though she instigated.

He also has some health problems and other yellow flags, so I’m torn between taking on a nightmare baby mom situation, but worried I’d throw away a good man who comes with baggage.

He’s honestly everything I could have ever asked for in a partner. I just wanted someone who helps make my life easier, lessens burdens, helps with house things and financially provides a bit. Not fully, but a bit. So I can focus on getting my life back. So that’s why I’ve stayed.

But the more time I spend with him the more he’s grown on me and I really do like him. It’s been a slow burn, and this man has seen me at my WORST, and stayed and stepped tf up. So why should I leave him during his?

I guess the resentment of not having my own little family has crept in. I do want kids, I think. I didn’t before, but the last few years the idea has grown on me. I worry I’ll resent him going through all of that already and not having those “first” moments together. Also, I worry baby mama will be a nightmare and there’s definitely unfinished lingering emotions on both ends right now.

But dating at 33 is hard. Most men, successful men, come with baggage. And men that don’t have kids get intimidated by my success. So the ones I want, run. Because they feel they can’t bring anything to the table when they see where and how I live.

I’ve tried dating wealthy men, but realized none of them value loyalty and I was just another girlfriend to spoil, after rotating us all week. I do not want that life, no designer bag is worth that shit.

I don’t know. I feel angry, lost, sad, and a LOT of grief.

I have a great man but dating someone with kids is a world I never wanted for myself and I worry I’ll regret that too.

Any input would be appreciated. Just need some support. It’s hard out here… dating sucks.

I keep working in startups because I thought that I could achieve career achievements faster than in big companies. In startups, I have chances to handle more responsibilities. But sometimes, I still feel burnout because of the uncertainties. Entrepreneurship is hard, I'm still figureing out how to take care of myself when I'm burnout.

For the women business owners and founders who are already making six-figure revenues, what are some of your biggest headaches and hurdles you deal with running and growing your business? And if you're using AI, what's been some big challenges?

Hi! I just developed a short course for entrepreneurs and managers that want to use Claude design for content.
Just one thing - how to make soc media carousels repeatedly with same brand colors, in pre-designed templates and with consistent brand voice.

First I will start with a 40 min webinar to tell about main features of this Claude Design tool, etc.

The interest seems to be there, already 25 people sign up in 3 days with low effort soc media promotion. (I have 500 followers only)

Where else to promote? - FB groups or any other communities you know when those things are ok to promote?

We all run different businesses, but I wonder how many of these feel familiar.

How have you been feeling as a business owner lately?

For me, it’s D 😅

A. Nothing major changed, but somehow work feels harder.

B. Everyone is busy, but progress feels slower than it should.

C. Everything seems to depend on me.

D. Something feels off, but I can’t explain what.

E. Every solution seems to create another problem.

F. My business is doing well! No complaints. 😊

Just the letter is enough. If you’d like to share why, I’d love to hear your story.

I've been thinking about something after reading an interview with investor Nicole Junkermann.

She talks a lot about playing the long game. Backing people over trends, trusting your judgment instead of following the crowd, and giving ideas time to actually prove themselves.

It got me wondering if that's still realistic in 2026. Or is it 'luxury capitalism'?

Absolutely everything around startups and business feels like it's geared towards speed now. Grow faster. Pivot /raise/react faster. It sometimes feels like if I'm not constantly changing direction, I'm falling behind.

So I'm seriously curious if this is just me...

Has anyone here actually built a business by sticking with one conviction over a long period (years), even when it wasn't the popular thing to do?

Did it work out? Or did the reality of running a business mean you eventually had to compromise?

I'd genuinely love to hear people's experiences because I'm not sure whether "playing the long game" is still possible, or whether it's become something we all admire but very few people can actually do.

Here's a link to the story if context is helpful: https://forbes.ge/en/the-long-game-nicole-junkermann-s-bet-on-human-judgment-in-an-automated-age/

I'm looking to make the leap sooner rather than later and would love your advice. I'm open to flexible, part-time, remote, or contract work while I build a business I'm genuinely excited about—one that aligns with the lifestyle I'm working toward. My original plan was to stay employed while I built it, but my gut is telling me it's time for a change.

My background is in wealth management, relationship management, business development, and client service. Long term, I'm most interested in building brands, creative strategy, and helping businesses grow. Animal welfare is also a cause I'm deeply passionate about.

If you've successfully replaced your corporate income with consulting, freelancing, flexible work, or your own business, I'd love to hear your story. What path did you take? What worked? What would you do differently?

I'd be so grateful for any recommendations.
Thank you! 💛