5 Things That Happen When Women Collaborate (And Why Collabs are the Missing Piece in Your Business)
I couldn’t believe my eyes. The experience inside that photography studio was surreal. The energy was electric. Hannah and I had been planning this day for monthhhhs.
It all manifested even better than I imagined — all because of the women involved.
We were nine women who had never before stepped into a room together, but we left better versions of ourselves.
Let me rewind to a Zoom call I had last year with a previous client, Joe. We jumped on a call to catch up on how each other’s businesses had evolved and I asked him one specific question:
“Joe, you’re running a consulting business. How are you building your business into a sellable asset when YOU are the value clients are paying for?”
He answered in two words: “Strategic partnerships.”
That’s when the lightbulb went off. The magic isn’t in doing it all yourself—it’s in finding the right women to do it with.
And since then, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. Strategic partnerships feel like untapped territory when it comes to female entrepreneurship.
After all, 80% of women who own businesses are solopreneurs and there’s lots of freedom and flexibility in that.
But what if we could leverage momentum, networks, and talent without building huge teams and without taking on lots of overhead?
That’s where collaboration comes in.
This conversation about collaboration also perfectly aligned with the Women Who Lead Collaboration I teamed up with Hannah Knight of Always Flourishing Photography to plan at her photography studio, The Studio on Sampson.
Together, we gathered seven other women, planned a boss babe energy photo shoot, captured women taking up lots of space and planned an entire co-marketing campaign centered around one idea: Collaboration. More on Women Who Lead in a bit…
This post will outline five game-changing things that happen when business-owning women collaborate instead of trying to do everything by yourself.
What are Strategic Partnerships?
Strategic partnerships are intentional, mutually beneficial collaborations between businesses that combine resources, audiences, or expertise to achieve shared goals.
Unlike casual connections or one-time shoutouts, strategic partnerships are grounded in aligned values, complementary services, and a shared desire to grow together.
For women-owned businesses, these partnerships can be game-changing—opening doors to new customers, amplifying brand messaging, and building trust through association with other mission-driven founders.
When women team up through co-hosted events, bundled offerings, collaborative photo shoots, or shared marketing campaigns, they instantly expand their reach without needing to double their workload or marketing spend.
Strategic partnerships through collaboration allow each partner to tap into warm, highly engaged audiences who already trust the brand they’re collaborating with.
In an oversaturated online marketplace, visibility that’s built on authentic connection and shared credibility stands out.
Strategic partnerships aren't just good business; they're a form of collective empowerment that helps women grow faster and farther together.
When we truly understand this, then we can fully step into a more aligned way of doing business better. Collaboration isn’t a nicety, it’s a strategy.
The Magic of Collaboration in Female Entrepreneurship
Let’s talk about five things women building notable businesses know about collaboration, even if they’re solopreneurs.
1. Collaboration Brings Fresh Energy and New Ideas
Collaboration allows dialogue to work its magic. When you co-create, you continue to build by unlocking perspectives you never would have seen alone.
For example, I loved teaming up with Hannah because she’s not just snapping a bunch of photos to deliver in a gallery. Instead, with every shot she snaps, her brilliant business brain has a marketing idea clients can use.
You’ll hear her say something like this during a branding shoot: “Okay, this shot will be perfect to use in an email announcement the day your doors open on your upcoming launch.” She’s not just a photographer, she’s the expert on using visuals to uplevel a business and she sees opportunities I could never dream of.
I’m over here still taking pictures on my iPhone with a smudgy camera lens when actually, but by teaming up with Hannah, I’ve been able to leverage her expertise to totally overhaul the visual tone of our Founding Females® brand.
Building a business does not mean you personally need every skillset to build something meaningful… It only means you can work in your zone of genius and link arms with women who bring different fresh energy and new ideas to the table — in their zone of genius.
2. Collaboration Means Visibility Multiplies—Exponentially
When it comes to collaboration…1+1 ≠ 2
Actually, it’s more like 1+1 = 5…because visibility multiplies.
The math ain’t mathin’...only this time, it works out in your favor.
There’s a compounding effect that happens when two or more women team up.
Results amplify for lots of reasons, including shared audiences, tag-teaming content, and larger reach, but consider this too. According to the American Psychological Association, women with strong social support networks are more likely to reach personal and professional goals. (American Psychological Association)
Especially with a visual component like branded photos, the audience sees a clean, professional view of what you're capable of. Add in captured video, like with a content queen (Abbe Ogle) who can capture b-roll for reels, and your audience actually gets to experience what it’s like when you to take the lead.
3. Confidence Grows in Community
Entrepreneurship can feel lonely and the anecdote is connecting through shared experience. Alone, our brains tell us to play it safe. But when we have a whole squad to lean on, the mindset shifts.
Collaboration makes it easier to make entrepreneurship an “us” thing and not just a “me” thing.
Throughout our Women Who Lead photoshoot, you could hear women hyping each other up, see one women fixing the collar of another, and hear the sharing of ideas for creative shots with the vibe of “I’ve got you girl!”
The moment each woman stepped into the room, she brought a total VIBE with her that created unmatched synergy.
Something changes when you know you have another woman looking out for your best interest, and that’s what collaboration is all about. When you’re cheered on, you show up differently.
4. Storytelling Gets Stronger When Women Collaborate
Our brains are wired for story. From the earliest cave paintings to the books and Reels we devour today, storytelling is how humans make sense of the world.
Neuroscience shows that when we hear a story, more than just the language centers of our brain light up—our emotions, memory, and even motor cortex engage, allowing us to empathize, relate, and remember.
Stories connect us deeply to one another. Everyone’s contribution adds nuance to the bigger mission. When we collaborate with other women, the plot thickens, making the audience curious about what project is so meaningful that two people would come together to convey a message.
That’s why collaboration among women is so powerful. When we share our real stories—of wins and setbacks, messy pivots and proud milestones—we create space for connection and clarity. We build trust.
We fast-track solutions.
And most importantly, we remind each other of all the reasons that building a business with purpose really is worth it.
5. You Grow Into Your Next Level Through Collaboration
Your next level is waiting. The vision you have in your heart? The one that keeps tugging? Going it alone is actually creating more friction, slowing you down. You don’t have to hire a team to get there, but you do need to open your mind to the way collaboration creates more momentum.
Future versions of you are waiting with loads of wisdom, but it most likely won’t happen by yourself.
Running a successful business and finding your people aren’t mutually exclusive. The business of business is relationships. Having meaningful relationships is good business.
Collaboration amplifies your visibility and attracts fresh opportunities. When you align yourself with other leaders and take part in meaningful work, you naturally position your brand as credible, impactful, and results-driven.
The Women Who Lead Collaboration
The women you see in these photos were chosen with careful attention, and each one fills a unique strength. In planning this collaboration, the women were tasked with one responsibility: Come take up space with your authentic energy.
Kisha Woods, founder of Upgraded MindsetZ for business coaching, has a laugh that lights up the room and a gift for dropping soul-filling truths about living in your authenticity. She’s a walking pep talk and purpose reminder all in one.
Bre Henderson, founder of Henderson VA for women business owners, is the business strategist you didn’t know you needed—until she starts talking and your next five ideas come to life. Her brain is next-level.
Abbe Ogle, founder of Maverick Marketing for top notch digital content, is your Carrie Bradshaw meets business bestie. She’s stylish, sincere, and the kind of woman who will cheer for your wildest dream—and turn it into the perfect reel.
Hannah Knight, founder of Always Flourishing Photography for elevated brand photography and The Studio on Sampson, a rentable photography studio and creator space, is the captain of the hype squad, making every woman feel like a cover model. Every angle, every snap—she just gets it. (And her coaching is unprecedented because this woman knows posing.)
Andrea McGee, founder of T Candles - Central Illinois’ unique candle-making experience, is your high-energy, ride-or-die hype woman igniting the belly laughs. She’s magnetic, goal-driven, and makes everyone feel like they belong.
Dr. Kristen Strom, powerhouse coach and speaker, brings fierce, grounded leadership—the kind that’s not just heard, it’s felt. Every word, every move, wrapped in purpose and power.
Lindsey Kirk, founder of Lindsey the Ladysmith - an authentic hand-forged jewelry company, is a force. The loyalist. The one whose presence is calm, but whose brand speaks volumes. Authentic to her core.
Cassie Yoder, founder of Cass Concepts - a marketing, media, and events firm, is electricity in motion—bold, radiant, and the epitome of boss babe energy. She walks in and the whole vibe shifts (in the best way).
Of course, you can’t forget Intern Kenzie bringing all the good vibes and magical marketing ideas who snapped a few pics during the shoot so Hannah could step out from behind the camera for once.
And me? I just hope to be a little more like each of them. Because collaborating with women like this doesn’t just grow your business—it grows you.
Take a peek below at what we captured below. In addition to the women who showed up big, you’ll also see carefully placed items intentionally incorporated from women-owned businesses.
Peep the following:
Gorgeous flowers by J. Blu Design
Coffee by Black Sheep Coffee Mobile
Hand-forged jewelry by Lindsey the Ladysmith
Fine custom jewelry by KM Jewelry Design
Gifts, stickers, and a handmade bag by The Wink House, Peoria’s favorite place to buy gifts
Enamel pins by A Perfect Promotion
From Havoc to Healing by Kisha Woods
Empowered Ascent Workbook by Dr. Kristen Strom
Wine glass by pottery artist Katie VandenBerg
Finding Community in Female Entrepreneurship
Who’s in your circle? If you don’t have a community yet, it’s time to find your flock.
Collaborations begin in the circles you’re already part of, so if you aren’t part of a strong interconnected community of women, start there.
At Founding Females®, we have lots of opportunities to join a community.
The Founding Females® Women’s Business Mastermind is more than just a group of women — it’s a community of bold, growth-minded women entrepreneurs who get it. Inside our private, off-social platform, we share insights, celebrate wins, and support each other through the real challenges of running a business.
Founding Females® Meet Ups - Meet Ups are free, monthly, in-person meetings where we focus the conversation around problem solving business challenges. Click the link to learn more about existing chapters of Founding Females® Meet Ups, or start one of your own.
Other communities we love:
Conclusion to 5 Things That Happen When Women Collaborate
At the end of the day, collaboration isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a growth strategy, a mindset shift, and a powerful force for change. When women come together, we don’t just exchange ideas—we amplify them.
We open doors for each other, build bridges across industries, and create space for fresh momentum.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, siloed, or uncertain about your next move, this is your sign: collaboration could be the missing link your business has been waiting for.
Because when women support each other, truly incredible things happen—and your business will be better for it.
About Founding Females®
At Founding Females®, our mission is simple but bold: to help women build businesses that thrive—and feel good doing it. We create empowering spaces where women can openly share challenges, celebrate wins, and receive the kind of peer support that sparks real momentum.
Led by small business educator and unapologetic dream-chaser Francie Hinrichsen, Founding Females® offers a powerhouse lineup of resources including our signature online mastermind for female entrepreneurs, in-person business events (like our annual women’s conference and local Meet Ups), and the must-have guidebook Dream, Build, Grow: A Female’s Step-by-Step Guide for How to Start a Business.
Francie believes that any woman with a dream on her heart deserves a seat at the table—and she’s here to help you pull up your chair. [Click here to learn more about working with Francie.]
✨ Ready to stay in the loop with high-impact business tips, events, and support? Drop your email below to join the Founding Females® community:
At the end of the day, collaboration isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a growth strategy, a mindset shift, and a powerful force for change. When women come together, we don’t just exchange ideas—we amplify them. We open doors for each other, build bridges across industries, and create space for fresh momentum. Click to learn about 5 Things That Happen When Women Collaborate…