Why Community Is the Secret to Your Success as a Creative Entrepreneur
Lekisha Earles
"Creative Visionary | Award-Winning Artist & Brand Strategist | Empowering Creatives to Thrive as Entrepreneurs"
If we’re being completely honest, the path of a creative entrepreneur can feel a little lonely at times. Managing projects, trying to bring your ideas to life, and often, doing it all on your own. Sound familiar? If so, you're not alone. I’ve been there too. The truth is, while creativity often feels like a solo endeavor, it doesn’t have to be. And honestly, it shouldn’t be. The real secret to long-term success as a creative entrepreneur is community.
Sounds simple, but hear me out—community is the space where ideas grow, connections form, and where you find the support you didn’t even know you needed.
Why You Need a Creative Circle
We all hit roadblocks. Whether it’s creative burnout, self-doubt, or feeling like your work isn’t being appreciated, it’s tough out there. But imagine this—you have a group of people who are genuinely rooting for you. They’re there to lift you up when you’re struggling and cheer you on when you hit a milestone. That’s the power of a creative community.
Personally, I’ve been through seasons where I felt completely stuck—things didn’t go as planned, or the inspiration just wasn’t there. It was during these moments that my community stepped in to remind me of who I am, and to remind me of my potential. They were there to offer support and fresh perspectives, and I'm here to offer the same for you.
What would it feel like to have a circle of creatives that understands exactly what you’re going through? I believe we all need that kind of support to keep growing.
And while support is essential, one of the most powerful benefits of a community is the opportunity to collaborate.
Collaboration: Your Secret Weapon
Creativity doesn’t thrive in isolation. No matter how talented you are, sometimes you just need that spark from someone else to take your work to the next level. I can’t tell you how many times I thought I was out of ideas, only for a simple conversation with a fellow creative to reignite my inspiration. That’s what collaboration does.
Think about the most iconic creative works— most of them weren’t created in a vacuum. Whether it’s a film, an album, or a project, the best ideas often come when different perspectives collide. So, let’s create that space where we can bounce ideas off each other, collaborate, and grow together. Who knows what we could create?
Collaboration often sparks new ideas, but it’s also in the exchange of knowledge that we grow as creative entrepreneurs.
Sharing Knowledge = Building Success
I used to think that I had to figure everything out on my own. But I quickly realized that’s the hardest way to grow. Every creative entrepreneur, at some point, hits a wall. Maybe it’s learning how to price your services, finding the right audience, or managing your time. What I’ve discovered is that someone in your community has already been through that—and they’re more than willing to share what they’ve learned.
This is what I love about building community. It’s not about competition; it’s about lifting each other up. I want to help you learn from my experiences, just like I’ve benefited from the wisdom of others. Let’s trade insights, strategies, and lessons so we can all reach new heights in our creative businesses.
We get to lift each other up through knowledge-sharing, but sometimes, the key to success is simply having someone in your corner who holds you accountable.
Accountability: The Missing Ingredient to Staying on Track
We’ve all had moments where—you set a goal, you’re excited, and then life starts "life-ing". Suddenly, that project you were going to launch just… stalls. What changed? It’s not your passion. It’s accountability.
Being part of a community gives you that gentle nudge to keep going. When you’ve shared your goals with others, there’s a sense of responsibility to follow through. And it’s not just about accountability; it’s about encouragement. When your community checks in on you, they’re not just asking for updates—they’re reminding you that they believe in your vision. That’s powerful, and I would love to be that support for you.
Having accountability keeps you on track, but the connections you build can also open doors to new opportunities.
Opening New Doors
Here’s a little secret I’ve learned: Most of the best opportunities in my creative journey came through relationships. It wasn’t just about having a killer marketing plan or chasing down clients—it was about showing up in spaces where genuine connections were being built. Someone in your community knows someone who can open that next door for you.
When you surround yourself with the right people, opportunities find their way to you. I’ve seen it happen time and time again, and I’m here to tell you that your next big break could be one connection away. And as these connections grow, you’ll find that we’re not just building businesses, we’re building something much bigger.
We’re Meant to Do This Together
At the end of the day, we all want to be seen and understood. And as creative entrepreneurs, we’re not just building businesses—we’re building legacies. I believe that we’re better when we do it together. So, if you’re ready to grow, collaborate, and thrive in a community that gets you, I’m here for it.
Let’s connect. Let’s share. Let’s grow. We’re not meant to do this alone—and with the right people beside you, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
If this article resonates with you and you are ready to take the next step? I’d love to invite you to the We Help Creatives Open House on October 19th in Houston, Texas. It’s going to be an amazing opportunity to connect with other creatives, share your ideas, and learn more about how we can support each other’s journeys. Register now at wehelpcreatives.org and let’s start building this community together.
What’s one goal or challenge you’re working through right now? Let’s start a conversation—because we’re in this together.