A Gratitude Letter from Paris: Building a Community for Entrepreneurs and Vendors
There are moments when a vision becomes tangible. Last Thursday evening was one of those moments.
As our space filled with the voices of DOE vendors, educators, and community partners, the air began to feel rich with ambition and a sense of possibility. The inspiration of the night was truly the sight of familiar faces and incredible members of our community just wonderfully welcoming the new ones into our fold.
This gathering was a milestone I could only imagine during my own challenging transition, from shuttering one business to building The Brooklyn Wellness Club. Navigating the path to becoming a DOE vendor at times felt like deciphering a map in the dark. But this event was about finally switching on the lights for each other & transforming our individual struggles into our collective power.
The conversations that unfolded were a look at what it means to build a business that is both sustainable and soulful. The wisdom in the room naturally grew around three powerful pillars:
1. The Power of "We": From Competition to Community
We quickly moved past the “how-to” of securing a contract and into the “who-with.” The most powerful tool we have isn't a secret database, but actually each other. We spoke about being active advocates for one another, intentionally amplifying each other's work, and holding the door open once we walk through. By choosing collaboration as our core business strategy we build a flow that lifts all.
2. Clarity as Your Compass
A recurring theme was the need for clarity, not just in our service offerings, but in our message and our mission. When you are clear on your "why," your marketing and promotion become an authentic invitation. This advantage cuts through the strings and attracts for you the right schools, the right partners, and opportunities that truly align.
3. Building a Structure for Joyful Accountability
We acknowledged that being a solopreneur or small team can be isolating. The real game-changer we identified collectively was in building accountability with peers who understand the unique challenges of this work. It’s about having a community that helps you stay on task, celebrate wins, and find the path forward when you feel stuck.
This Is Just the Beginning.
Seeing everyone connect, share resources, and offer genuine support was a full-circle moment. It was a living example of why I kept going; to why I want to create a space where wellness and entrepreneurship aren't on separate paths, but intertwined as one journey.
The mixer may be over, but connections are only just beginning. This is the collective foundation we want to build, inviting you into our trusted network all with a shared commitment to serving our communities.
Thank you.
