The saying "it takes a village" has been a guiding principle throughout my life. While some believe it originates from an African proverb that primarily refers to the community it takes to raise a child, I believe this philosophy extends to all facets of our existence.
Loneliness is a growing concern, with approximately half of U.S. adults reporting feelings of isolation and the former Surgeon General listing loneliness as an epidemic among American adults. While it is often men who are the subject of these studies of loneliness, according to the CDC, loneliness was significantly more common among women than among men (33.5% versus 30.7%). Women need community, support, and friendship. Beyond these needs, there's a desire for spaces that empower and uplift through holistic growth, personal development, and the cultivation of meaningful relationships among women from all walks of life, free from the pressures of traditional networking or hidden agendas.
Professionally, I have spent nearly a decade in real estate—a field that's often super competitive and, let's be honest, pretty lonely—I recognized a profound need among the women I worked with for a safe space to connect. Even though 62% of realtors are female, I often found myself in male-dominated rooms, battling imposter syndrome and facing the unique challenges we all know too well. Traditional networking groups never resonated with me; they felt impersonal and solely focused on professional development, lacking the genuine connection I craved.
Personally, in August 2023, my world turned upside down when my mom died suddenly. She was my safe space, my biggest cheerleader, and my best friend. We talked on the phone every day, most of the time more than once, and then, in an instant, she was gone. Her death left a void that seemed impossible to fill. However, during this dark time, the women in my life rallied around me. My best friend's mother offered her shoulder to cry on; thoughtful care packages, flowers, text messages, and long phone calls from my female friends and colleagues reminded me of the strength found in female connections.
Curious about others' experiences, I surveyed the women in my community. Overwhelmingly, their responses expressed the importance of female friendships but highlighted their struggles to form meaningful female professional and social connections. Many were eager to invest time and effort into these relationships but lacked the space or consistency for them to flourish. Many women also expressed a similar opinion to that of myself regarding traditional networking groups, that they were impersonal and lacking in genuine connections.
Out of a survey size of 120 women, here was what they had to say about their female connections:
- 97% said that female friendship is important or very important to them.
- 59% said they could use more or had next to no female connections professionally.
- 79% said that they found it difficult to make genuine female connections.
- 95% said they would attend an all-women group meeting.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of participating in several women's groups, but one in particular always stood out to me from the rest; an incredible group called The Fit Feminine, founded by my very dear friend Charlotte Hughes. The community she created provided a platform for women to connect deeply, support each other's wellness and self-love journeys, and foster genuine friendships. Charlotte's vision was truly transformative, and being part of The Fit Feminine left an indelible mark on me.
Upon moving to Las Vegas, I felt a new, yet profound void. The absence of a similar community of supportive women was palpable; I realized that many women here might be experiencing the same longing for authentic connection. Determined to recreate that sense of belonging, I took matters into my own hands—thus, The Bold Women's Circle was born.
Why The Bold Women's Circle?
At the heart of The Bold Women's Circle is the belief that women deserve a safe haven—a place where:
- Authenticity Reigns: Forget forced interactions. Our gatherings are designed to be natural, enjoyable, and free from typical networking pressures.
- Community Driven: Our speakers are local women who share a commitment to being a safe space for others.
- Inclusive Above All Else: This is a space for ALL women, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. We strive to amplify marginalized voices, valuing diversity, equality, and inclusion.
- More Than a Networking Group: While professional development is a component, our foundation is community. We value each other's time, respect one another, and appreciate the unique qualities each member brings.
Our Core Values:
- Boldness: We embrace confidence, take up space, and ensure our authentic voices are heard.
- Community: This is our village. We come from all walks of life, and that's the beauty of our circle.
- Feminism: Intersectional and inclusive, we create a space where all women's voices are uplifted.
- Authenticity: We show up as our true selves, on both good days and bad.
- Empathy: We strive to understand and share in each other's emotions, approaching all situations without judgment.
What We Offer:
The Bold Women's Circle is dedicated to enhancing women's overall wellness—mental, emotional, professional, and social. Each month, we curate events such as:
- Educational Workshops: Hear directly from local women experts on financial literacy, career development, and personal branding.
- Physical Wellness Activities: Yoga classes, meditation sessions, and wellness events to rejuvenate the mind and body.
- Social Gatherings: Book clubs, art classes, and casual meet-ups to foster connections and friendships.
Join Us:
If you're seeking a community that values authenticity, support, and holistic wellness, The Bold Women's Circle welcomes you with open arms. Together, we'll create a nurturing space where every woman can flourish.
For more information on our first event and to become a part of our circle, keep an eye on my Instagram stories or send an email to lindsay@lindsaycsellsrealestate.com with the subject "TBWC".
Let's embark on this journey together, embracing the strength and beauty of women supporting women.