We recently connected with Rachel Dickens and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Women Who Collab (WWC) was born from a deeply personal journey and a heartfelt desire to create a space where women could thrive together. As I navigated various women’s groups over the years—whether for business networking, casual meet-ups, or social connections—I cherished the camaraderie and support they offered. However, I often felt that these groups operated in silos, with barriers that kept women from truly connecting across different backgrounds and experiences.

This sense of disconnection weighed on me, sparking the realization that many women were missing out on the collective strength that could come from collaboration. I knew that there had to be a better way to foster unity and empowerment among women. I envisioned a community where women from all walks of life could come together, share their stories, and inspire one another, regardless of their individual focuses.

The emotional drive behind WWC stemmed from my belief in the power of connection. I witnessed firsthand how women could lift each other up when given the right environment—a safe space to be vulnerable, share their dreams, and collaborate on their goals. This vision ignited a fire in me, pushing me to take action and turn this idea into reality.

I recognized that many women, like me, were navigating their paths feeling isolated, and I believed that WWC could fill this void. The logic was simple: by bringing women together, we could create a support network that not only encouraged personal and professional growth but also fostered meaningful relationships. This was a problem that wasn’t being addressed adequately at the time, and I felt a deep sense of purpose in stepping up to offer a unique solution.

The idea for Women Who Collab (WWC) came from a realization that, as women, we are often placed into different silos—whether it’s in our careers, social circles, or even our passions. I experienced this firsthand in various women’s groups that I joined over the years. Each group had its unique vibe and purpose, and while they provided great support, something always felt like it was missing. Women were networking, but not truly connecting. We were sharing stories, but not collaborating across experiences. I often felt there was a wall preventing deeper relationships and real collaboration from forming.

This disconnect weighed heavily on me. I knew that we as women thrive best when we collaborate and uplift each other, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that there had to be a better way to foster this. That’s when the seed for Women Who Collab was planted. I began to imagine a space where women from all backgrounds—entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders—could come together in one collective community, working toward their goals while supporting each other. I envisioned workshops where we could not only learn and grow but also build meaningful connections. I thought of networking events where introductions would lead to collaborations, and collaborations would lead to achievements.

The logic behind the idea was simple. Women were craving authentic support and real opportunities to collaborate. I knew that by creating an intentional, welcoming space for this to happen, WWC could fill a gap in the market that no one else was solving. And that’s what made this endeavor so worthwhile—it wasn’t just about offering networking events, but about creating a unique space where vulnerability, support, and growth are celebrated.

What got me most excited was the idea of women coming together and creating magic. I pictured women attending our Vision Board Workshops, literally seeing their dreams and goals take shape on paper, and then working together to make them a reality. The potential was endless, and I knew I was onto something special when other women began to resonate with my vision. Seeing their eyes light up with excitement when I explained the idea was the validation I needed to push forward.

The emotions behind Women Who Collab stem from my belief in the power of sisterhood. I wanted to build more than a business—I wanted to build a movement where women could thrive through collaboration, celebrate each other’s successes, and realize that together, we are unstoppable.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Rachel Dickens, and my passion for empowering women led me to create Women Who Collab, an organization built on the values of connection, collaboration, and creation. My journey into this space came naturally, as I’ve always found fulfillment in working with women, creating meaningful connections, and helping them thrive.

Women Who Collab is a community-driven organization that provides events, workshops, and resources designed to uplift and empower women in both their personal and professional lives. Some of our most popular offerings include our Vision Board Workshops, where women come together to visualize and set their goals, and our networking mixers, where friendships and collaborations bloom. We also host pop-up markets, socials, and events that bring women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs together.

The problem we solve is a lack of genuine connection and collaboration opportunities for women. Too many women feel isolated, navigating their dreams and challenges alone. WWC provides the support and community they need to break out of that isolation. What sets us apart is our focus on authenticity and empowerment. We’ve created a safe, welcoming space where women can come as they are, embrace vulnerability, and leave inspired to go after their dreams.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve made on our community. WWC has helped countless women build meaningful connections, start businesses, and take bold steps toward their goals. It’s not just about professional success—it’s about creating a supportive network where every woman feels seen, heard, and valued.

For those just learning about Women Who Collab, I want them to know that we are more than just a networking group—we are a movement. We are here to help you connect, collaborate, and create the life you’ve always dreamed of. Join us on this journey, and together, we’ll make magic.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to compare myself to others to be successful. Like many, I used to fall into the trap of comparison, constantly wondering if I was doing enough or why my journey didn’t look like everyone else’s. I’d see women who seemed to have it all figured out, and I’d think, “Why am I struggling when they’re not?”

But over time, I realized that everyone’s journey is different, and the only way I could truly succeed was by being myself. I had to stop comparing and start embracing my own path—ups, downs, and all. It wasn’t about fitting into anyone else’s mold but about showing up as authentically me, flaws and all.

Building Women Who Collab was a journey in learning to trust myself. Once I stopped focusing on what others were doing and started offering what I knew, my true voice began to shine through. That authenticity became relatable to others, and that’s what ultimately helped me build my audience.

I realized that people don’t just want to see your successes—they want to know about your challenges and how you overcame them. Showing the messy parts of the journey is what connects us. So, I stopped hiding the downs and started celebrating them just as much as the ups. Because that’s real life—and that’s where true connection happens.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience for Women Who Collab wasn’t just about numbers; it was about creating a community where women felt truly seen, heard, and empowered. When I first started, I had to overcome a mindset many of us struggle with—comparing myself to others. In the beginning, I found myself constantly looking at other women’s journeys, wondering why theirs seemed more seamless or why they appeared more successful. I had to remind myself that the only way I could create something genuine and lasting was by being true to my own journey, embracing every up and down.

I knew from the start that authenticity would be at the core of Women Who Collab. I wasn’t trying to present a picture-perfect image, but rather to share a space where women could relate to the real, messy parts of life—the parts that don’t always make it to social media. I built my audience by being vulnerable, sharing my wins, but also my challenges. Whether it was celebrating milestones or reflecting on moments when I doubted myself, I wanted my community to know they weren’t alone in their experiences.

In those early stages, I focused on creating value through content that spoke to the hearts of women who, like me, were trying to navigate life, careers, and personal growth. My posts weren’t just about achievements; they were about the process—about staying motivated through setbacks, learning to prioritize self-care, and finding joy in collaboration. I hosted events that gave women opportunities to come together, like our Vision Board Workshops, where they could map out their goals in a creative, supportive environment. Slowly but surely, women began to see Women Who Collab not just as a brand, but as a movement they wanted to be part of.

I realized that by sharing my own truth and journey, I could build a space where others felt safe to do the same. It wasn’t about trying to be something I wasn’t—it was about showing up, flaws and all, and offering what I knew. That relatability became my strongest asset. Over time, more women started to follow Women Who Collab, not just for advice or networking opportunities, but because they resonated with the vulnerability and authenticity at the heart of our message.

What really helped us grow was our community’s ability to spread the word. Women who came to our events felt connected and empowered, and they shared their experiences with their own networks. It wasn’t just about marketing strategies or social media tactics—it was about creating genuine connections and giving women a reason to come back, again and again.

Building an audience took time, consistency, and a lot of self-reflection, but I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve cultivated at Women Who Collab. It’s a space where every woman can thrive by being herself, and that’s what I set out to do from the very beginning.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.womenwhocollab.co
• Instagram: @womenwhocollab
• Facebook: Women Who Collab

Image Credits

Demeadream – Demea Jackson