Have you ever heard the Taoist parable about the farmer whose horse runs away?

It goes like this: The villagers express their sorrow, but the farmer simply says, "Good, bad, who’s to say?" Days later, the horse returns, bringing two more horses with him. The villagers congratulate the farmer, but he responds the same way, "Good, bad, who’s to say?" Later, the farmer’s son tries to ride one of the new horses but is thrown off and breaks his leg. The villagers are sad for the farmer again, but he remains steady in his response: "Good, bad, who’s to say?" Finally, war breaks out, and the farmer’s son is spared from battle due to his injury, while the other young men from the village die in battle.

Entrepreneurship is a journey of constant evolution—and at every stage, one of the hardest lessons to learn is how to relinquish control. As an entrepreneur, it’s natural to want to oversee every detail of your business, but there’s a fundamental truth: growth requires delegation. The more you give up control, the more room you create for growth and expansion.

At the heart of ConnectHers+Co is a shared mission: to connect women with growth opportunities such as speaking engagements, workshop facilitation, event entertainment, and media appearances. This platform empowers women to expand their reach and amplify their impact.

It’s often said that your success is a reflection of the people you surround yourself with—and in business, this couldn’t be more true. If you do nothing else but join a success squad, you'll start seeing a positive impact on your business. Just by spending time regularly connecting with other successful people, you’ll find more success for yourself. But the real question is: Who are you spending time with right now that’s expanding your consciousness, wealth, and success?

Starting a business is more than just a professional decision—it’s a personal journey that forces you to confront your deepest fears. The moment you say, "I want to start a business," you set off on a unique path that only a few dare to pursue with heart and dedication.

When I set out to create the Capital Elle Business Impact Award, I knew I didn’t want to go it alone. While I was ready to offer $5,000 and a year of business coaching, I knew bringing in partners would make the award even more powerful. The response from my community was overwhelming—10 incredible organizations stepped up to support this initiative, transforming it into something bigger than I ever imagined. Together, we are building opportunities and raising the bar for women entrepreneurs. 💪

Entrepreneurship can feel lonely—but it doesn’t have to be. With Elleiance’s Business Mastermind for Canadian Women Entrepreneurs, you gain more than just business advice—you get a community of support, collaboration, and growth. Joining a mastermind is more than just another networking opportunity; it’s a game-changer for women entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses and thrive.

Why should you collaborate on your business? Why can't I just do it all myself?

Social capital is one of the most undervalued forms of capital in business, yet it yields the highest ROI when approached with intention.

But why is this?

Why should I join The Elleiance Network, and will it work for me? Let's explore.

Meet Elleiance member Lori Skitt. Lori is the Founder of LivX, a nutritional functional food and lifestyle brand that focuses on providing outdoor enthusiasts and endurance athletes with quality and innovative products.

Meet Elleiance member Shelagh Cummins. Shelagh is the CEO and Founder of The Road to Seven, a company dedicated to empowering high-achieving women entrepreneurs through strategic financing, coaching, and training.

It might not feel like your business is ready for growth, but this is often where the magic happens.

Leaving your job to pursue entrepreneurship can feel daunting, especially when people doubt your decision. But surrounding yourself with the right community makes all the difference. The Elleiance Network gave me the support and encouragement I needed to overcome imposter syndrome and fear. The people around you can either hold you back or catapult you into success. Who’s sitting at your table?

There’s a reason people often say, “It’s lonely at the top.” As you reach higher levels of success, the reality is that fewer people can truly understand the challenges, risks, and responsibilities you face. But here's the secret: success doesn’t have to be lonely.

While it’s true that success can limit the number of people who “get it,” it can also create an opportunity to be more intentional about who you surround yourself with. Here’s how to cultivate relationships that not only support you but also fast-track your success.