Iron Sharpens Iron: The Power of Intentional Community in Entrepreneurship
By Neema Black, “The Non-Judgmental Vegan™,” Holistic Health and Wellness Coach at harmonicsoulwellness.com
News flash — entrepreneurship can feel lonely sometimes.
As women, many of us are juggling multiple roles while trying to grow a business, and it’s easy to slip into the mindset of “I have to do it all myself.” But here’s the truth: we weren’t meant to build in isolation.
One of my favorite phrases comes from an old proverb: iron sharpens iron. It’s the idea that we become sharper, stronger, and more resilient when we’re around people who challenge us, cheer for us, and hold us accountable. In other words, the right community can change everything.
Think about it — when you’re surrounded by women who “get it,” suddenly those big goals don’t feel so far away. You’ve got people who can remind you of your vision on the days you’re doubting yourself, who will lovingly call you out when you’re playing small, and who will celebrate every milestone with you (even the ones that might seem too tiny to mention elsewhere). That’s what I call an intentional community.
And here’s the key word: intentional.
It’s not about collecting more acquaintances or sitting in another awkward networking mixer hoping for magic. It’s about choosing to be in spaces where you feel seen, supported, celebrated, and stretched. Because the wrong circle will drain you — but the right one? It will sharpen you.
So how do you create that kind of circle in your own entrepreneurial journey? Here are a few ways to start:
Keep it small and consistent. Start with 2–3 women you trust and set up a monthly call or coffee. OR, join an already established community with aligned values—like The Support System.
Name your purpose. Are you coming together to brainstorm strategy? To share wins and struggles? To keep each other accountable? Be clear so your time together stays meaningful.
Give and receive. Community isn’t just about what you get — it’s about what you bring. Some days you’ll be the one who needs sharpening, and other days you’ll be the one holding the stone. Both roles matter.
When I reflect on the women who have shaped my own journey, the common thread is always this: they pushed me to grow beyond what I thought was possible, simply by walking alongside me. And in turn, I’ve been able to do the same for them. That’s the beauty of it — we rise higher together.
So, here’s my challenge to you: don’t just leave this as a nice idea. Put it into practice. Who are the two or three women you can reach out to this week to start building your intentional circle? Make the invite. Take the first step.
Because as women entrepreneurs, we’re not just building businesses. We’re building each other. And when iron sharpens iron, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.
Come join me and other heart-centered businesswomen in The Prosper Network.
Originally excerpted from Season 3, Episode 27 of the Harmonious Living Podcast.
Neema Black is a multi-passionate creative and Holistic Health & Wellness Coach on a mission to guide women to transform their lives into a harmonious, vibrant, joyride through plant-based eating and empowerment.
Learn more at harmonicsoulwellness.com
Connect with Neema on Instagram