2025: Growth in All Its Forms

As we close out 2025, I’ve been thinking a lot about what growth really looks like.

Not the highlight-reel version.
Not the perfectly packaged wins.
But the real, lived-in kind of progress that happens when you keep showing up — sometimes boldly, sometimes quietly — and stay true to what matters most.

This year, Women for Women members showed us that growth doesn’t come in just one form.

For some, it looked like choosing vulnerability — putting their authentic selves out into the world even when it felt scary or uncomfortable. And discovering that honesty, again and again, creates connection, clarity, and opportunity.

For others, growth came through momentum and visibility: first-time exhibitions, extended shows, national recognition, licensing agreements, business growth, and stepping into rooms that once felt out of reach.

And for many, the most meaningful growth was quieter — but no less powerful.

It looked like letting go.
Releasing FOMO.
Stepping back instead of pushing forward.
Choosing rest, family, creativity, and alignment over burnout.
Saying no to what wasn’t the right fit and trusting that fewer, better opportunities would follow.

Again and again, the same truth surfaced: progress doesn’t always come from taking the next step. Sometimes it comes from the pause.

Voices from the Year

Throughout the year, members put words to what growth looked like for them — and how different (and valid) each version can be:

“Continuing to be vulnerable and put my authentic self out into the world is still the scariest thing — but it pays off every time. It’s a reminder to reconnect with why I’m doing this in the first place.”
— Alice

“Joining Women for Women expanded my brand’s visibility, but more importantly, it connected me with truly empowered women across so many industries.”
— Mary

“This was the first time I was able to show my work for an extended period. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity.”
— Leigh

“Having my work licensed and featured by Ballard Designs — and included in their catalog for several months — was incredibly meaningful. Seeing my art reach such a wide audience was a special moment this year.”
— Amy

“My business grew by over 30% this year. That growth felt both exciting and affirming.”
— Kristin

“Meeting so many new people at Scott Antiques Market led to increased sales and unexpected opportunities, including invitations to do pop-ups.”
— Meg

“This year I chose not to apply to shows or sell work. Instead, I focused on learning, experimenting, and strengthening my practice. Sometimes progress comes from the pause, not the step.”
— Kathryn

“Learning to let go after a major life transition has been a win — and the women I’ve met through W4W have made that adjustment so much easier.”
— Melissa

“Sometimes success came from what I didn’t do — stepping away, reconnecting with family and friends, and finding my confidence again.”
— Kathleen

“Doing shows with W4W gave me the courage to apply for bigger opportunities I never would have tried before.”
— Sarah

“Letting go of FOMO was a win. Not every show is the right fit — and that clarity changed everything.”
— Carolyn

Each reflection different.
Each one valid.
Each one pointing to the same truth: growth is personal — but encouragement makes it possible.

What made these moments even more powerful was how often community played a role.
Doing shows together led to confidence.
Shared conversations led to courage.
Seeing someone else take a leap made it feel possible to try.

This is the heartbeat of Women for Women.

Not competition.
Not comparison.
But connection.

A place where growth is honored in all its forms — loud and quiet, fast and slow. Where every win counts. Where your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to belong.

As a way to honor that shared experience, we’re starting a tradition — something we’ll return to each year as a reminder of who we are and how we grow:

This is what we built together
Different paths, one shared flame
Every win, loud or quiet
Every step still counts the same
We rise higher, side by side
There is room for all we are
This is Women for Women
Every voice, every spark

As we step into a new year, I hope you carry this with you:

You don’t need to do it all.
You don’t need to chase every opportunity.
You don’t need to measure your success against anyone else’s timeline.

Growth is happening — even when it’s subtle, even when it’s slow, even when it looks different than you expected.

What you’re building matters.
And it matters even more when you’re building it in community.

Here’s to 2025. And to all that’s still ahead.

Leah