The Power of Collaboration: How I’m Growing My Creative Business with Partnerships

by Leah Wilkerson

It took me 58 years to learn a truth I wish I’d embraced sooner: just because you’re running a business solo doesn’t mean you have to carry it all alone. For the longest time, I thought being an entrepreneur meant doing everything myself—wearing all the hats, making all the decisions, solving every problem in my own little bubble.

And let me tell you—it gets lonely in there.

Even when you love your work, it’s easy to spin your wheels, overthink every move, or lose steam from trying to do too much with too little support.

But then something shifts. Someone shares a new idea, offers a fresh perspective, or simply says, “Want to do this together?” And suddenly, you remember: you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

That’s the power of creative collaboration.
And it’s become one of the smartest—and most joyful—parts of growing my business.

Why Collaboration Works (At Least, for Me)

I used to think I needed a bigger audience or a bigger budget to grow my business. Turns out, what I really needed was the right people around me.

When I connect with another business that complements mine—or a creative whose energy just clicks with mine—it’s like something unlocks. We bounce ideas around. We reach each other’s audiences. We get braver, more creative, and way more energized.

And the best part? We split the work… but the impact? It multiplies.

Whether you’re a maker, a coach, an artist, or a service-based business like mine—collaboration has a way of opening doors you didn’t even know were there.

That’s exactly why I started Women for Women (W4W), to build a connected, supportive community where sharing ideas feels easy and natural. It’s amazing what happens when you pool your creativity, your resources, and your energy with other women who truly get it. If that sounds like something your business needs, I’d love for you to learn more and see if it’s a fit for you. Check us out HERE. There’s always room at the table.

A Few Collaborations I’m Excited About This Fall (And You Should Try Too!)

As I head into a busy season, I’m leaning into collaboration more than ever. Here are just a few of the creative ideas I (and some fellow creatives) are planning for this fall:

• Bundled Gift Sets
  I’m teaming up with a few amazing businesses this fall to create the ultimate friendship gift by pairing pieces from my Take Care of Your Tribe collection with their beautiful, complementary products.

• Cross-Promotional Packaging
  When someone buys one of my ornaments this season, they might also discover another woman-owned business tucked inside the package—maybe a postcard, a discount, or a small surprise.

• Shared Pop-Ups
  I’m planning a few trunk shows and holiday pop-ups where multiple businesses will share a space, invite their customers, and build buzz together. There’s something energizing about creating an in-person experience that’s collaborative, not competitive.

• Shared Blogs and Substack Posts
  I’ll be writing articles with other creatives where we discuss our process, our work, and what inspires us—just two voices, one conversation, and a whole lot of heart.

• Offer a Special Cross-Discount
  You get 10% off her shop, and her customers get 10% off yours. Everybody wins.

One Last Thing…

Collaboration isn’t just about sales. It’s about sanity.
It’s about feeling supported, seen, and sparked by the creativity of others.

So if you’ve been feeling stuck or ready to try something new… start by looking around. Who could you partner with this season? What could you dream up together?

You might be surprised by what comes to life when you simply say, “Let’s team up.”