In June 2015, Natalie Franke and Krista Jones had a dream that catapulted the creative industry.  I’m sure they could not have foreseen the impact they would have on the industry. Natalie blogged over winter about the loneliness of entrepreneurship. As much as it seems like having 100% freedom to work in yoga pants everyday is going to be AWESOME, it does oftentimes get lonely.

Natalie’s hope was that there was a way for creatives to unite and work together during the crazy ride of entrepreneurship. And so, with Krista Jones, and their husbands, a dream turned to reality when the Rising Tide Society was born. With the foundation that we are better together than we could ever be apart, creative entrepreneurs and small business owners around the WORLD united on the common front of community over competition, with the belief that a rising tide lifts all boats.

And what big waves this group has created. Since June, over 25,000 creatives in over 200 local chapters have grown together, united over each others victories, shared in each other’s setbacks, and have constantly strived to help each other grow. 

I have the INCREDIBLE honor of leading our North Jersey group “Tuesday’s Together”, which meets once a month to discuss big dreams, struggles and triumphs, and a variety of small business topics. In the last six months, it’s truly been life changing. The people in my small little group have become some of my best friends in the industry.  They have become my sounding board and my rock during the ups and downs this business brings. I’m so happy to be along for the ride with them!

In November, our local group made cards for Military, Children in Children’s Hospitals, and Elderly People in homes with no other family. I’m so thankful that our group got to put a smile on so many people’s faces and that the Rising Tide Society as a whole is changing the world. Every local chapter got together in the spirit of philanthropy and thousands of lives were benefited because of it!

I love this snippet from the first ever RTS Blog:

“The Rising Tide Society believes that we are stronger together than we could ever be apart. We want to champion camaraderie and reshape the conversation. We want to empower dreamers to become business owners and to help those entrepreneurs overcome the odds that are already stacked against them. And in order to do that, we need to look at things a little differently and adjust our mindset. 

You see, we’re all in this together. Hundreds of thousands of big dreamers, risk takers, and ground shakers. Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely. It doesn’t have to mean going at it alone. We dare to believe that with our hands and in our minds, we can carve out a better future for ourselves and our clients. We have the audacity to take big risks and seek a life that revolves around our passion rather than a time-clock.”

Tuesdays Together arose from the conclusion that every single one of us needs a break from the online world and the day to day struggles of entrepreneurship. By kickstarting monthly meetings for local creatives and entrepreneurs, we hope to establish genuine communities that foster meaningful relationships and empower business owners to grow fulfilling careers.”

And that friends, is the change in the industry that was needed. Do you know how many photographers are in NJ alone? Why push each other away when we can help build each other up? I’m so thankful for the waves we’ve made in 2015 and know that without a doubt, 2016 is going to be incredible with the Rising Tide Society. If you are a creative in northern NJ feeling lonely in your entrepreneurship ride, come find us on Facebook to join one of our monthly meetings! We’d LOVE to have you!