EPISODE 3: Community Is Not About You

The hardest truth about building community? It's not about you. At all.

Maya and Malikiya break down why successful community builders must shift from artist mindset (serving yourself) to creator mindset (serving your people). This episode is packed with real talk about filling needs, trusting God's plan, and building something bigger than yourself.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

Artist vs. Creator Mindset - Artists create for themselves. Creators serve a group. To build community, you must be a creator, thinking about what your people need, not just what you want.

Fill a Gap That Exists - Texas Sistas Society exists because there wasn't a space for Black women and women of color in Austin to gather. If you're looking for it, others are too. Find the hole and fill it.

Create an Avatar for Your Audience - Give them a name. Build out their life. "Tina works 9-5, has 2 kids, loves free activities." When planning, ask: "Would Tina come to this?" This keeps you focused on serving, not self-indulging.

It's Okay If You'd Join Your Community - Start with ideas you were searching for. But then let community feedback guide you. They asked for snacks on walks, we never thought of that. Listen and adapt.

Trust That You'll Attract the Right People - They cater to Black women but welcome everyone. Collaboration events bring in different groups. Let God handle who shows up. Don't stress about attracting a specific person.

Faith Keeps You Going When Growth Feels Slow - Both introverts pushed outside their comfort zones. This is a calling. Whether growth is fast or slow, they're learning and exactly where they're supposed to be.

Asking for Financial Support vs. Waiting on God - The tension between asking the community for support and trusting God to provide. They work together, God sends help, but you have to recognize it and not block your blessings.

THIS EPISODE IS FOR:

Community builders who struggle with making it about them, event organizers trying to serve their audience better, faith-based entrepreneurs balancing trust and action, people who need permission to ask for support.

CONNECT:

Instagram: @thelonelinesscure
TikTok: @thelonelinesscure

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— Maya & Malikiya, Founders of Texas Sistas Society