The Power of Connection: Highlights from Our Sunshine LadyBoss Lunch
Carla, Kiersten, Michelle, Jill, Sara, Nicci, Jessica, Channel
On January 13, 2026, we gathered for a Sunshine LadyBoss Lunch where I spoke about the major gains of building relationships in business and why relationships beat transactions every time. People don’t buy from ads — they buy from people they trust. A relationship shortens decision-making because trust is already present, allowing business to move faster and more naturally.
Relationship marketing also has a lower cost and a higher return than traditional lead generation. One relationship can lead to repeat business, referrals, and collaborations such as referral partnerships and joint ventures. When someone comes through a relationship, they understand you, they fit your culture, and they stay, creating stronger and more aligned business connections.
When people feel connected, they don’t just attend — they participate, contribute, and advocate!
Jessica, Sil, Daxi, Shawn
Community creates momentum and creates a movement. When people feel connected, they don’t just attend — they participate, contribute, and advocate. They invite others, show up consistently, and help build what they’re part of. Relationships also compound over time. Each relationship has a network of people they know and can introduce you to, and a single relationship can open doors in ways you couldn’t predict. Strong relationships grow deeper roots and loyalty.
Sunshine Community was built on relationships.
Ashley, Channel, Carla, Michelle
Sunshine Community was built on relationships. It didn’t start with a big marketing plan or ad budget. It started with conversations. I got to know people and asked questions: what are your values, what is most important to you, what is your culture, what do you need, and what are you looking for? Over time, those relationships turned into friendships, then into referrals, then into a community. Women invited other women not because they were sold, but because they felt something and loved having like-minded women around them. I’ve seen over and over that when you genuinely invest in people, the business follows sustainably.
A special thank you to Jill Jones and Jennifer Yeo.
They are two beautiful owners of The Lake Break that hosted us in their unique and uplifting space and they were completely present as part of the gathering.
I appreciate you!
I am deeply grateful to the Sunshine Community members who joined us — Michelle Macievic, Channel Achenback, Daxi Bosen, Carla Lifferth, Mary Baird, and Sil Hoggan — for showing up with openness and intention. A special thank you to Jill Jones and Jennifer Yeo, two beautiful owners of The Lake Break, for hosting us and being part of the gathering. I also appreciate our guests Kiersten Caldwell, Nicci Naccarato, Shawn Rowley, Ashley Clark, Jessica Fukuchi, and Lisa Mabey for joining us and contributing to such meaningful conversations. Together, we made real connections.
Author - Sara Elbert Founder & CEO of the Sunshine Community, Women Empowerment, Shine Brighter Together
