Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Penner.
Hi Laura, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
How I Turned Burnout Into a Thriving Sisterhood for Women Entrepreneurs
A few years ago, I found myself completely burnt out and at a loss after leaving an abusive relationship. I had to rebuild everything from the ground up and I was seeking other women to support eachother in business. So I posted in a local facebook group looking for 4-5 women to start an ‘accountability group’, naming that I was looking for more of a sisterhood more than anything. Within 2 hours…70+ women commented interested in the same idea. This is when I knew there was a need for something bigger to support women in their entrepreneural journey.
That calling became Women RISE (Rising In Success & Entrepreneurship).
What began as idea- started the movement of like minded women craving connection grew into a vibrant, in-person community based in Boulder, Colorado—with over 1,200 members and monthly events that now consistently sell out. We host curated networking meetups, coworking days, and intentional gatherings that go far beyond business cards and pitches.
Each event includes a mix of meaningful connection, education, and celebration—featuring guest speakers, raffle prizes, and a focus on personal and professional growth. Whether it’s a tactical business workshop or an inspiring panel conversation, we create space for women to thrive not just in business, but in life. At its core, Women RISE is a sisterhood. A place for women entrepreneurs to be seen, supported, and celebrated.
This community was born out of my own need for genuine connection, encouragement, and collaboration—something I couldn’t find in traditional networking spaces. I craved a space where women could drop the masks, ditch the comparison, and grow sustainable businesses without burning themselves out in the process.
While Women RISE is the heartbeat of my community work, I also run a separate business supporting women entrepreneurs through nervous system and somatic coaching, brand & retrat photography, and brand coaching. I help women reconnect with their bodies, their creativity, and their voice—so they can show up fully in their lives and brands. My work blends inner healing with external expression, helping women build aligned businesses from the inside out.
Though my personal business and Women RISE are currently separate, I see a future where they blend even more intentionally—bringing together deep healing and powerful community in service of a new way of doing business.
Women RISE isn’t about me. It’s about all of us. It’s about rewriting the way we grow as women—with more heart, more ease, and a lot more community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. The road has been anything but smooth—and in many ways, it started from complete rock bottom. I left an abusive, narcissistic relationship and had to completely rebuild my life from ground zero. I had no money, no community, no local support, and was deeply traumatized—not just personally, but in how I related to work, success, and even the idea of running a business again. I had to relearn how to trust myself, how to feel safe in my body, and how to believe that I could build something new.
There was no roadmap. I didn’t have a network to lean on or mentors guiding the way. It was incredibly lonely at first. But over time, I started creating the kind of support system I wished I had many years ago—first for myself, and eventually for others. That’s really where Women RISE was born: out of the isolation I felt, and the desire to make sure other women didn’t have to do it alone. And that we are stronger when we RISE TOGETHER>
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Women RISE is a vibrant in-person community for women entrepreneurs based in Boulder, Colorado. We specialize in hosting monthly networking events, intentional coworking days, and curated gatherings that go far beyond traditional business spaces. Each event includes guest speakers, educational segments, raffle prizes, and meaningful connection—designed to help women thrive both personally and professionally.
What sets Women RISE apart is the heart behind it. We’re not just another networking group—we’re a sisterhood. A place where women feel seen, supported, and celebrated as they grow their businesses. We’ve grown to over 1,200 members and our events consistently sell out, which speaks to the real need for authentic community and collaboration in the entrepreneurial space. I’m most proud that we’ve created a space where women walk away not just with leads or ideas—but with genuine relationships and lasting support.
Living Potential is my personal brand and business where I support women entrepreneurs through somatic coaching, nervous system regulation, brand photography, and brand expression coaching. I help women reconnect with their bodies, their stories, and their voice—so they can show up authentically and confidently in their businesses and lives.
What makes Living Potential unique is the integration of inner healing with external brand expression. I don’t just take pretty photos—I help women feel safe in their skin, clarify their message, and express the truth of who they are through their brand. Whether it’s a deeply aligned photoshoot, a somatic session, or coaching on brand identity, it all starts with creating a sense of safety, clarity, and embodiment.
Both of these brands were born from personal transformation—and both exist to support women in rising into their full potential, with ease, beauty, and connection.
My hope in the future is to combine these business into one… with one mission in mind: to support women in living their fullest potential in life and in business.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are a few beautiful ways to connect!
If you’re a woman entrepreneur in the Boulder, CO area, come join us at a Women RISE event! Whether it’s our monthly networking meetup, coworking sessions, or seasonal gatherings, we’d love to welcome you into our growing sisterhood. You can follow @women.r.is.e on Instagram or find us on Facebook [ Women R.I.S.E Boulder, CO ] or visit www.womenrise.co to see what’s coming up.
For those looking for deeper, 1:1 support—whether you’re navigating burnout, rebuilding confidence, or wanting to express your brand more authentically—you can work with me through my business, Living Potential. I offer somatic coaching, brand & retreat photography, and brand coaching to help women build businesses that feel aligned inside and out. You can explore offerings at www.livingpotential.co or follow me on Instagam @living_potential_
If you’re interested in collaborating—whether you’re a speaker, wellness practitioner, brand, or community leader—I’m always open to aligned partnerships that uplift women and create meaningful impact. Reach out and let’s explore it!
And finally, simply sharing our work, attending events, or referring other amazing women to our spaces is a huge way to support the mission. We’re stronger together.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.womenrise.co, www.livingpotential.co, and www.livingpotentialphotography.com
- Instagram: @women.r.i.s.e, @living_potential
- Facebook: Women RISE: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HGpCMeYwP/
