What does it take to build something that brings people together around a shared mission? In this episode of UNITED State of Women, Julie Deem sits down with Marah Lago, COO and co-creator of Military Creator Con, to discuss her remarkable entrepreneurial journey. From leading HR in corporate America and building an eight-figure jewelry business to launching a conference dedicated to military-connected creators, Marah shares the lessons she's learned about leadership, resilience, community, and taking calculated risks. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, event organizer, or someone building a community, Mara's insights offer practical wisdom for growing something that makes a lasting impact. What You Will Learn: Why business setbacks can become the foundation for your next opportunity. How to recognize transferable skills across completely different industries. The importance of building community before focusing on growth. What it takes to successfully launch and scale a live event. Why creating value for attendees, sponsors, and speakers matters equally. How networking can unexpectedly change both your career and personal life. The challenges and rewards of serving a niche audience. Why collaboration creates stronger businesses than competition. How intentional community building leads to long-term success. What military creators need most to grow their businesses and creative work. FAQ: What is Military Creator Con? Military Creator Con is an annual conference that brings together military-connected creators, entrepreneurs, artists, authors, filmmakers, podcasters, and innovators to learn, collaborate, and grow their businesses through education, networking, and community. How do you successfully build a conference from the ground up? Building a successful conference requires balancing the needs of attendees, sponsors, and speakers while creating valuable experiences, meaningful networking opportunities, and a clear mission that attracts the right audience. Why is community important for entrepreneurs? A strong community provides collaboration opportunities, accountability, referrals, education, and emotional support. Entrepreneurs who build relationships often create stronger businesses than those who work in isolation. Connect with Marah Lago and Military Creator Con https://www.militarycreatorcon.com/ Learn more about the latest tool for dynamic professionals in the self-improvement industry, LyfQuest. A mobile CRM platform that's uniquely made for you! Learn more at: https://lyfquest.io/ Instagram: USW Podcast @uswkokomo Kalena James @yesitskalenajames Julie Deem @indymompreneur -------------------------------------------------- USW Kokomo Website Production by The Business Podcast Editor
