Behind the Business: Girl Gang Association
Every local organization has a story — and we’re here to tell it. In this edition of Behind the Business, we caught up with Susan Davis, co-founder along with Melissa Smith of the Girl Gang Association, to talk about how it all began, the lessons learned along the way, and what keeps them inspired to serve the South Shore community.
What inspired you to start your organization?
Melissa and I both saw a gap in what was available for women business owners, especially during COVID. So many women I knew were putting their careers on pause to juggle family, work, and everything else. I kept thinking, what if a little support and community could help them stay connected and confident?
We started small, hosting a few workshops on practical topics like filing an LLC or basic branding, but what really resonated was the sense of connection. People came to learn, but they stayed because they felt seen and supported. That’s when Girl Gang was born.
How would you describe your business to someone new?
The Girl Gang Association is a community of female entrepreneurs who genuinely want to support one another. It’s networking—but without the transactional vibe.
We host monthly in-person events, online trainings, and an active Facebook community. Whether you’re launching a business or leading one that’s been around for generations, it’s a space to connect, learn, and grow with others who understand your world.
What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner?
Like many small business owners, finding balance. Melissa and I both have full-time jobs outside of Girl Gang, and this is truly a passion project.
It’s also been a learning curve to evolve with what our members need. We used to hold quarterly networking events, but we noticed people wanted more regular opportunities to connect, so now we meet monthly. Listening and adapting has been key.
What are you most proud of in your business journey?
I’m most proud of the ripple effect this community has created. We’ve seen women come to a Girl Gang event, get inspired, and then go launch the business they’ve been dreaming about.
One of our members said Girl Gang gave her the confidence and practical tools to grow her business after launching. That’s the kind of impact that makes this work worth it.
How has the local community influenced your organization?
The South Shore has been incredible. There’s such a strong base of talented, entrepreneurial women here who genuinely want to lift each other up.
We’ve partnered with local venues for events, from King Jewelers to Empowering Athletes, and those collaborations have helped us stay rooted in the community while expanding our reach. It feels like everyone wants to see each other succeed.
What sets your organization apart from others in the area?
Authenticity. Our events don’t feel like traditional networking. They feel like connecting with friends. Women can show up as themselves. No business card stacks, no elevator pitches, just real relationships.
There’s also this unspoken understanding in a women-only space that makes people relax. It’s not about exclusion; it’s about belonging.
Who has helped or mentored you along the way?
Honestly, our members are our biggest mentors. Every time I see someone light up with an idea or share a win, it reminds me why we started this.
Of course, Melissa is my biggest partner in this, we balance each other perfectly.
What trends are you seeing in your industry right now?
I think people are craving real connection again. After the isolation of the pandemic and the burnout of everything online, women especially are looking for a meaningful, in-person community.
There’s also a big shift toward collaboration over competition. That’s been Girl Gang’s mission from the start, and it’s exciting to see more businesses embracing that mindset.
What advice would you give to aspiring business owners?
Find your people. Entrepreneurship can be lonely, and community makes all the difference. Surround yourself with others who get it and people who will cheer you on.
If there's no networking group or or squad out there that you want to join, then make one. That’s literally how Girl Gang started.