From a tea purveyor on the cusp of expansion to several women who are celebrating their respective cultures, this group of fundraisers is all about forging relationships with others — and between others — with their work. Their crowdfunding campaigns focus on everything from printing up a unique photography book to starting a new sort of business in their town. And it’s all in the name of helping others come together.

Check out these 5 women-led crowdfunding campaigns:

1. Keeping Her Head in the Game (via Kickstarter)

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The Business: The last time we wrote about U.K.-based photographer Andrea Carroll, she was raising money for her book of abandoned locations. Now, she’s teamed up with the Manchester Museum in England to create another image-driven anthology. This time, she’s focusing on retro-inspired, black-and-white photographs of animal skulls, which she’s showcasing in a sleek 60-page zine. In addition to sharing her work with a new audience, Carroll is also hoping to get more experience and exposure — not to mention, an education — through this effort.
The Money: By or before March 6, Carroll needs to raise $418 in U.S. currency. Those funds will be used toward the costs of her Masters degree in photography.

2. Navigating Multiple Cultures through Film (via Kickstarter)

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The Business: Denise Soler Cox of Denver is already an experienced public speaker and seasoned entrepreneur. Now, she’s turning to filmmaking. Cox teamed up with Oscar-nominated documentarian Henry Ansbacher to create “The Enye (ñ) Experience,” a 37-minute film about “one Latina’s efforts to manifest a modern day social movement while simultaneously triggering a cultural awakening.” As a native New Yorker born to Puerto Rican parents, Cox knows this story well.
The Money: So far, production of the film has been self-funded by Cox. But by Feb. 20, she wants to raise $27,000 to pay for the addition of music and motion graphics to her work. That amount would also cover color correction.

3. A Magazine By Asians, for Asians (via Kickstarter)

Banana

The Business: Kathleen Tso and Vicki Ho are the dynamic duo behind Banana Magazine, a publication that highlights, reports on and celebrates “all things AZN” (a slang spelling of “Asian”). Working out of New York City and collaborating with Asian staffers and talent from around the globe, the team recently published its first edition of the magazine. Now, they are hoping to publish a second one — and even have the topics of their feature articles set — but they need help to do so.
The Money: Tso and Ho are hoping to raise $8,700 by Feb. 8. The money will be used to print 1,000 copies of the magazine’s sophomore issue.

4. A Graphic Designer Goes Glam (via Indiegogo)

The Business: Amber Bushnell of Renton, Wash. was nine years into a career in graphic design, and feeling unfulfilled. Looking for a change, she decided to utilize her skills in a different way — by becoming a nail technician. Now, she’s certified and ready to start her own venture, Mermaid Nail Art Studio. Presently, she says there’s a dearth of such salons in her area, and she’s hoping to inspire nearby residents to indulge in her artful manicures.
The Money: Within the next 51 days, Bushnell hopes to raise $4,610 — funds that will be used to pay for moving costs, insurance, furniture and — of course — manicure supplies.

5. Expanding a Hot Business (via Indiegogo)

The Business: In Edmonton, Canada resides The Tea Girl, a business owned by entrepreneur Sarah Proudlock. For five years, she’s served kettle after kettle of tea to locals and passers-by through her venture. Now, her small shop has the opportunity to expand, after a neighboring storefront property became available. Proudlock is hoping to grow into it soon, so she can be ready to welcome customers into her new space “just in time for spring teas.”
The Money: Proudlock is hoping to raise $10,000 to purchase new kitchen appliances, such as an oven, as well as new prep tables and counters. Her campaign will be live for another 53 days.

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Want to be featured in The Story Exchange’s Crowdfunding column? Drop us a line and tell us about your campaign at [email protected].
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