"I shouldn't share with her how I got my radio interview because she might get it, too."

"I can't share how I gained so many Youtube subscribers, she might take my entire audience."

"I'm not going to share where I purchased my makeup because I don't want that other MAU to steal my techniques."

"We can't both be speakers and speak in the same place."

"If I give her the blueprint to starting her own cosmetics line she may steal my clientele."

These are just a few phrases I've heard women say that floats around the business world from time to time. It’s saddening that some women feel like they can’t share their path to success or what worked for them to aid other women in their journey.

In all honesty, one of the biggest misconceptions about the business world that I had to learn, is that everyone in your line of work is not necessarily competition. Once I got rid of that society conditioned mindset, I was able to grow tremendously and help other queens through their journey and even help some get their ideas off the ground.

God created your light to shine in your own special way and no one, especially not another woman, can dim or take that shine away. We were all created and designed with a unique purpose. That means that no one can steal what God has intended for you to do or accomplish. When you keep that in mind you'll understand that there nothing to lose in helping the next woman reach her calling. That’s what He wants us to do — help those in need.

Galatians 6:4 says to "Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else."

This is a principal that I feel is applicable to any area of your life, regardless of your career.

Helen Keller, a great woman who once needed all the help in the world, once said: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." These words could not be truer. Just look at all the women who have worked together to accomplish a greater success than they would have achieved on their own.

Women who come together are much more powerful than when standing alone. It's an example we must set for queens coming behind us.

If you always find the next woman as competition and you’re not open to sharing secrets of your success with others, here’s a challenge: step outside of your comfort zone. Approach someone on social media or in person that you consider competition and ask them out for coffee or a phone date. Then try to connect, add value, and get to know each other.

So many meaningful relationships and world impact can happen when empowering women link up.

Girl, she didn’t steal your shine…she’s helping you shine brighter!

Zakiyrah Ficklin

Writing since February 2017 · 1 story contributed