How to Build an Online Community from Scratch with DNG Founder Jenny Lachs
Building an online community from scratch…a story of connection
How do you build an online community that’s filled with authentic connections? Or maybe you’re struggling to monetize your passion project without losing your soul to all the bro marketing tactics? If you’re a female entrepreneur (or anyone with community dreams), this episode will inspire you!
Join us as Jenny Lachs, founder of Digital Nomad Girls, shares her journey from chemistry PhD to community founder. Her story is not just inspiring—it’s packed with insights that can help you grow your own business and community in ways that feel authentic and aligned with your values.
What I love most about Jenny’s story is that she created a space that empowers and she did it organically, just by listening to her community and continuing to help women connect with one another. Today DNG is at 39k members and growing.
What’s inside:
- How Jenny organically grew a community that spans the globe—without any of the spammy, salesy nonsense.
- Learn why the usual monetization strategies don’t work for everyone and why it’s so important to think of your unique experience
- Hear Jenny’s raw and real talk about the struggles of pricing your work, especially as a woman. (Spoiler: Charge MORE!)
Are you ready to believe in your vision and make it happen? Listen now!
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MORE ON THIS FEMALE FOUNDER PODCAST EPISODE
“It’s not about you when creating a community, it’s about them, the peer support.” – Jenny Lachs (Founder, Digital Nomad Girls)
Connect with Jenny Lachs and Digital Nomad Girls
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- How can founders and entrepreneurs grow their audience organically?
- What are the biggest challenges of running a membership community online?
- How can I monetize an online community without being pushy or salesy and keep it feeling like a safe space?
Finding Passion Beyond the Conventional Path
Ready build an online community that not only thrives but also connects people across the globe? Or, as a female entrepreneur, have you ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed in a male-dominated space, unsure of how to move forward with authenticity? If you’ve been searching for answers, Jennifer Lachs—founder of Digital Nomad Girls—has insights that could change the way you think about community, business, and purpose.
Let’s first discuss…
What does a former PhD chemist have to do with digital nomads? In Jenny’s case, everything. When she first discovered the concept of a location-independent lifestyle, she was captivated by the freedom it offered. But there was a problem—no spaces existed for women in the digital nomad world at that time. There were communities, yes, but not ones that addressed the unique challenges women face.
“I had found out about the digital nomad lifestyle and was very, very interested in it. There were some communities around digital nomads back then already, but there wasn’t a single one for women,” JennY explained in her interview. This is where Jenny’s story of creating something new, something that didn’t yet exist, truly begins.
Sometimes, the greatest innovations come from seeing a gap in the market—something no one else is paying attention to. And if you’re an entrepreneur, chances are, you’ve noticed gaps in your own industry. The trick is to lean into them.
The Power of Building an Online Community
Starting a community might seem daunting, but Jenny didn’t overcomplicate it. She started with what she had—her own network of friends and fellow travelers—and a simple Facebook group. “So I started a Facebook group. I did really not know what I was doing, to be honest, but it sounded like a good idea. And yeah, here we are.”
The journey to build an online community doesn’t always require fancy tools or grand strategies. Jenny’s story shows that what matters most is offering something people need and creating an inclusive space where they can connect. For female entrepreneurs, this is an essential takeaway—start with your idea, however rough, and allow it to evolve naturally as your community grows.
While the early days of Digital Nomad Girls involved lots of trial and error, the group quickly took on a life of its own, growing through word of mouth. Her focus wasn’t on profits or strategy; it was on building a space where women felt comfortable, understood, and empowered. Jenny’s key to success? Keeping things genuine.
Organic Growth Isn’t a Myth
If you’ve ever read about business growth strategies, you’ve likely encountered advice that promises fast and easy ways to scale. But according to Jenny, organic growth isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about being in the right place at the right time—and, more importantly, offering real value.
“It was just like they were coming and I was like, oh, it just felt quite easy to be honest in a way. And I say that not lightly because I think often the advice is, oh, this is an easy business strategy. This is how you easily grow your audience and blah, blah.”
The rise of Digital Nomad Girls was a result of filling an unmet need. Jennifer tapped into the pain points of women in the digital nomad space who lacked community, support, and connection. What can we learn from this? When you solve a real problem, people naturally gravitate toward your solution.
As a female entrepreneur, you might be tempted to focus on scaling quickly. But Jenny’s story is a reminder that authenticity and patience often lead to longer-lasting results. By creating something meaningful, rather than rushing the process, she cultivated a community that continues to thrive today.
In-Person Connections in a Virtual World
Jenny didn’t stop at building an online community—she took things further by organizing in-person retreats. Even though her community was largely virtual, she understood the value of face-to-face interactions.
“Virtual online communities are super important, and we don’t have those to replace in-person communities. I think they go hand in hand.”
As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get caught up in the digital landscape, especially in the world of digital nomads. But Jenny reminds us of the importance of real-life interactions, even for online businesses. These personal connections not only strengthen relationships but also create a deeper sense of trust and belonging within the community.
If you’re thinking about how to build an online community, consider incorporating in-person events, workshops, or meetups. The hybrid model can offer the best of both worlds—virtual accessibility with the irreplaceable value of in-person connection.
Know Your Worth and Charge Accordingly
One of the most important—and often hardest—lessons for female entrepreneurs is knowing your worth. Jenny is open about her struggles with undercharging for her retreats and membership community. She admits to initially pricing too low, which is a common trap many women entrepreneurs fall into.
“I’ve made all the mistakes around undercharging… People told me to charge more for my retreats. I’ve learned that valuing your work is key, especially as a woman entrepreneur.”
Women are often conditioned to undersell themselves, believing that high prices will scare potential clients away. But Jenny learned that her community was willing—and even eager—to pay more when they saw the true value of what she was offering. As you work to build an online community or grow your business, remember that charging your worth isn’t just about making money—it’s about respecting the time, energy, and expertise you bring to the table.
Conclusion: Creating a Business That Aligns With Your Life
Jenny’s journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t always follow a traditional path. Whether you’re navigating the world as a digital nomad or trying to build an online community from the ground up, her story shows that with passion, persistence, and a commitment to authenticity, you can create something truly meaningful.
But perhaps most importantly, her story reminds us that entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business—it’s about creating a life that aligns with your values. As Jenny puts it: “It’s not about the connection with me… It was all about that exchange.”
So what’s your next step? Whether you’re thinking of launching a new project, starting a community, or taking your existing business to the next level, the path to success begins with believing in yourself and taking that first bold step.
