Meet Kara Horat | Founder, Connect For Success Mastermind

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kara Horat and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started Connect For Success Mastermind, it wasn’t because I wanted to build just another business networking group. It was personal.

I had experienced firsthand the emotional and psychological burden that comes with running a business alone — what I later coined Entrepreneur Isolation Syndrome™ (EIS). It’s that feeling of being the CEO, the janitor, and your own biggest cheerleader, all while no one’s in the stands.

I knew I wasn’t the only one feeling that way. Women solopreneurs like me were brilliant on the outside but battling doubts, decision fatigue, and loneliness on the inside.

My thought process was simple: What if we didn’t have to do this alone? I wanted to create a space where driven, soulful women could find real connection, strategy, and support — not just surface-level networking, but deep, honest, sisterhood-based growth.

Connect For Success was born from that mission: to help women step out of isolation and into a circle of clarity, confidence, and community — a personal board of directors for the entrepreneur’s journey.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Connect For Success Mastermind isn’t just a business — it’s a movement created to combat Entrepreneur Isolation Syndrome™ (EIS) and give women solopreneurs the support system they deserve. What sets us apart is that we’re invite-only and intentionally curated; it’s not about collecting members, it’s about building a circle of driven, self-aware women who lift each other higher. I’m most proud of the community we’ve built — women who don’t just show up for themselves, but for each other.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I had to push through doubt, isolation, and moments where quitting would have been simpler. I overcame those challenges by leaning into the very thing CFSM is built on: connection. I surrounded myself with women who believed in the mission even on the days I questioned it myself.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to do it alone — and honestly, you’re not supposed to.
What I want the world to know is this: Connect For Success isn’t about surface-level wins or shiny success stories. It’s about what saves you when no one’s watching. It’s about the moments when you’re doubting everything — and a circle of women reminds you exactly who you are.

At CFSM, we don’t just build businesses. We build women who refuse to do life — or leadership — alone ever again.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I seriously love where I live — San Diego has my whole heart. If my best friend came to visit for a few days, we’d pack in all the good stuff without feeling rushed.

First stop would be Torrey Pines Reserve — the views, the breeze, the salt air, the ocean… it’s magic. We’d hike a little, breathe it all in, and just reset. Then grab some Fish Tacos and Margs for lunch!

The next day, we’d jump on the Old Town Trolley Tour — it’s my favorite way to show off the city. We’d hit Little Italy for the vibe, Coronado for a drink on the deck at the Hotel Del (because the views are insane), and wander through Old Town to soak up the history.

Another day, we’d head out to Cabrillo National Monument. The hike there is unreal — you get 180-degree views of the Pacific, downtown San Diego, and even Mexico if it’s clear. Total bucket list spot.

We’d definitely slow it down with a stroll at Cardiff State Beach (my little pooch would be with us, obviously), just hanging out and soaking up the sunshine. And because it’s a must, we’d spend a day at the San Diego Zoo — it’s iconic for a reason.

Honestly, San Diego just hits different. It’s the kind of place you never want to leave — and I love sharing that energy with people I love.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give the biggest shoutout to the incredible women who have stepped into the Connect For Success Mastermind community. Sure, the idea was mine — but they are the heart.

Every woman who has said “yes” to herself and to this community has helped build something bigger than a mastermind. They’ve created a movement of support, authenticity, and unstoppable growth.

Without them, CFSM wouldn’t exist — and it definitely wouldn’t feel like the powerful, soul-fueled space it is today.
I’m forever grateful for the women who “buy in”, show up, and pour into each other. They are Connect For Success Mastermind.

Website: https://connectforsuccessmastermind.com

Instagram: @connectforsuccessmastermind

Linkedin: https://LinkedIn.com/in/karahorat

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093999424592&mibextid=JRoKGi

Image Credits
Christy Arias, Marcy Browe