We recently connected with Catherine Hover and have shared our conversation below.

Catherine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?

When I started my first business, it was just me. I handled everything—strategy, operations, sales, and even administrative tasks. Those early days were both exhilarating and overwhelming, but they gave me a deep appreciation for what it takes to build something from the ground up.

As the business grew, I realized I couldn’t scale without a team that shared my vision. My first hires were crucial, and I approached recruiting differently. Instead of just looking at résumés, I focused on values alignment and cultural fit. I sought people who were adaptable, driven, and could thrive in an entrepreneurial environment. The interview process included unconventional steps like scenario-based discussions and inviting candidates to strategy brainstorming sessions to see how they thought on their feet.

I also invested in training that emphasized the company’s mission and empowered employees to make decisions aligned with our values. This approach ensured that my team felt ownership over their roles, which directly impacted our success.

If I were starting today, I’d focus even earlier on building a team that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences. I’d also lean more on technology to streamline hiring and onboarding processes. Every venture I’ve built has taught me that the right people can take an idea further than you ever imagined—and that’s the philosophy driving my latest venture, HigherStrats today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a serial entrepreneur from New Orleans, now living in upstate New York. At the heart of everything I do is a passion for creating meaningful change—especially for women. My daughters are my greatest accomplishment and my biggest motivators. I strive to be a role model for them, building businesses that positively impact the workforce and the world they will grow up in.

I got into the recruitment and culture consulting industry because I saw a gap: too many companies struggled to build teams that not only achieved business goals but also fostered environments where employees could thrive. Through my latest venture, HigherStrats, I provide culture consulting and talent acquisition services, helping organizations identify and attract top talent while building inclusive, empowering workplace cultures.

What sets me apart is my focus on aligning community building and business strategy with human capital. I believe the right team is the foundation of every successful business, and I specialize in finding people who can execute visionary ideas while contributing to a strong, supportive culture. I’m also passionate about helping women re-enter the workforce and work in environments that value flexibility and balance.

What I’m most proud of is the ripple effect my work has. By helping companies build better teams, I’m impacting the lives of employees, their families, and the broader community. I want clients to know that when they work with me, they’re not just hiring a service; they’re partnering with someone deeply committed to creating positive, lasting change. Every venture I take on is driven by this mission, and I hope it inspires others—especially my daughters—to see the power of purpose-driven work.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I first met Marcella Hammer when we worked together in a previous role. From the start, I deeply valued her experience, creativity, and unwavering drive. We worked well together because we both shared a vision for creating spaces where people could thrive—whether that meant in business or in their personal lives. I treated her with the respect she deserved, and when she decided to venture out on her own to start a small business, I was nothing but supportive.

Fast forward a few years, Marcella had accomplished so much in her entrepreneurial journey but eventually decided it was time to sunset her business. Around the same time, I had been envisioning a coworking and community space that would go beyond just desks and Wi-Fi—it would be a place to foster connections, empower professionals, and support women in the workforce. When Marcella and I reconnected, it was like the stars aligned.

Together, we co-founded Palette Community, and it’s been one of the most fulfilling partnerships of my career. Marcella’s entrepreneurial spirit and our mutual trust in each other laid the foundation for a thriving business and an incredible example of how you never know when a former coworker might come back around to help you with your biggest venture yet. Today, our partnership continues to inspire others, and Palette remains a testament to the power of collaboration and respect in the workplace.

Can you talk to us about your experience with selling businesses?

Yes, I have sold a business, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my entrepreneurial journey. I owned a Paint and Sip studio in Burlington, which was more than just a business—it was a community built on creativity, connection, and fun. Over the years, I worked hard to foster a strong team culture, and two of my artists became invaluable members of that team.

When it came time to move on to new ventures, I realized the best people to carry on the studio’s legacy were already there. I trusted these two artists so much that I decided to sell the business to them and even owner-financed the sale to support their journey as first-time business owners. Watching them step into ownership was incredibly fulfilling. They’ve taken the foundation I built and made it their own, and the studio is still thriving to this day.

The biggest lesson I’d share with entrepreneurs looking to sell their businesses is this: the team you build can be your greatest asset, not just during operations but even when it’s time to step away. A loyal, well-trained team that believes in the mission of the business will ensure its success far beyond your tenure. Investing in people and fostering a strong culture doesn’t just pay off in the moment—it can pay dividends down the line.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.palettecommunity.com
• Instagram: @catherinehover
• Facebook: @catherinehover
• Linkedin: @catherinehover