Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Coupland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sarah, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for The Social Hive didn’t come from a single lightbulb moment but rather a culmination of experiences and lessons learned over the years. It’s deeply rooted in my entrepreneurial journey, starting when I launched my first business at 16 and later owning a successful soap company for eight years. That business taught me the power of storytelling and connection, but it also opened my eyes to a major gap: many small businesses struggle to effectively showcase their brand online. When COVID-19 forced my soap company to close, I had a choice, grieve what was lost or pivot toward something new.

During that time, I noticed countless businesses scrambling to stay visible and connect with customers in a suddenly digital-first world. I realized I could use my marketing expertise to help them not just survive but thrive. The Social Hive was born from a passion for empowering others, especially small businesses, to tell their stories authentically and reach their full potential.

The logic behind the idea was simple but powerful: small businesses often don’t have the resources to hire large marketing firms, yet they need personalized, strategic social media support to compete. I created The Social Hive as a bridge, offering affordable, customized services that emphasize community, creativity, and measurable results. What set us apart was not just the strategy but also the heart—understanding that every brand has a unique voice, and my job is to amplify it.

What got me most excited was the chance to help people see their dreams take flight. Seeing a mom-and-pop shop grow because of a campaign we created or helping a nonprofit gain traction for their cause gives me a sense of purpose. I knew this would work because it wasn’t just a business—it was a mission. I wasn’t just solving a problem; I was helping people find their voice in a noisy digital world.

Sarah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who don’t know me yet, I’m a social media strategist, content creator, and the founder of The Social Hive. My journey into this industry began over a decade ago when I started my first business as a teenager. That experience, combined with owning a successful soap company for eight years, taught me the power of branding, storytelling, and building genuine connections. When I saw small businesses struggling to navigate the fast-paced world of social media, I realized I could bridge that gap, and The Social Hive was born.

I wear many hats in life, I’m a mom, a wife, and someone deeply committed to my community. I’m proud to serve on the boards of four nonprofits, where I contribute my expertise to help organizations grow, expand, and make an impact. Giving back is at the heart of what I do, and it inspires much of the work at The Social Hive.

The Social Hive specializes in helping small businesses, nonprofits, and creatives shine in the digital space. We offer a range of services, including social media management, content creation, strategy development, and workshops to empower others to manage their own online presence. Whether it’s designing eye-catching posts, launching impactful campaigns, or teaching someone how to turn their side hustle into a thriving business, my goal is to make social media a tool for success—not a source of stress.

What sets The Social Hive apart is our personal, community-focused approach. I believe every brand has a unique story, and my job is to tell it in a way that resonates. It’s not just about followers or likes—it’s about creating meaningful connections that lead to real-world growth. I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on the businesses and organizations we work with. Watching a small shop grow its audience, a nonprofit exceed its fundraising goals, or a local artist finally get the recognition they deserve makes everything worthwhile.

Beyond our services, I’m also passionate about educating and inspiring others. I teach classes on social media management, content creation, and how to launch a social media business. I want people to feel empowered to take control of their digital presence and see it as an opportunity to amplify their voice.

If there’s one thing I’d want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about The Social Hive, it’s that we’re here to help you thrive. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, we approach every project with creativity, authenticity, and a genuine desire to see you succeed. For us, it’s not just about the work—it’s about the relationships we build and the communities we support.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that I needed to do everything myself for it to be done “right.” As an entrepreneur, especially in the early days, I believed that if I didn’t handle every detail personally, the work wouldn’t meet my standards. This mindset came from a desire to deliver the absolute best for my clients, but over time, I realized it was holding me back.

The turning point came during a particularly hectic period when I was managing multiple clients, teaching workshops, and balancing my roles as a mom, a wife, and a nonprofit board member. I was overwhelmed, and it was clear something had to change. That’s when I started to rethink how I worked. I began delegating tasks, building a team, and trusting others to bring their skills and creativity to the table.

Unlearning the “do-it-all-yourself” mindset wasn’t easy, it meant letting go of control and learning to trust the process. But it was a game-changer. Not only did it free me to focus on the bigger picture and grow my business, but it also reminded me that collaboration often leads to even better results.

Now, I approach every project with the understanding that success isn’t about doing it alone, it’s about surrounding yourself with the right people, leveraging their strengths, and working together toward a shared vision. It’s a lesson that’s not only improved my business but also made me a better leader, mentor, and person.

We’d appreciate any insights you can share with us about selling a business.

Yes, I sold what was left of my soap business in 2023. That business was a huge part of my life for eight years. It started as a passion project, creating handmade soaps and skincare products, and grew into a thriving business that served a loyal customer base. However, like many small businesses, it faced significant challenges during COVID-19, which ultimately led to its closure.

By the time I sold it, the business had pivoted into its remaining inventory, recipes, and branding. While it wasn’t the exit I had envisioned when I started, it taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and preparation for transitions.

For entrepreneurs hoping to sell their businesses one day, my biggest advice is to always keep your operations, branding, and financials in order. Even during tough times, maintaining clear records, cultivating goodwill with your audience, and preserving the integrity of your brand can make a huge difference when it’s time to pass the torch.

Another lesson I learned is that the value of your business isn’t just in the physical products, it’s in the relationships you’ve built, the trust of your customers, and the story behind your brand. These intangible assets can make your business appealing to a buyer who wants to continue or build upon your vision.

Lastly, I’d remind entrepreneurs to look at selling as an opportunity for growth, even if it feels bittersweet. For me, selling my soap business allowed me to find my true calling, The Social Hive and bring the lessons I learned into helping other businesses thrive. Sometimes, letting go is the first step to building something even greater.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thesocialhivetx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialhivetx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahnicolecoupland
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoupland/
• Twitter: https://x.com/SocialHive_TX
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HiveTVTX