We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hannah Francey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hannah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
Hannah’s Elsewhere was originally the name of a travel vlogging YouTube Channel. I travelled quite extensively throughout my early 20s, and I wanted to document my trips. I travelled solo to places like Morocco, Turkey, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, and many more exciting destinations. Embarking on my adventures opened my mind to new cultures, worldviews, and beliefs. As someone born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, my view of the world was considerably smaller before being lucky enough to experience such magical and mysterious places.
Never did I think I would start an astrology business a few years later. Astrology came into my life very unexpectedly. Right on time when I think about it spiritually. The next destination was supposed to be Colombia, but I was suddenly redirected. I started to create fun and light-hearted videos about the 12 zodiac signs, and I decided to keep the original travel vlogging name. My Sun Sign is Aquarius, and Aquarians are known for being free-spirited oddballs who do their own thing. They can detach and live in their heads, they are also highly intuitive. They love to learn. For me, I have always gravitated toward space. I find the cosmos to be fascinating. And so, I kept Hannah’s Elsewhere thinking “from global traveller to cosmic traveller.”
It’s safe to say, the astrology business name Hannah’s Elsewhere stuck organically. Travel will always be a passion of mine, opening doors for me I will forever be grateful for. And in astrological terms, the planet of long-distance travel, Jupiter, resides in my 1st house of aims and goals. Beautiful to think that the stars aligned.
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.
It was 2016. I was a 24-year-old traveller from Northern Ireland visiting the USA. I thought the next stop was Colombia, but I was suddenly redirected. To my surprise, I stumbled upon an astrology YouTube video. I was curious. What is Astrology? Little did I know I would be the creator of my own astrology business “Hannah’s Elsewhere.”
What started out as a passion, slowly and gradually turned into an astrology business where I get to guide others based on their unique birth chart. I provide practical manifestations of how the information from the cosmos is grounded. By discovering these connections, people can learn more about themselves. I want my clients to see that all zodiac signs exist within them, and they aren’t just ‘one’ sign. I explore the bigger picture. Self-awareness is a big part of my delivery. Since discovering astrology, I have created over 1000 videos about the knowledge I have found.
What I think sets me apart from others within my industry is that I experiment with different methods and techniques. I am not afraid of trying new approaches. In 2019, I created an eBook for each astrological season, breaking down the basic information of astrology in the process. 3 years later, I created an astrology guide that includes practical descriptions of many astrological placements. The astrology guide is a great source for anyone who wishes to learn about astrology. A year later, I took it upon myself to create cheat sheets, making the knowledge even more simplified, to the point, and understandable. Explaining astrology in layman’s terms is important to me because it means the knowledge of the stars can be more easily accessible and is less likely to be gatekept by others.
Whilst I create videos, and write about astrology, I also started the “Cosmic Check-In Podcast” back in 2024. Having a creative outlet to speak openly about astrology is a great way to connect with my audience differently. Hosting an art cover competition has been another highlight. Members of the Hannah’s Elsewhere audience submitted their entries, and the winners have their art displayed on the front cover of the eBooks. One of the talented winners went on to create the Hannah’s Elsewhere astrology merch, designing a unique piece for each sign.
Naturally, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the wisdom and insights of remarkable astrologers who came before me, and who exist within the same circles. I am thankful to the astrologer authors and content creators who I have learned from over the years. Hearing other people’s views is a fantastic way to expand my own awareness and create change. I hope I can offer the same support to my followers and clients. Some of my proudest moments have involved other astrologers such as being invited onto astrology podcasts, collaborating with astrologer friends on YouTube, and gaining feedback from astrologers I look up to and value. Receiving gratitude and testimonials from my clients reminds me that I am on the right track and I am following my purpose. Without the support from my clients and followers, I wouldn’t get to do what do. Hearing them see the connections within themselves is super rewarding and makes me want to work harder. In astrological terms, Capricorn shows up as a dominant sign. Capricorn is a sign of dedication and discipline. And with the North Node of Destiny also in Capricorn, I feel I am living in alignment with my spiritual mission.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Following the influx of astrologers online from 2020 onwards, Hannah’s Elsewhere was faced with the decision to pivot by creating a content strategy based on longevity. This included having to assess the very foundation of my YouTube videos. Seeing what worked well, what didn’t, and how I could improve. I had to consider what made me stand out in a sea of astrologer creators. Discovering what makes you unique within your industry helps you differentiate yourself and can innovate the space. What I learned about myself through the Hannah’s Elsewhere brand is that I am not afraid of doing the “weird” thing. I am not just an astrologer, I am an artist. I am a visionary. And I am also not afraid to say when I’m wrong, or when a path is no longer working. Thus, I can pivot. For example, back in 2023, I started a club called “The Cosmic Warriors Club.” After 3 months, I had to bring it to a close. Since then, I learned from the failure of the club and have used the resources to assist me today such as using presentation layouts and re-strategizing for future classes and workshops. What I have learned through my business, is that humility is required to change direction. To admit when something isn’t working helps us become unstuck. As the majority of the crowd heads one way, creatives stop for a moment to ask themselves “what is the alternative?”
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The past few years have been extremely challenging for many businesses due to the cost of living and having to adapt to rapid technological shifts, and Hannah’s Elsewhere is no exception. In 2022-2023, I applied myself by taking on a Digital Management Course. The course taught me about the future of work in a digital world, providing me with useful tools for future success. And during the harsh winds of economic struggle, I also encountered three major losses in my life from 2021-2024. My Father, Brother, and Sister died throughout that period. As a small business owner, trying to keep things afloat during such a devastating time tested me in ways I didn’t plan for. The pain and the grief of loss can feel like you’re being punched in the stomach. It is draining on all levels. As many months have passed, I am glad I never gave up on my business. I took the time I needed to grieve, and I feel I am a stronger and more resilient person for being able to feel the agony, whilst trusting that my business will be better for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hannahselsewhere.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahselsewhere/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahfrancey/?originalSubdomain=uk
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HannahsElsewhere/featured
