We were lucky to catch up with Julie Hardy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Owning a business was never part of the plan. My background is in healthcare finance, and while it was stable, I was craving a balance between what I’m good at and what I’m passionate about. I came across the SheHive, a women’s collective based in Ferndale, Michigan, in 2018. It was a place where women came together for classes, workshops, and events focused on personal and professional growth. The SheHive wasn’t just a business; it was a community, and I knew instantly that I wanted to be a part of it. I attended orientation and instantly connected with many of the women I met. The minute I walked through the doors, I felt a sense of belonging and empowerment I hadn’t experienced before. From there, I maintained a leadership role and led events. Ultimately, the SheHive tried to convert to an online format in 2020, but like so many businesses during the pandemic, we were unable to commit to making the transition.

In 2022, the now virtual doors of the SheHive closed. My reaction was immediate: I didn’t want to exist in a world where the SheHive didn’t. Now, I had zero business experience. But the passion I felt for the organization and its mission – empowering women to reach their full potential – outweighed the fear. It was a huge risk, but one I was willing to take. My initial feelings were equally excited and overwhelmed. I leaned on my network, which includes many amazing women from the SheHive, including the founder. With a lot of help, the SheHive relaunched in August 2023 as an online collective. The biggest challenge was, and continues to be, translating the magic of the in-person experience to an online space. We revamped the website, launched virtual workshops, and continue to evolve as we find our way.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I work an engaging day job that keeps the roof over our heads (and fuels my passions!), and doesn’t stop me from being unapologetically me. An amazing support system cheers me on as I embrace my true self and, let’s be honest, take some pretty epic risks. The last eight years have been all about mindfulness practices that keep me grounded and ready to conquer whatever comes next. By all accounts, my life has been comfortably linear, and I consider myself lucky, but this stability is my launchpad for adventures! Buying the SheHive in 2023 is one of my favorite adventures to date – I’ve grown, learned, and met some of the most amazing humans on the planet.

The SheHive is a network and online hub of amazing women who are seeking and creating more in their lives through education, empowerment and community. SheHive is a meaningful resource for women to grow and learn in their lives, a brand known for creating deep connections for women and a center for possibilities. We exist at the intersections of growing + grounding, practical + possibilities, and learning + inspiring.

SheHive’s Main Principles:
We don’t should, only must
We don’t fix unless we are invited
We are practicing, not perfecting
We don’t yuck on other people’s yum
We share lessons, not secrets
We step up, step back, or both

I want others to know that we exist as a space for women-facing individuals. Men have historically taken up a lot of space in our world, and it’s not an easy place for women to grow and thrive, so our culture and space is intentionally curated to provide comfort and support.

Have you ever had to pivot?

We’re currently in the midst of an exciting pivot at SheHive. Up until now, we’ve thrived on the energy and connection of live events. But we know incredible women are everywhere, and sometimes schedules or distance can make joining a live event tricky.

That’s why we’re pivoting to a hybrid model, offering both live and on-demand events. It’s the best of both worlds! Participants can still experience the magic of live interaction with speakers and other attendees, but we’re also creating a library of on-demand content. This allows women around the globe to access our programming at their convenience, fitting it seamlessly into their busy lives.

We’re truly passionate about empowering women, and this pivot is all about expanding our reach and ensuring no woman is left behind. It’s about offering flexibility and inclusivity, while still fostering that powerful sense of community SheHive is known for.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

SheHive thrives on diversity. We offer a panoply of events – from mastering the interview to conquering clutter, from mindful meditation to exploring tarot. Why? Because we know women are multifaceted beings with a range of interests and needs.

Here’s the magic: By offering such a wide variety, we attract a wider audience. A woman seeking interview tips might discover a passion for meditation, or someone joining Declutter Club might find themselves captivated by embodiment. This variety keeps things fresh, fosters curiosity, and encourages exploration within The SheHive community.

It’s all about sparking connections and empowering women to embrace their whole selves. This range of topics allows them to find the tools and resources that speak to them at different stages of their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theshehive.com
• Instagram: @shehiveofficial
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheHiveOfficial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shehive

Image Credits

Nicole LaDouceur-Janowicz