What does it mean to treat your life and your work as an artistic practice? Not a productivity system. Not a growth strategy. But as an ongoing creative act… where you make something, lose it, and make it again.
This is what I discussed Grace Kraaijvanger.
Grace is the founder of The Hivery, a San Francisco, Bay Area-based women’s coworking space, inspiration lab, and membership community for women creating their next chapters....whether growing a business, writing a book, or getting paid for their art and expertise.
A trailblazer in community-centered programming and gorgeously designed community spaces, Grace has hosted luminaries including Jill Biden, Diane von Furstenberg, Shannon Watts, Marie Forleo, and Chip Conley, and has been featured in Forbes, Elle, Architectural Digest, and Entrepreneur Magazine.
She has built a network connecting thousands of women entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders and is a recognized expert in community-based businesses, purpose-driven work for women, and a respected mentor on how to create our lives like artists.
Here are the highlights from our inspiring conversation.
1. The idea you keep dismissing might be the one you need to pursue.
We often don’t lack clarity. We lack the courage to take seriously and act on what we already know. Grace shared her experience and what finally got her to take action.
2. Your creative past is the blueprint.
Grace went from professional ballet dancer to tech marketer to founder, and every piece informed the next. What looks like an unrelated detour rarely is.
3. Grief is a business catalyst nobody talks about.
Losing her mother didn’t just break Grace’s heart, it broke open the question of whether her work actually meant anything. Learn how she worked through this loss (journaling was instrumental).
4. What community really is and why it matters when you’re at an inflection point.
Grace shared her very specific idea of community — The Hivery as an inspiration lab and what this means in relationship with others.
5. Beauty as a message to yourself.
Grace designed The Hivery to feel like a dance studio meets the coolest ad agency you ever dreamed of working at. She shared why this was so important and how it aligned with the ethos of The Hivery.
6. Constraints create your best ideas.
When Grace reopened The Hivery, she had almost no bandwidth for the curated programming that had been on of the hallmarks of the The Hivery’s initial physical space. How she solved for that constraint became the best thing she’s ever done.
7. The Victory Bell.
Members have rung it since 2014 for milestones big and small. Learn why this is so important to the community she’s built.
Grace dropped so many pieces of wisdom. As a female founder, at least one of them will apply to you.
Watch up top or catch the episode on Spotify.
Follow Grace here: Website | Instagram: Grace & The Hivery | LinkedIn | Substack | The Art of What’s Next Podcast
And if you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area and want to check out the magic at The Hivery, get your Free Day Pass here.
Until next time,
Katherine
