A Longing for Connection:
Meet Shawntelle Minear, a California native who moved to North Carolina while expecting her daughter. Navigating a new home, remote work tied to California hours, and the need for connection, she struggled to find friends—especially with early mornings as her only free time. After disappointing experiences on friendship apps, Shawntelle decided to create her own community, posting an open invite to local moms in several Facebook groups.
The First Meetup of Many to Come:
The first meetup at Kyle’s Coffee drew eight moms, setting the tone for what would grow into “Her Meetups”—a warm, welcoming space for moms to connect while their kids played. As demand grew, Shawntelle partnered with local businesses to host more gatherings and launched initiatives like the Kids Swap and Share to foster community and generosity.
With a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and community building, over 150 moms joined in the first year. With support from dedicated team members like Emi Sano Rojano and Michelle Morse, Her Meetups quickly became a recognized and trusted space for moms seeking connection.
Creating Her Hive:
As her vision expanded, Shawntelle realized “Her Meetups” no longer encompassed everything the group was growing into. She introduced “Her Hive” as the umbrella—a name symbolizing a collective working together toward something sweet—while keeping Her Meetups as the heart of their in-person gatherings.
Her Hive became a 501(c)(4) nonprofit in August 2024 and quickly launched fundraising efforts to offer free and low-cost resources that help families build and sustain their village. With early members of Her Meetups stepping into leadership roles, Her Hive is a testament to the power of friendship and shared purpose in creating lasting impact and community connection.