Photography by Chris Bojanovich
In 2020 HAVYN, a coworking space in Darien, celebrated its one-year anniversary. Like many other businesses at the time, it was trying to find a way to operate under new Covid restrictions. Fortunately for local entrepreneurs, HAYVN survived the pandemic and the company has spent the last few years launching exciting new events and building its community—including right here in Greenwich.
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
This fall, HAYVN debuted its newest event series called HerStory. The goal of the interview-style presentation is to inspire local female innovators, offering attendees an opportunity to learn directly from the featured speakers’ experiences.
The first HerStory event took place in September. Moderated by marketing and commmunications consultant Nancy Sheed, speakers included HAYVN founder Felicia Rubinstein and life and business strategist Kristen Rzasa. Both women shared their past work experiences and challenges, and the path they took to founding their own businesses.
At the most recent HerStory, Rowayton resident and bestselling author Georgia Hunter described her decade-long journey of writing her debut novel We Were the Lucky Ones. Hunter used HAYVN’s Darien office when she needed a quiet place to work on the 2024 Hulu adaptation of her book, for which she served as co-executive producer.
This January HAYVN HerStory features Fran Houser, a women’s leadership coach and author of The Myth of the Nice Girl. February’s speaker is scheduled to be Sherri West, the founder and CEO of women’s leadership organization LiveGirl and author of Confidence Unleashed.
PITCH PERFECT
The Hatch series is another program intended to drum up support and feedback for HAYVN members. During the Shark Tank-style event, five business founders present their company plans to an audience of community members and judges. It is an opportunity for all participants to gain valuable experience by either practicing their pitch or by learning from other’s. The winner of each HAYVN Hatch event is awarded a prize package that often includes opportunities to grow their business.
“Women only get two percent of the funding from private equity, so this is an opportunity to help and support them,” says Rubinstein. “Usually, we are one of the first stops on the way to grow their businesses.”
Kara Mac, CEO and founder of Kara Mac Shoes, says of her experience: “Winning first place at the HAYVN Hatch opened many doors for me and my business. I took advantage of one-on-one sessions in legal, strategy and finance, marketing, a social media review and branding. Each session is generously donated by the owner.”
Other past winners have included female founders from a variety of industries, including textile recycling, food and beverage, healthcare, advanced ceramics and personal care products.
HATCHING A NEW LOCATION
With the original location in Darien meeting HAYVN’s mission of providing workspace, camaraderie and resources to the local business community, Rubinstein felt it was the perfect time to start looking for an additional location.
HAYVN members traveling from Greenwich, Stamford and Westchester County would tell Rubinstein how they wished there was a location closer to their home. After three years of searching, Rubinstein found the perfect spot and HAYVN’s second location opened at 1700 Post Road in Old Greenwich this fall.
Both HAYVN offices offer not only flexible coworking spaces and offices for rent, but a range of additional amenities, including meeting rooms, a podcast studio and event space.
While HAYVN’s programming is often female-focused, events are open to everyone, including non-members. Each month, the calendar is packed with offerings— from casual coffee networking sessions to a HAYVN podcast to professional development symposiums and more.
Now, with HAYVN offices in both Darien and Greenwich, Fairfield County has two hubs dedicated to celebrating and inspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs in our community.
For more information visit hayvn.com.
