My career has spanned everything from technology start-ups to higher education. In 2003, I set off to become an entrepreneur after my position as director of marketing was eliminated due to the sale of the venture-backed firm for which I worked. I have never looked back and proudly call myself unemployable!
When I launched my first business, Perspective Marketing, I found my passion for supporting other female entrepreneurs through leadership roles with several professional women’s organizations, including Women’s Global Network and Ladies Who Launch.
In 2010, I recognized the trend of the gig economy and the rise of coworking spaces. After nine months of research, I saw a gap in the market for a space that was especially welcoming to women. I launched my first coworking space in San Diego, California, in 2011 and have since built six additional locations across the country. Hera Hub, named after the Greek Goddess of Women, still stands out in the sea of thousands of coworking spaces. This is not only due to its spa-inspired elements but also because of the robust business support. In addition to in-person, community-building events, our online platform provides members with daily mentoring, accountability, and educational sessions to keep them connected and productive.
Over the last decade, Hera Hub and its family of brands have helped over 13,000 women start or grow their businesses. I am on a mission to reach over 20,000 women.
Hera Hub is a Certified Public Benefit Corporation, which commits our company to higher standards of purpose, accountability, and transparency.
In addition to just-in-time business acceleration through daily programming and GURUS, I created two virtual business accelerator programs, which are part of our organization’s public-benefit mission. Each year, hundreds of business owners access these programs for free. In 2022, Hera Hub’s partners, such as the Women’s Business Center, the Small Business Development Center, and the National Community Investment Coalition, granted close to $200,000 in tuition fees to small business owners. Learn more: www.LaunchAndGrow.org.
I am a published author and international speaker. My book, “Flight Club – Rebel, Reinvent, and Thrive: How to Launch Your Dream Business” is available on Amazon.
I am also an expert interviewer with a YouTube series – Women Who Exit (www.womenwhoexit.com), and a long-running podcast – Flight Club. Both can be found at the Hera Herald – www.HeraHerald.com.
I am passionate about education, earning my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of San Diego and my MBA from California State University Dominguez Hills. I taught Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and at California State University Dominguez Hills for the MBA online program for eight years.
You can learn more about me and my book at www.Felena.com
About Felena Hanson
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love helping aspiring entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life! (See bio)
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Ready, fire, aim. It’s never going to be perfect… just get going!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Connecting women all over the world to support them in pursuing their entrepreneurial ventures.
Felena Hanson & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I live in North Park and love so many of the restaurants in our hood. My long-time favorite is Alexander’s on 30th.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
22 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Cheryl (CK) Goodman – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgoodman/
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The original Sushi Deli downtown. I used to go there when I was at USD.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love Balboa Park. It never gets old.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Kiana Cabell, founder of Kopari Beauty. Born & Raised.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I rarely go to the movies or watch TV, but I did binge-watch “Lessons in Chemistry” over Thanksgiving and loved it.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
We had two baby tigers for a short time when I was growing up.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Fiesta Island Dog Beach
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Linda Lattimore
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Girls on the Run, the International Rescue Committee, Exhaling Injustice, Girls Rising
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t worry about what other people think about me
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
North Park
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Walkability and access to unique restaurants/shopping
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Run around Balboa Park, dog beach at Fiesta Island, dinner in Coronado, yoga on Mission Bay, concert at the North Park Observatory
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Cozy – Friends – Fun
