Why HERplace Exists and Why the Vibe Matters

I've been in rooms where I didn't feel like I belonged. Where the energy was off. Where I realized the 'community' that was being built wasn't for me.

If I'm being honest, moving to Colorado Springs (our 5th move as a military spouse) wasn't the easiest transition I've ever been through.

I couldn't find my people.

What I Was Looking For

Having a genuine connection is really important to me.

I was looking for a community that was actually inclusive, not performatively. Where women could be themselves. Because doing it any other way is exhausting and who needs another reason to be tired these days.

The Wake-Up Call

I found myself in networking spaces that looked good on paper, but I wasn't leaving feeling more motivated or fulfilled. There might be a simple surge of energy in the moment, but then it slowly faded when I realized I wasn't being understood.

Fallon and I were cousins, so showing up for our friends and family was in our blood. I just didn't feel like the same was being done for me. My intention is never to do something and hope it's returned, but when you give and give and give just a little bit more, it becomes overwhelming.

I felt like at times there were comments along the lines of "you took that the wrong way, that's not what I meant." (eye roll). To say I was over it, is an understatement. I realized, "If this is what 'community' looks like, I don't want it."

As an adult, I have choices now. I can choose to be where I feel welcome. So I decided to build what I needed.

Deciding to Build Different

The atmosphere I wanted create had to be intentional. I wanted women entrepreneurs to show up as who they are and what they stand for. Military spouses, veterans, women of color, ALL women who want to collaborate and no longer want to compete.

Women who are sick of the same dry and stiff networking events. Tired of paying for events that are out of their price range and being sold a dream that was never coming true.

It's a roller coaster being an entrepreneur, and sometimes you just want easy or simple or dare I say it — FUN!

Why Atmosphere Matters

Here's the thing: atmosphere isn't just about the decor or good food. It's about the energy you feel when you walk into a room.

You can feel when a space is safe. And you can definitely feel when it's not.

HERplace will never be "everyone is welcome" if "everyone" includes racism, ignorance, or exclusion. We're not interested in surface-level diversity.

We're building something real.

The energy Fallon brought to every room was celebration, genuine support, and love. That's what we're building here. She made people feel seen before they even believed in themselves. That's the vibe. That's the standard.

When women walk into HERplace spaces, I want them to feel like they can exhale. Like they don't have to "turn it on" or perform or shrink themselves to fit in. Like their successes are celebrated, not envied.

That's not by accident. That's by design.

What HERplace Actually Is

HERplace isn't just networking events — it's a movement.

It's for the woman rebuilding her business after another military move. For the veteran stepping into entrepreneurship. For the woman of color who's tired of being the only one in the room. For anyone who's ever felt like they didn't quite fit in the spaces that were supposed to be "for them."

We're building a community where collaboration beats competition. Where you can ask for help without feeling weak. Where celebrating someone else's win doesn't diminish your own.

And honestly? Where we can have fun while doing it. Because business doesn't have to be so serious and stuffy all the time.

You're Not Alone

If you've been looking for a space like this, you're not alone. I once was, and now that I've built it, I want more women to join us.

HERplace exists because we all deserve better. Better connections. Better support. Better energy.

So if you're ready to stop forcing yourself into spaces that don't fit and start building alongside women who actually get it — welcome home.

We've got a seat saved for you.

Want to be part of HERplace? Follow us on Instagram [@herplacebyle] and join us at our next event.

First up: HERplace: The Brand Lab on February 7 — strategy, community, and lunch by Salt and Swine Charcuterie Co. Because creating content shouldn't feel like a chore. Click HERE for the details!

Let's build something better, together.

— Brittany