Grace Kraaijvanger, the founder The Hivery (thehivery.com), a women-focused inspiration lab hosting The Visibility Summit on Feb. 11, shares her mantras and more.
Grace Kraaivanger is the founder of The Hivery, a community of entrepreneurs, writers and creatives who get mentorship, training, resources and connections.
What is the best life advice you ever received?
My mom said, ‘The small things you do daily make the biggest difference.’
What are you most excited about for The Hivery in 2025?
Gathering in person, creating inspiring spaces that are metaphors for our lives: aspirational, energized, lofty, art-filled and in community.
What three words describe your approach to personal and professional growth?
Kindness, creativity and community. Kindness always comes first. Kindness has a depth that goes way beyond nice. Kindness is fierce. Kindness is the gentle storm.
What is your favorite space in SF for thinking big thoughts?
The top floor of the de Young Museum (famsf.org)
What advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Don’t be afraid. You’re more ready than you think. No person, event, comparison, job, house, loss, criticism or words will define you. You’ll define yourself if you stop looking at what everyone else is doing and get in tune with what you already know.
What are your mantras?
To be creative, you need to act like a creative person. To be a leader, you need to act like a leader. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.
Photography by: SOPHIA MAVRIDES
