What do two photographers, a florist, a graphic designer, a home organizer, a stylist and a decorator all have in common? Their hive, of course.
The Hive is a new Knoxville gem located on Central Avenue a little north of the Old City. It is essentially a collaborative workspace for creative entrepreneurs, but the space also accommodates classes, workshops and events.
Owner and space-utilizer Rebecca Ridner saw an opportunity to bring a collaborative workspace to the area, and she thought now was as good of a time as any to give her idea a try.
“So far, there’s been a really good response. People keep saying this is exactly what Knoxville needs, and that gives me hope,” Ridner said.
The official grand opening took place on Sept. 3, and the crew at The Hive seemed pleased with the turnout.
“We had what felt like our entire neighborhood in the studio for our opening, and we’ve begun to use our space as a meeting place for creative entrepreneurs in Knoxville,” photographer Erin McCall said.
Recently, the space has been transformed into a pop-up boutique, played a part in the Emory Place Block Party and hosted a reoccurring “Tuesdays Together” event that is part of The Rising Tide Society’s initiative to help foster community among creative entrepreneurs.
McCall, a recent UT graduate, worked a part-time job as she simultaneously pursued her true passion of being a photographer. For a graduate who created her own unique curriculum through the college scholars program, it just seems fitting that the perfect place for her post-graduate career would likewise have to be created.
With the encouragement of her family and friends as well as her own gut instinct, McCall met with Ridner and quickly became part of the newly fashioned collaborative workspace. What has resulted since leaves McCall with nothing but thankfulness.
“… thankfulness to my university for allowing me the chance to own my education,” McCall said. “Thankfulness to Rebecca [Ridner] for having the courage to step out in faith that Knoxville would embrace her vision. Thankfulness to the other women in The Hive that are teaching me how to run hard and fast after my passion.”
And among the inhabitants of The Hive, the consensus seems to be that a good synergy is present.
Taryn McLean, co-owner of Help You Dwell, commented on her experience with her workspace co-inhabitants so far.
“The other women in The Hive all bring such unique and creative ideas to the table that it creates this great space to think bigger and to push one another to go for things we wouldn’t do on our own,” McLean said.
“The days we’re all in here together, it’s really fun,” Ridner added. “We work well together; it’s fun coming to work.”
Ridner went on to explain that while working from home certainly has its perks, it’s oftentimes beneficial to be able to get out and go to a space specifically designated for work, creativity and collaborations. She also shared the sentiment that having a brick and mortar location seems to help better establish the legitimacy of a business, both for the owner and clients alike.
As each member of The Hive moves forward and focuses on their respective business, the Knoxville community also stands to benefit from the various events planned for the space. Ideas for various workshops range from ones geared towards business and photography to other fun skills like calligraphy.
“Learn a hobby or come for a fun day or night just to hang out with people and be together,” Ridner said.
Ridner encourages all Knoxvillians, students and non-students alike, to get plugged into all the happenings at The Hive and see what they have to offer.
“We would love for anyone to come to our meetings or workshops, or host workshops,” Ridner said.
Looking back and looking ahead, both McLean and McCall are glad to have gotten involved, seeing The Hive as a treasure for themselves and the community.
“Moving into The Hive is a dream come true, although we didn’t know it until after we moved in,” McLean confessed. “We now have a space to be inspired, collaborate and further other parts of our business.”
“Concepts like The Hive are going to be the driving force in empowering Knoxville’s artistic community to succeed,” McCall said.
The Hive is a new creative workspace for entrepreneurs.
