Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus Styles.
Hi Marcus, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
The idea for my business, Heyven, started back in 2020. Like everyone else, Minnesota’s small business owners were hit hard by the situation. We were all experiencing feelings of uncertainty about the future, and while our business community has always been insulated from one another, the sense of disconnection was magnified. Many of us were quitting our 9-5 jobs to focus on what had previously been more of a “side hustle,” due to this disconnect, we were struggling to grow. Heyven was born from this struggle. We felt Minnesota needed a one-stop directory that champions community over competition. This accessible place provides a new way to connect with amazing local creatives and businesses from the communities we most love to support. Once we had this breakthrough, we took a few years to develop the idea (we also launched our branding agency, VZNCY, during this time) and figure out all the specifics that would go into the business. We built it in-house in just six months when we were finally ready to bring Heyven to life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We started our business on an uncertain path, but it proved manageable. Starting a new business isn’t easy, and our first round of members was taking a leap of faith with us. We’re a team of two working to build, market, and find new members. We have big ideas, and we’re constantly figuring out how to realize them on a smaller scale.
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your business.
Heyven is an online directory of Minnesota’s local businesses, creators, and nonprofits. Visibility and interconnection for local businesses are our primary services, which mainly take shape through our website directory, where browsers are free to discover and support these great local businesses. We have categorized these businesses and set up filters for city, ownership, and more to let our browsers find businesses that align with their values and then wield their spending power with intention.
Local businesses can sign up and pay a membership fee to be featured on the website and boost their local visibility. We also get the word out about them through ongoing marketing efforts via our social media channels and bi-monthly email newsletter. We also help them forge new connections through our networking events and connection emails.
The most exciting thing is how much our concept has expanded. Heyven started as a website directory, so many ideas have come organically. We love bringing people together and helping them get excited about their businesses. We introduced our Networking Hangouts in February, which are our way to bring people together and create new connections in a low-key, relaxed environment—our answer to the more traditional, stuffy, and intimidating networking events we’ve attended. We’ve loved helping make connections in the community and were proud to be nominated for Top 5 Best Networking Group in our first year by Twin Cities Collective’s Best Of Awards.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have learned that sometimes, I can fixate on details and lose sight of the bigger picture. It’s tough to be objective regarding your business. Still, I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive network of business besties I can contact for advice, validation, ideas, and constructive criticism.
Pricing:
- Membership is $25/month or $250/year
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heyven.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyvenmn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heyvenmn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heyven/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/heyvenmn
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/heyvenmn/
Image Credits
Brand photos by Clarke Sanders
