How Hannah Bronfman Builds Community for Her Brand and Beyond

For Hannah Bronfman, the rules of running a business or crafting a career aren’t set in stone.

“I’ve never been someone who was meant to be in a box,” Bronfman said. “I’ve built my entire career living outside of anyone’s box.”

Through a variety of work experiences – from late-night DJing to launching and growing HBFIT, her female-focused wellness platform – Bronfman learned the importance of having a strong community.  As the digital content brand evolves – having most recently rolled out its very first products – HBFIT’s backbone is still its community of members and social media followers, as well as fellow brands and female entrepreneurs.

In a recent Office Hours episode, she told Suneel Gupta how her early career moves taught her about the power of networking – and how to build a community in an authentic, meaningful way.

I remind myself at least once a week to be a good active listener. It’s how I’ve been able to move forward, pivot, [and] try new things. I don’t know that I have the right formula, but I’m open to feedback and collaboration and new ways of content creating and storytelling.

—Hannah Bronfman, founder, HBFIT

Here’s how Bronfman uses community to grow her business and support other women entrepreneurs’ creative dreams.

1. Speak honestly to your community.

Managing a brand with a dedicated community sometimes means looking beyond the brand itself. Bronfman has a large social media following (over 900,000 Instagram followers) and prioritizes honesty as much as possible. Like anyone, Bronfman has tough days, she noted, and aims to discuss what’s on her mind to help create a deeper connection with her community. In a rapidly changing, often disheartening news cycle, she’s taken a more active role in advocating for social issues she believes in.

“What I’ve realized in the amount of pain and suffering our community feels is that it needs to be recognized,” she said. “Corporations need to be held accountable, and I have a social responsibility. That seems like a no brainer for me.”

Being able to adapt to the moment requires flexibility and vulnerability, she added. There is no magic formula.

“Some days you don’t want to wake up and showcase your skincare routine. It just doesn’t feel right,” she said. “But sometimes people are looking at you for a break from it all and for inspiration – and to know that you also feel sad.”

2. Be open to partnerships.

It can be more productive to ask for help than to shoot for the stars alone. According to Bronfman, entrepreneurs shouldn’t be afraid to consider partnering with someone to launch a business or reach their next milestone.

“You might find that you are great in a team [rather] than being off on your own because you have a complementary skill set to someone else,” Bronfman said. “So don't neglect co-founders or the idea of starting something with someone. Just be open to all things.”

Brand partnerships can also help companies grow their communities, Bronfman noted. When meeting a new brand partner, she brings her own perspective and ideas, but also makes sure to be open-minded and pay attention.

“For me, building brand partnerships is about being a team player. I like to bring ideas to the table and listen,” Bronfman said. “I remind myself at least once a week to be a good active listener. It’s how I’ve been able to move forward, pivot, [and] try new things. I don’t know that I have the right formula, but I’m open to feedback and collaboration and new ways of content creating and storytelling.”

3. Support female founders.

HBFIT first launched as a blog in 2016. As a 25-year-old entrepreneur looking to raise capital, Bronfman experienced sexism and ageism that was challenging to deal with.

“It was a really disheartening experience,” Bronfman said. “We eventually closed on our capital, but it was really hard. Those meetings I had will probably stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Six years later, with her business more well-established, Bronfman began to meet other female business owners who needed help building their communities and growing their brands. She eventually became a mentor and advisor and later helped back their businesses herself.

“For me, being a woman of color who has felt all the ‘-isms,’ I understand how little they get in terms of VC funding, from social networking, [and] capital,” Bronfman said. “I was able to put my money where my mouth was and really support minority business owners. Not only do I recognize the hustle, but I believe in them. I believe what they’re building.”

She noted that these entrepreneurs help inspire her as they manage an ever-changing landscape of supply chain issues, social media changes, and more.

“They still shine so bright, stand out with their products, and I’m just so proud to back them and be a part of their journeys,” she said.

The Takeaway

By prioritizing community within and beyond her brand, Hannah Bronfman has been able to level up her content platform and create a meaningful, supportive network. Being honest and open-minded, partnering with likeminded brands, and supporting fellow entrepreneurs has helped Bronfman connect with a wide community that continues to grow.

This article is part of Office Hours, a series that connects you with entrepreneurs and expert tips for running and growing a business right now. Find their can’t-miss conversations here.