This Houston boutique empowers female artisans to give you a unique shopping experience

Houston – The Hive: A Pop Up Collective is no ordinary store. When you step inside, you will discover a boutique where twelve female entrepreneurs showcase their products under one roof. They call themselves The Hive Showroom Partners or “The Bees.”

Led by the Queen Bee, Gretchen Gilliam, the bees join forces as a functional hive exhibiting vibrant clothing for women and children, jewelry, shoes, and accessories for any occasion. Every item you see is not part of one overall brand. Rather, each collection represents a bee in The Hive.

According to Gilliam, while she believes she has signed her life away on the lease, she does not claim ownership of The Hive. Instead, the bees, who usually display their products at pop-up events and markets, can have a sense of ownership like it’s their own brick-and-mortar. The bees have a voice in The Hive’s daily responsibilities and equally pitch in on the rent.

But why not manage a business by themselves, especially online? Why collaborate with other female entrepreneurs? While the bees all have an individual online presence, they choose to be part of a sisterhood that collectively shares responsibilities without the intimidation of doing things alone. Working together gives them the advantage of reaching a clientele initially not within their purview. Plus, unlike online businesses, a physical place allows customers to feel the product before purchasing it.

The Hive is not just the name of the store. It’s a community of women-owned businesses where female empowerment is encouraged. Whether you’re a veteran or just starting a business, the bees support each other for success. When one bee succeeds, they all succeed. This store epitomizes the idealistic view of women supporting women.

For the bees, The Hive is a home away from home. According to one of the bees, they enjoy being at The Hive, and the customers can sense it. It’s their place of joy and independence. They have so much fun working together that they would sign up for a shift just to catch up with a fellow bee.

When you visit the store, you will meet one or more of the bees. They are very well-versed with each other’s collections and will assist you in finding the perfect piece for your wardrobe, even if it’s not from their own collection. When you buy from The Hive, you are supporting women-owned Houston businesses. Plus, when you walk out with more than one item, you are supporting multiple local businesses at once.

Now entering its fifth year in July 2024, The Hive is growing bigger, better, and more fabulous. Associate Producer Sabiha Mahmood visited the store and met with the wonderful ladies of The Hive. Watch the video above as she takes you inside for an exclusive shopping spree and an in-depth interview with the bees.

Like what you saw? Visit their website, and support the women-owned business at The Hive in Rice Village. They also provide complimentary shopping experiences to anyone who prefers to shop in small groups or private parties.