"Ok, But How" with Founder Schia Hart of Handlender

Elyse: What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Schia: When I was young, I don’t think I ever thought about what I wanted to be. I was busy contemplating how to survive. The concept of what I could “be” didn’t come about until just after high school or once I was in college, which is where I gained more exposure to possibilities. I do, however, have memories of sneaking stray cats into my grandparent’s basement to care for them as my own pets, and I continued on to have a strong compassion for animals in general. To that end, and for a long time, I wanted to be a veterinarian–but never thought I was capable of being an entrepreneur.  

Elyse: How did you get the idea for Handlender?

Schia: Handlender came about in 2012 after giving birth to my oldest daughter. Up until that point, I had never been one to ask for help, but always loved to help others. But after having my daughter, I found myself in a stressful, awkward, and vulnerable space where I knew I needed help but wasn’t sure how to overcome the intimidation of asking for it. The more I grappled with how to get the help I needed–regardless of my limited network and low mental capacity–the more I thought of other people in the same boat. People who find fulfillment in using their time and talents to support others, along with people who prefer not to waste their vulnerability when sharing a request for help. As an innovator, I wanted to create a solution to this problem in an efficient and safe way, and thus, Handlender was born. ‍
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Elyse: How did you approach getting feedback for Handlender in the early days? Who was your original target market and how did you get your idea in front of them?

Schia: Initially, I started by getting feedback from close friends, then transitioned to practically anyone I encountered. I was, and still am, passionate about Handlender, so it has always been easy for me to introduce my platform in conversations. Early on, I conducted surveys and even set up tables at outdoor events. As time went on, I introduced Handlender in more networking-appropriate settings. The initial target market was basically every individual above the age of 16, I wanted Handlender to be like a social network. But when I finally launched years later, I thought it best to start with existing networks and established collectives and introduce individual memberships later.

Elyse: Ok, but how did you start building Handlender? What pieces did you build first? How did you fund those first phases?

Schia: The very first thing I did was create a demo-site, which was a free tool. It was a makeshift effort where I used a template of a social media platform, then asked all my local friends and network to join. They joined but weren’t entirely sure how to use it.

I paused Handlender for several years and came back refreshed, using my personal resources to build an actual website, branding, and minimal marketing.

While the website was in process, I completed the business registration and trademarking process to make it all official.  

Elyse: What are some challenges that come with being a solopreneur? What are some of the benefits?  

Schia: In terms of challenges, time (or lack thereof) is a big one. Handlender is currently pre-revenue, which means I still need to work full-time to generate income for my family and my business. I am also still quite active with other things in life (that I can’t necessarily offload), so attempting to keep my priorities straight (a.k.a. family and Faith first) along with being accountable in my career can sometimes mean I don’t always have the opportunity to spend as much time on Handlender’s strategy and growth as I’d like. As for benefits, I am thoroughly enjoying the journey and all of the new experiences. Again, I am an innovator, so building, launching, and presenting a new platform birthed from my own experiences and passion for the benefit of others is really exciting. My brain dwells on Handlender daily, and I can see it’s reach and advantages for so many people.  

Elyse: What has been your biggest success with Handlender?

Schia: Honestly, just starting the business has been the biggest success because sometimes starting is the hardest part. In addition to that, I’d also say that developing a working MVP, learning about and implementing new technology, while using limited resources to make it all happen is a significant accomplishment.  

Elyse: Where or how have you gotten stuck growing Handlender?

Schia: Having such a full plate combined with limited time has created several halts or slow progress for Handlender. One of my next goals is to find and onboard a team that can help keep the momentum and ensure Handlender is set up for success in this next stage. But finding a team can also be challenging, especially when you’re operating in the social enterprise and/or SaaS space.  

Elyse: What advice do you have for first-time founders in general? What do you wish you could tell younger you?

Schia: My advice for first-time founders would be to give yourself an abundance of grace when you start to experience FOMO. You don’t have to “make” your idea good, and there’s only so much you can “make” happen. Do your part, keep moving forward, regardless of how small the steps are, and know that perseverance will pay off. What I’d tell my younger self is similar, but I’d also add a word of encouragement about boldness.

Yes, this process is new. Yes, it’s scary. Yes, it’s hard work. Yes, it’s lonely at times. Yes, it’s frustrating at times. Yes, it’s all worth it. Just. Keep. Going.

And do all you can to avoid letting negative past experiences, viewpoints, or memories thwart your attempts to move forward and believe you can do it.