Our Story
Guilds with Benefits came from Hollie (GwB founder) hearing a story about a hair stylist who was taking on new clients immediately after she returned from 3 weeks of unpaid leave due to her husband (and father of their young son) unexpectedly and tragically passing away. Her new financial realities robbed her of time to grieve and readjust her and her son’s lives. No safety net, no paid time off, no more health insurance. Her life was totally shaken.
Having been surrounded by trade workers her whole life, Hollie has seen situations like this happen all too often. Trade workers fall through the cracks all the time, like when they are injured or sick and cannot perform their work. They also pay a huge price when they need to provide regular health benefits for their family. They are totally on their own. Until now.
I’m from New Orleans and Southern Mississippi, where I grew up surrounded by trade workers, including most members of my family.
After getting a business degree, I moved to Oregon, where I worked in accounting, finance, payroll, and HR (on and off as a 1099 myself). In 2021, I started a homeless services non-profit with a friend, and we grew it to over 250 employees in just 3 years. I learned a ton amount about myself, caring for others, and the system we all find ourselves in.
Fast forward to now: I am turning my focus to helping independent contractors by revamping the idea of guilds. I know first hand what a big deal it is to have financial security, and I know that I can help ICs get there by bringing them together in guilds.