Reading Shelby's story takes me back. I can feel the guilt, confusion, shame, and the feeling of being constantly torn between my professional and personal goals and the need and desire to care for my family. When Milo was born, I had completely altered my life and career so I could stay home part time. But that was not easy. I was always partly at work and partly at home and never fully emersed in anything except my doubt as a professional and as a mom. Access to part-time day care or a part time work space that allowed some boundaries between my two worlds was nearly non-existant. The truth is that the current model is not really set up for us. This hybrid of in-between mom/professional/woman/human. We were told we could have it all, but our societal systems didn't seem to get the message - that the current model does not work for us. We need more options where our worlds can both intertwine and have boundaries. Where we can thrive independantly and have support. Where we can pursue our work and have our children close. We need options that allow us to continue to serve our communities and careers and be present for our family. When I heard about Maven Collective and Shelby's work, it nearly brought me to tears. To see someone working to break old models and construct new ones that were actual made for us, that is how change is made. What a gift this is to our community, to our moms and dads and children, to our entire society.
Thank you Shelby and welcome to The Soul Place.
p.s. if you haven't seen the Maven Collective space yet...book your tour asap - it is absolutely stunning!
My Journey with Maven Collective: A Path of Resilience, Motherhood, and
Community
By Shelby Beach, Founder of Maven Collective
Starting Maven Collective has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It’s a journey filled with highs and lows, moments of doubt, and a deep, unwavering belief in the need for a space where women can balance their professional ambitions with the demands of motherhood. As I reflect on this journey, I realize that it was shaped by the very struggles that so many of us face as mothers trying to do it all.
My career began at Bell Bank, where I first stepped into the world of banking as a teller. I quickly discovered a love for the fast-paced environment, the satisfaction of helping customers, and the camaraderie of working with a supportive team. However, when I became a mother for the first time, everything changed. After our daughter, Nola, was born, I felt an overwhelming desire to be present for every moment of her early years. The joy of holding her, watching her first smiles, and being there for her milestones made me realize how precious this time was. So, I made the difficult decision to leave Bell Bank, to focus entirely on raising Nola.
For a while, I tried to balance being a part-time nanny and working part-time at a local
restaurant. It wasn’t the same as my previous role, but it allowed me to contribute to our family’s income while staying close to Nola. But then, the world turned upside down. The COVID-19 pandemic hit, and like so many others, I found myself facing unexpected challenges. The restaurant where I worked shut down, leaving us with only my part-time nanny income, which wasn’t enough to sustain our family. When the family I was nannying for moved away to be closer to their own family, I was at a crossroads.
This was one of the hardest times for me as a mom. I had always believed that I could make it work—that I could somehow juggle everything and still provide for my family without giving up time with my child.
But reality forced me to make a tough decision. I needed to go back to work full-time, not because I wanted to leave my daughter, but because I had to think about our family's future and secure the financial stability that we needed to move forward.
So, I returned to Bell Bank, this time with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. I was grateful to be welcomed back and quickly advanced to become one of only two teller trainers in the entire company. I found fulfillment in training new tellers, mentoring them, and helping shape the customer experience across all of Bell’s locations. But even as I thrived in this role, the same struggles persisted.
The constant pull between being a dedicated mother and a committed professional left me feeling like I was always falling short in one area or the other.
Eventually, I transitioned into a partially remote role as an escrow specialist at Bell. This change offered more flexibility, which was especially important after the birth of our second child, Cal. Being able to work from home allowed me to be closer to my children, but it also came with its own set of challenges. The reality of trying to meet work deadlines while simultaneously caring for a newborn and a toddler was exhausting. I often found myself on conference calls while trying to soothe a crying baby or answer emails in the rare quiet moments when both kids were napping.
After a year in this role, I knew I had to make another change. It wasn’t just about finding a job that allowed me to be present with my children—it was about creating a life where I didn’t feel constantly torn between my work and my family. I wanted something more, not just for myself, but for other mothers who were facing the same struggles.
The idea for Maven Collective began forming in the summer of 2021. It was a concept unlike any I had dreamed of before—and I’ve always had big ideas. But this one was different. It felt enormous, almost impossible, for so many reasons. We couldn’t afford to start a business. The concept felt too new for this area. I found myself constantly listing all the reasons why it wouldn’t work, why I shouldn’t take the leap.
But the reason for starting Maven Collective eventually overcame all those doubts. I wasn’t just doing this for my own family; I was doing it for the countless other families in my community who needed a place like this. I wanted to create a space where women didn’t have to choose between their careers and their families. A place where we could pursue our professional goals without sacrificing the time we cherish with our children.
Maven Collective was born out of this vision—a community where women could work, connect, and thrive, all while knowing their children were close by, safe, and cared for.
When Maven Collective opened its doors in downtown Fargo, ND, it felt like a dream come true. The space itself, housed in a beautifully renovated historic building, was everything I had hoped for—bright, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of modern women and their families. From the moment you step inside, the space feels like a haven—a place where you can focus on your work, take a break with your kids, and connect with other women who understand the unique challenges of balancing motherhood and a career.
But starting a new business, especially one with such a unique concept, has not been easy.
There have been moments of doubt, financial pressures, and the constant challenge of getting the word out about what we offer. Yet, even on the toughest days, I am reminded of why I started Maven Collective in the first place. Every time I see a mother working at Maven, knowing her child is just a few steps away, I feel a sense of pride and fulfillment. I see the relief in their eyes, the joy in their children’s laughter, and the strength of the community we are building together.
As we look ahead, I am filled with hope and excitement for the future of Maven Collective. We have an incredible lineup of events and programs on the horizon, including our Healthy Living Series, focused on teaching healthy lifestyle habits that are key for your overall health and wellness. Our events, classes, and workshops are designed not just for our members but for their families and our community as well, offering a little something for everyone.
Our children's programs, like the upcoming Mindful Emotions Workshop and children's yoga classes, are also a key part of our vision. These programs provide valuable tools for our kids, helping them learn about their emotions and develop healthy habits from a young age. They also give parents peace of mind, knowing their children are growing and learning in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Maven Collective is still in its early stages, and we have a long way to go. But I am committed to seeing this vision through, to pushing through the challenges, and to making Maven Collective a lasting and beloved part of the Fargo community. We are not just a co-working space; we are a community of women who believe in the power of connection, the importance of balance, and the potential for growth in all areas of our lives.
I am deeply grateful for the journey so far—for the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the incredible people who have joined me in making Maven Collective a reality. As we continue to grow and evolve, I am more determined than ever to see Maven Collective thrive and to help other women find the balance they deserve. The road ahead may be challenging, but it is also filled with endless possibilities, and I am excited for what the future holds. Thank you for being a part of Maven Collective and for believing in the vision that we are building
together.
-Shelby Beach, founder of Maven Collective
Please visit Maven Collective today! You can schedule a tour and check out info and events at https://www.maven-collective.com
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