Member Spotlight: Heather Bellew
Oct 07, 2024
This month we sat down with Heather of HB Consulting Co to learn more about her development and marketing firm.
Tell us about your business! What inspired you to become a nonprofit consultant, and what’s the focus of your work?
Heather: HB Consulting Co is a development and marketing firm dedicated to helping small businesses and nonprofits boost their local brand awareness through community, social media, and email marketing. I started the company after my experience working in the nonprofit sector, where I saw firsthand how connecting with the right people could make a huge difference. If more people were aware of the cause, we could have had more resources to serve our clients better. That’s what drives our mission at HB Consulting Co—to bridge that gap and empower brands to thrive.
What’s a recent project you’re proud of? How did you help the nonprofit achieve its goals?
Heather: One recent project I’m especially proud of is our work with a nonprofit client through our email marketing services. We’ve been creating consistent monthly newsletters that highlight their mission, upcoming events, and success stories. This regular communication has been a game-changer for them. It’s helped increase event sign-ups and boosted their fundraising efforts significantly. By keeping their supporters engaged and informed, we’ve been able to create a stronger connection between the nonprofit and its community, which has directly contributed to their ability to make a bigger impact.
What advice would you give to new consultants just starting out?
Heather: Sometimes the best way to learn is by just jumping in and doing the dang thing! It’s so easy to overthink every little detail and stress about how you’re going to run your business—but let me tell you, most of that’s going to shift once you start working with real clients. So, why wait for the ‘perfect’ time? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist! Get started now, and keep rolling forward. The faster you dive in, the faster you’ll grow.
How has being part of the Relatable Nonprofit Mentorship Community helped you grow your business?
Heather: The Mentorship program has been a game-changer for me. I've learned everything from business fundamentals to specific sales strategies, and even how to confidently say no to the wrong clients. What I love most is how personal Cat and Julia are—they’ve been through the trenches themselves, which makes their guidance so real and relatable. Plus, being part of a community with other like-minded consultants has been incredible. Even though we’re typically in different industries, there’s so much we can learn from each other.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects or goals you’re working toward?
Heather: Right now, I’m all about expanding HB Consulting Co’s impact! We’re diving deeper into community marketing services to help small businesses and nonprofits connect with their local audiences in meaningful, lasting ways. I’m also exploring launching a foundation tied to our work, to fund nonprofit services and give back to the causes we believe in. It’s a big vision, but I truly believe in the power of community and making a difference where it matters most. Stay tuned—there are a lot of exciting things on the horizon!
