Seven Years of The Collective

 - Written by Mandy Krickhahn, Collective Founder & CEO // January 2026

Anniversaries have a funny way of sneaking up on you. 

Your days are filled with building, learning, surviving, dreaming, and trying to just figure it all out. You don’t always stop to realize what you’ve created, you keep moving forward, making the next decision, and showing up day in and day out. It isn’t until you slow down that you start to see the full picture. 

Seven years of The Collective, two years of The Collective Events, Inc., and sitting with that can be hard to wrap my mind around.

Seven years ago, I wasn’t trying to fit in, I was building a space for small business owners and creatives who didn’t fit the typical “business professional” mold. No roadmap, just grit, a lot of drive, and a ridiculously firm belief that we’re all better when we lift each other up. And thankfully along the way, that belief started attracting people.

Not just any people, people who care deeply, not only about themselves, but others. People who show up, and are willing to go against the grain for what they believe in. Small business owners, creatives, nonprofit leaders, partners, and supporters who don’t just talk about their values, they live by them. 

This journey has connected me with people who are brave enough to try, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular. People who choose to lift others up instead of pushing people down to feel bigger themselves. People who believe a business can be profitable while still leading with purpose and integrity. People who genuinely want to see others win and leave things better than they found them.

Looking back, what stands out most isn’t the events, the numbers, or the milestones, it’s the relationships. The conversations that turned into collaborations, the chance meetings that became long-term partnerships, and in many cases, genuine friendships. The people who believed in the vision before it fully existed, and who kept showing up as we all grew and learned together.

The Collective Events, Inc. grew out of that work as a way to extend what we were already building deeper into the community, supporting nonprofits, causes, and initiatives rooted in the belief that local impact matters and intentional action leads to real change.

What I didn’t expect was how much this journey would empower me. It brought people into my life who challenge me, inspire me, and hold me accountable to the work that matters most. I truly believe when you lead with authenticity and integrity, the right people tend to show up.

This anniversary is about gratitude for every person who’s crossed paths with The Collective in the last seven years. For every relationship built, every opportunity given, every risk taken, every moment of support, and every shared belief that this kind of work is worth doing.

Here’s to seven years of The Collective, two years of The Collective Events, and to the people, the relationships, and the community that continue to make this journey so meaningful and impactful.

I can’t thank you all enough for being part of this journey!

“When one of us shines, all of us shine.” - Moria Rose 

🖤Mandy