Kim Lenar-Ehrhardt is the founder and CEO of The Hyve Hamptons, formerly known as Hamptons BossMoms. It’s a group designed to empower women personally and in business. We spoke to Kim to learn more.
What inspired you to create Hamptons BossMoms, and how did it all begin?
It all began with the idea to do a podcast series. I had met so many amazing women out here, and I wanted to share their stories — to inspire others with their journeys and show what it really looks like to build something meaningful. My whole background is in journalism and media; I was an executive producer for one of Germany’s most-watched TV shows and ran a media agency for camera and media training in Berlin before moving to the Hamptons. So storytelling is my natural lens.
But once I started gathering stories, I realized something bigger was happening. In March 2023, I invited a few women to meet in person — to talk business, life, and everything in between — and that first conversation was magic. It was honest, raw, and refreshingly unfiltered. They asked if we could do it again.
Two weeks later, we met again — and doubled in size. We completely took over Tutto Caffé (who kindly asked us not to do that again). That second meetup ended with someone saying, “We need a directory. We need to stay in touch.” That was the lightbulb moment. In May 2023, I officially launched Hamptons BossMoms with 17 of my personal friends. It grew fast — because the need was real.
And that original podcast idea? It lives on. We now have Hamptons Hustle & Heart, our official podcast and video series, where members share their pivots, their purpose, and their power moves. It’s still about storytelling — but now it’s part of a much bigger, living, breathing community.
And let’s be honest: with women, it’s never just business. Our meetups became this beautiful mix of business strategy, personal growth, and a safe space to say, “Here’s what I’m really struggling with right now.” That honesty — that depth — is what made it stick.
Can you tell us about the rebrand to The Hyve?
The name “Hamptons BossMoms” was perfect to start all of this, get the attention and recognition. It served us beautifully — but it started to box us in. Women would message me asking, “Is this just for moms?” Or worse, they didn’t ask at all — they just assumed they didn’t belong. I’ll never forget when the amazing Amanda Duckstein from Shadowbox Pilates (who is not a mom) joined and shared about it — people were genuinely surprised.
That was my cue: if the name is making some women feel excluded from something that was meant to include them, we needed to evolve. So we became The Hyve Hamptons. Still the same soul, but now with a name that reflects where we’re going. “Hyve” symbolizes connection, collective energy, and yes — with a Y — for Your Why. It’s a quiet nod to doing things differently. Building with intention. Leading with clarity. The four dots in our logo are playing with the morse code alphabet – they stand for the letter H.
Was there a defining moment when you realized the group was going to make a real impact?
There wasn’t one lightning strike — but more like a series of steady sparks. One moment that really stands out was a coffee I had with Gabriella Ciamillo, one of our members and a brilliant financial advisor. She looked at me and said, “Kim… is this your business?” And I paused — and realized… yes. It is.
That conversation gave me permission to treat The Hyve like the living, growing entity it had become. We moved our community to the Circle platform, invested in better infrastructure, and really leaned into the power of what we were creating.
Then something magical happened: the ripple effect. After summer last year, when the Hamptons slows down and we all exhale, women came back from the chaos craving connection. I got emails like, “I met one of your members on the Jitney, and I need to be a part of this.” It wasn’t just a group anymore — it was a movement. A real, soul-fueled support system.
How would you describe the mission and core values of The Hyve?
The Hyve is here to help women grow — personally, professionally, and in full alignment with their purpose. We’re rooted in connection over competition. Strategy, yes — but also soul. We’re for the women who are building something real — not just for success, but for legacy. We believe in feminine leadership, in saying yes to reinvention, and in building businesses (and lives) that actually feel good.
What kind of activities or events have resonated most with your members — networking mixers, workshops, or wellness gatherings?
It depends on the season — literally. In summer, women are balancing guests, kids, and full schedules, so our morning events shine. One standout was our recent Power Pause talk with author Neha Ruch, about how hitting pause can actually be a strategy. The conversation was deep, honest, and exactly what everyone needed.
But the backbone of The Hyve is our monthly morning Breakfast meeting. Thirty or more women show up for coffee, real talk, and three powerful 10-minute brand spotlights from fellow members. It’s not about pitching—it’s about being seen. And those connections don’t end when the breakfast does. I’ve watched friendships, collaborations, even life-changing business shifts spark from those mornings.
That said, we’re evolving. This fall, we’re adding afternoon and early evening networking events for those who can’t make mornings. And we’re leaning more into expert-led talks, panels, and trainings—which we’ll be able to host some of these virtually, thanks to our private member app. The app has been a game-changer. It keeps us all connected between in-person meetups, lets us share resources, post events, and support each other’s businesses daily. It’s the glue that holds the community together when we’re not in the same room.
Can you share a story of a member whose life or career was transformed by being part of the group?
There are so many, honestly. Let me pick two to answer this question: Julia and Anita — both full-time Hamptons locals and part of the heartbeat of The Hyve.
Julia Fullerton moved out here just last summer. She’s an intuitive healing guide and founder of Chakra Girl (a brand for leggings), and she joined The Hyve about nine months ago. She told me that being part of this circle has been truly transformational — not just for her business, but for how she shows up in the world. She found clarity, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging through the women here. What resonated with her — and I think with so many others — is that The Hyve isn’t just business tips or good vibes. It’s the real blend: smart strategy, media know-how, wellness tools, and women who actually have your back.
And Anita Somayaji — she’s one of my closest friends and one of the women who joined right at the beginning, no questions asked, just because she believed in me. Seeing how much she’s gained from the community now makes me so happy. Anita’s a brilliant jewelry designer (Taylor Swift wears one of her pieces), and she’s told me time and again how much The Hyve has impacted her work and her confidence. She’s built true friendships, found new opportunities, and felt truly supported every step of the way. “It’s a place where you feel encouraged to grow, share ideas, and support others while building your own business,” are her words.
That’s what I love most. This isn’t just a place to talk business — it’s a space where women come together, lift each other up, and remind each other of what’s possible.
