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From Corporate Accounting to Community Builder – Hillary Connelly’s Journey
In this episode of the Voted Least Likely Podcast, I sit down with Hillary Connelly, a Business Strategist who made the bold leap from the corporate accounting world to launching The Homemade Community Shoppe—a Chilliwack-based business supporting over 55 small maker businesses.
Hillary’s story is a powerful example of what happens when you follow your instincts, take risks, and build something bigger than yourself. She traded spreadsheets for storytelling, and created a space where small businesses can thrive.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- Hillary’s journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship—and what sparked the change
- The biggest challenges of leaving a “stable” career to pursue something uncertain
- How The Homemade Community Shoppe is empowering small makers and fostering local business growth
- Advice for anyone feeling stuck in their corporate job and dreaming of something more
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Leaving security is scary, but so is staying in a job that doesn’t fulfill you.
✔️ Community over competition—why supporting small businesses benefits everyone.
✔️ Success isn’t just about profits, it’s about impact.
✔️ If you’re waiting for the “right time” to start, you might be waiting forever.
Hillary’s story is inspiring, practical, and full of real-world lessons for anyone considering a career pivot or looking to build a business that makes a difference.
🎧 Tune in for an honest, insightful conversation about risk, resilience, and redefining success.
Homemade Community Shoppe online: https://homemadecommunity.com/
Homemade Community Shoppe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homemadechwk/
More About Hillary:
Hillary is deeply passionate about empowering small businesses and fostering community growth. She comes from a family with entrepreneurial roots in Chilliwack, which has inspired her lifelong dedication to supporting local entrepreneurs.
Hillary is the owner of Homemade Community Shoppe, a Chilliwack-based business incubator supporting over 55 small maker businesses. Her innovative approach to retail provides a platform for home-based entrepreneurs to thrive by offering shelf rentals, coaching sessions, and community-building opportunities.
Hillary is a Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive experience consulting Fortune 500 companies across diverse industries. This experience inspired her to focus on “the little guy” and dedicate her life to supporting entrepreneurs in whatever way possible.
Hillary is also the founder of a dog rescue, Hello Doxie Rescue.
As a mom and wife, she balances her professional endeavors with her love for family life and her community. Hillary’s work is driven by her unwavering belief in the power of community and connection.
If this episode resonates with you, let me know! DM me on Instagram [@leahyard]
Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here:
www.leahyard.com
IG: @leahyard
TikTok: @leahyard
Our sponsor is our very own jewellery brand: Leah Yard Designs
5% of all profits are donated to the Downtown Eastside Women's Center. Shop the full collection of demi-fine jewellery at: www.leahyarddesigns.com
IG: @leahyarddesigns
TikTok @leahyarddesigns
View all episodes
By Leah YardIn this episode of the Voted Least Likely Podcast, I sit down with Hillary Connelly, a Business Strategist who made the bold leap from the corporate accounting world to launching The Homemade Community Shoppe—a Chilliwack-based business supporting over 55 small maker businesses.
Hillary’s story is a powerful example of what happens when you follow your instincts, take risks, and build something bigger than yourself. She traded spreadsheets for storytelling, and created a space where small businesses can thrive.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- Hillary’s journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship—and what sparked the change
- The biggest challenges of leaving a “stable” career to pursue something uncertain
- How The Homemade Community Shoppe is empowering small makers and fostering local business growth
- Advice for anyone feeling stuck in their corporate job and dreaming of something more
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Leaving security is scary, but so is staying in a job that doesn’t fulfill you.
✔️ Community over competition—why supporting small businesses benefits everyone.
✔️ Success isn’t just about profits, it’s about impact.
✔️ If you’re waiting for the “right time” to start, you might be waiting forever.
Hillary’s story is inspiring, practical, and full of real-world lessons for anyone considering a career pivot or looking to build a business that makes a difference.
🎧 Tune in for an honest, insightful conversation about risk, resilience, and redefining success.
Homemade Community Shoppe online: https://homemadecommunity.com/
Homemade Community Shoppe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homemadechwk/
More About Hillary:
Hillary is deeply passionate about empowering small businesses and fostering community growth. She comes from a family with entrepreneurial roots in Chilliwack, which has inspired her lifelong dedication to supporting local entrepreneurs.
Hillary is the owner of Homemade Community Shoppe, a Chilliwack-based business incubator supporting over 55 small maker businesses. Her innovative approach to retail provides a platform for home-based entrepreneurs to thrive by offering shelf rentals, coaching sessions, and community-building opportunities.
Hillary is a Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive experience consulting Fortune 500 companies across diverse industries. This experience inspired her to focus on “the little guy” and dedicate her life to supporting entrepreneurs in whatever way possible.
Hillary is also the founder of a dog rescue, Hello Doxie Rescue.
As a mom and wife, she balances her professional endeavors with her love for family life and her community. Hillary’s work is driven by her unwavering belief in the power of community and connection.
If this episode resonates with you, let me know! DM me on Instagram [@leahyard]
Learn more about the Voted Least Likely Podcast here:
www.leahyard.com
IG: @leahyard
TikTok: @leahyard
Our sponsor is our very own jewellery brand: Leah Yard Designs
5% of all profits are donated to the Downtown Eastside Women's Center. Shop the full collection of demi-fine jewellery at: www.leahyarddesigns.com
IG: @leahyarddesigns
TikTok @leahyarddesigns