We sat down with Robin Haynes, Executive Director of SIMBA (Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance), to talk about how they’re strengthening Spokane’s economy by empowering truly independent businesses.

From advocacy to education, SIMBA is helping local owners compete in a system built for big corporations — and reminding us why where we spend our money matters.

Their Live Local initiative is just one way they’re creating visibility and connection across Spokane’s independent business community.

Because this isn’t just about shopping local — it’s about building a stronger, more resilient, and deeply connected local economy.

You’ve seen the posts: “If you’re not willing to grind, this isn’t the job for you.” In this bonus clip, we talk with Nicolle Hansen about how hustle culture became the new normal — and why it’s costing women their balance, their health, and their creativity. This isn’t about working less — it’s about redefining success on our own terms.

Last week we sat down with Nicolle Hansen to talk about her experience at SNAP’s Women’s Business Center—and what happens when vital resources for women in business start to disappear.

In this episode, we talk about:

The ripple effect of the WBC closure on Spokane’s business community.

Why women are often the first to feel the impact when funding dries up.

How burnout and scarcity culture have become the new normal.

And what it really looks like to rebuild community from the ground up

This isn’t just a story about loss—it’s about leadership, resilience, and what happens when women decide to build something better.

In our first episode of HIKE with Her, we talk about why HIKE exists — and what happens when the systems women rely on start to disappear. With recent changes reshaping Spokane’s business landscape, women are once again the first to feel the impact. We explore what visibility, connection, and access mean in times of change — and how HIKE is helping women keep climbing when the path shifts.