Episode #7: Leslie Bailey, Indy Maven

Step into the inspiring world of women-led entrepreneurship with this episode of Behind the Brand, featuring Leslie Bailey, founder of Indy Maven and Maven Space. Hosts Adam Hayes and Bob Paden sit down with Leslie to explore her journey from journalist to community builder, and how she’s redefining what it means to create spaces for women to connect, collaborate, and thrive in Central Indiana.

Leslie shares the founding story of Indy Maven, a media platform launched in 2019 to spotlight women’s voices and stories. What started as a newsletter quickly evolved into a vibrant membership community, fueled by overwhelming demand and the power of word-of-mouth. Leslie discusses the intuition-driven decisions that shaped Indy Maven’s early days, the challenges of launching just before the pandemic, and how her team adapted to create meaningful digital and in-person experiences.

The conversation dives deep into the evolution of Maven Space, Leslie’s unique coworking and event hub designed with hospitality and community at its core. She opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship—balancing business growth with personal milestones, navigating industry shifts, and learning to embrace a non-traditional model that puts people first. Leslie also reflects on the importance of intentional gatherings, the value of authentic connections, and her vision for the future as she plans a move to a new location.

Whether you’re a business leader, remote worker, or someone passionate about empowering women, this episode is packed with insights on building community, staying true to your mission, and finding magic in everyday connections. Don’t miss Leslie’s candid stories, actionable wisdom, and a few foodie tips along the way!