Meet Meesen: Behere

Do you ever wish that someone would sort through your choices of where to live, work, and workout when traveling?! Meet Behere- your service for this ALL in one! Meesen and her co-founder followed through on this concept so that all of us could have the best travel experience without the hassel of wondering whether or not a gym, apartment, or work space would be worth it! Get ready to be encouraged by the story of how this concept became a reality for these two entrepreneurs!

1. Tell us about who you are and your journey to where you are now!

I’m originally from Toronto, Canada where started my career in corporate finance before deciding to book a one-way ticket to Sydney, Australia. I began working for a direct development company there that taught executives how to be better leaders. I worked with a great, majority female team and learned a lot but still felt it wasn’t the right fit for me. Being back in a cubicle left me feeling uninspired and longing for more. So I decided to travel again and ventured through Southeast Asia. There, I met so many amazing people and began to realize that this flexibility was what I really wanted - to be able to work while traveling. I had many of my friends reach out asking how I was doing it and if I felt afraid alone as a woman etc. This really all lead to the initial ideation of Behere. I started Behere with my cofounder just about two years ago and it’s been an exciting, fast-paced and travel filled adventure ever since.

2. What is the mission of your brand? How does it empower women?

Our mission at Behere is to help women thrive in flexible lifestyles and create a future of living and work that better aligns with your wants and needs. We believe having the flexibility to live how you want helps women feel empowered, design their lives and live a purpose and adventure filled life. 

3. How do you collaborate with women working towards a better world?

I have always wanted to create something that supports and empowers other women. I think it’s incredibly fulfilling and exciting to see women supporting each other and pushing through barriers. With Behere, we’re working to change the status quo for women and the way they, and society, look at traveling and living abroad alone as a woman. We’re striving to create a better future of living and work for women. Helping them rid themselves of toxic work environments and the 9-5 that was created by men, for men. There is a cultural shift occurring and women are at the forefront of this change as we start more businesses and become freelancers and entrepreneurs. It's so exciting to be supporting women in this and providing opportunities for them to live how they want. I want to continue to empower and support women to live the way they want, dream bigger and help make their dreams a reality through Behere.

4. What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to press through as a female entrepreneur and what are the steps you’ve taken to overcome it?

The greatest challenge has been being patient, and trying to enjoy the process. Starting a company is a constant learning experience and you realize that not everything you try will work, but it’s important to keep testing and iterating in order to know what does. Imposter syndrome has also been something I’ve struggled with, and a lot of women tend to struggle with it. Steps I’ve taken to overcome it are continuing to push myself out of my comfort zone and hosting and speaking at events. Through these I’ve been able to speak with so many women who resonate with our mission and share that Behere is something they’ve been looking for. A way to finally make their dreams a reality, to fuel their passions and to feel inspired by their environments. This helps me get through it and really see that I’m making a difference and helping people pursue something they’ve dreamt about but never thought was possible. 

5. What advice would you give to a female entrepreneur in the beginning stages of launching her brand or business?

Reach out to people you admire, who have started businesses or who are in your industry. Your network is incredibly valuable and you truly can learn so much by talking with others. That said, it’s also important that you don’t take every piece of advice you receive to heart as you won’t be able to apply it all. Trust your gut, connect with others and be open to stepping out of your comfort zone - that’s how you truly grow.

6. What sets your brand apart from others?

At Behere we focus on being a flexible and sustainable option for people looking for a change, adventure, or way to switch up their day to day, without derailing their life. We focus on the aspects of actually living in a new city and connecting with the place and people, rather than just seeing the tourist things and moving on. Behere as a brand is all about pushing yourself to step out of your comfort zone but with a layer of support and a healthy foundation. We pride ourself on helping create that foundation and life changing connections and experiences.

BIO: Meesen Brown is the cofounder and CEO of Behere, an all in one platform for women to find and book private apartments, workspaces and fitness studios, in cities around the world. She’s lived in over 10 countries and knows new places and experiences fuel inspiration and creativity. 

LINKS: Check out Behere at gobehere.com and on Instagram @gobehere and connect with Meesen on IG @meesenb.