Sarah Coupland shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sarah , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest misconceptions about social media management is that it’s easy, that we just “post pictures” and call it a day. But behind the scenes, it’s strategy, psychology, data analysis, content creation, trend research, and brand voice alignment all rolled into one. With The Social Hive, we handle everything from custom graphics and scheduling to engagement, copywriting, advertising, and analytics. People often underestimate the level of consistency, creativity, and adaptability it takes to keep multiple businesses relevant, growing, and visible online. It’s not just about posting, it’s about driving results.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Sarah Coupland, wife, mom of two, and a multi-passionate entrepreneur. I own The Bay Area Observer, a local newspaper focused on community storytelling; I run The Social Hive, a marketing agency that helps small businesses grow through strategy, content, and creativity; and I’m also an author.
I’ve written and published three children’s books and helped bring five others to life for fellow writers. I believe storytelling is powerful, whether it’s through a book, a social post, or a newspaper column. Everything I do centers around connection and helping others be seen, heard, and supported.
Right now, I’m growing The Social Hive into a hub for content creation, coworking, and business support, while continuing to revive local news and empower creators. My story is really about helping others tell theirs.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was an imaginative girl who wanted to change the world. I dreamed of helping people and rescuing animals, writing stories that made others feel seen, and building things that mattered. I believed kindness could fix almost anything and that creativity had no limits.
And deep down, that’s still who I am. Life may have added titles, responsibilities, and expectations, but at my core, I’m still that girl with a big heart, a wild imagination, and a drive to make the world a little better than I found it.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things success never could, like how strong I really am when everything falls apart. It taught me empathy, patience, and the value of quiet resilience. Success can feel loud and exciting, but suffering is humbling. It forces you to sit with yourself, to rebuild from the inside out, and to find meaning in the mess.
It showed me who I could count on, and who I couldn’t. It taught me that rest isn’t weakness, and that asking for help is actually a form of strength. Most of all, it taught me that purpose matters more than praise, and that healing often makes you more whole than winning ever will.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself is that more always means better, more followers, more likes, more posts. But real impact isn’t measured in vanity metrics. It’s measured in connection, trust, and results.
Another lie is that it’s all about trends and algorithms. In reality, people crave authenticity. You don’t need to dance on TikTok or post 24/7 to be successful, you need a clear message, consistency, and a brand that truly knows who it is and who it serves.
And maybe the most damaging lie? That anyone can do this and it’s “easy.” Social media done well is strategic, creative, and time-consuming. It’s not just posting, it’s building relationships, managing reputations, and telling stories that matter.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop pretending there’s all the time in the world, because I know now, there isn’t.
Facing open-heart surgery and coming that close to death changed everything. It stripped away the noise and made it painfully clear what actually matters. I’d stop overcommitting, stop pouring into things that don’t pour back, and stop living on autopilot.
I’d stop waiting. Waiting to rest. Waiting to enjoy the little things. Waiting to write, to love fully, to say yes to joy.
Life is fragile. I’ve felt that in my bones. If I only had 10 years left, I’d spend them with purpose, not pressure, being present with the people I love, creating what sets my soul on fire, and making peace with the beautiful, imperfect life I’ve built.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesocialhivetx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialhivetx
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcoupland
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialhivetx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HiveTVTX
