A caramel-apple bourbon toast opens the door to a story that hits harder than cinnamon: growing up in a restrictive church, feeling unseen, and transforming that past into a mission to build belonging at scale. Our guest—known to thousands as “Queenie B”—breaks down how a simple idea became a million-view movement that helps singles connect and small businesses grow without buying ads.

We unpack the playbook behind Queenie Connects, the singles social group that ditched awkward first dates for low-pressure events and genuine conversation. The formula is refreshingly human: when you stop selling and start hosting, people relax, show up as themselves, and make real connections. That approach spilled into entrepreneurship with the NWA Networking Alliance—now rebranding to Hive Networking—a public Facebook group engineered for organic reach, authentic intros, and thoughtful moderation. In just five weeks: 6,300 members, one million views, and a long list of owners reporting viral posts and new customers.

You’ll hear why public groups amplify discovery, how moderation standards transform “ads” into stories people actually share, and why the hive metaphor matters: everyone contributes, everyone benefits. We talk sponsorships that feel like partnerships, virtual-first access for time-strapped founders, and the surprising power of giving comments before asking for clicks. From prom gowns for teens to collaborations with Fashion Week and cultural institutions, this is community-building as a growth engine—practical, generous, and wildly effective.

If you’re curious about organic marketing, authentic networking, and turning strangers into supporters, this conversation hands you the blueprint. Subscribe, share with a friend who runs a small business, and tell us: what authentic story are you ready to post next?

More About this Episode

How One Woman Sparked a Networking Revolution in Northwest Arkansas: The Story of Hive Networking

In an age where digital noise overwhelms genuine interaction, one woman in Northwest Arkansas is redefining what it means to build community. In just five weeks, what began as a spontaneous late-night idea has become a powerful movement. This grassroots initiative has brought together thousands of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members who are eager for more than another social media group. Her name is Becky, known publicly as Queenie B, and the platform she created is Hive Networking.

A Viral Community Movement That Started with a Simple Idea

Becky is a nurse practitioner by profession and a natural connector at heart. In October 2025, she launched what was originally called the NWA Networking Alliance. It started as a simple Facebook group created late at night with no budget, no plan, and no expectations. Within five weeks, the group had grown to over 6,300 members and generated more than one million views.

The group did not grow through traditional advertising. Becky spent nothing on marketing. Instead, her understanding of human connection and her ability to foster meaningful engagement turned a local idea into a regional phenomenon.

From Isolation to Influence

Becky’s path to leadership is rooted in a powerful personal transformation. She was raised in an isolated religious environment that she describes as cult-like. Her upbringing emphasized strict gender roles, obedience, and minimal contact with the outside world. Despite this, she always felt a pull toward a broader and more inclusive worldview.

She eventually left the church and began to rebuild her life with a focus on education, independence, and community. That background shaped her passion for creating inclusive spaces where people feel valued and supported. It also fueled her mission to make sure others never feel the kind of isolation she once experienced.

A Digital Community with Real Impact

Hive Networking is not just another online group. It is a thriving platform where members support each other by sharing their stories, promoting their businesses, and connecting through shared goals. Becky and her small volunteer team review 50 to 100 posts per day. They approve content that aligns with the group’s mission and offer constructive feedback on posts that could be more engaging.

What makes Hive Networking different is its public format. While most Facebook groups are private, Hive is fully open. This means posts are visible to users outside the group, creating a viral ripple effect. One member’s introductory post can reach tens of thousands of views simply through organic interaction.

Several small business owners have credited the group with doubling their revenue. Others have reported going viral within days of joining. All of this has happened without paid promotions.

More Than Networking

Hive Networking is the latest chapter in a broader journey. Becky has launched several other community-focused initiatives under the Queenie B brand.

Gownsational is a nonprofit that connects gently used prom dresses with teens who would not otherwise be able to afford formal wear. The program works closely with local schools and social services.

Queenie Connects is a social group for singles over the age of 22 that emphasizes community rather than dating. Although dating is not the primary goal, the group has already led to eight engagements and marriages in its first year.

Through these efforts, Becky has developed a reputation for being more than a connector. She is a builder of communities. She understands what makes people feel seen, heard, and supported.

From NWA Networking Alliance to Hive Networking

As the networking group expanded, it became clear that a rebrand was needed. The original name was tied to a specific region and was also similar to another group in a different state. Becky wanted a name that reflected the values of collaboration and community.

The new name, Hive Networking, captures that vision. A hive is a place where individuals work together to build something greater than themselves. It reflects the spirit of mutual support that defines the group.

The name also pays tribute to Queenie B, connecting her personal journey with the larger purpose of the platform. Hive Networking is more than a digital community. It is a symbol of collective growth and shared success.

Turning Engagement into Opportunity

While Hive Networking began as a passion project, it is quickly evolving into something more sustainable. Becky is exploring partnerships and sponsorships to support the growing workload. She has brought on volunteers to help with moderation and post approval and is currently working with designers to launch a dedicated website.

Sponsors have already seen strong returns. Stu’s Clean Cooking, for example, became a title sponsor after gaining over 50,000 views from a single group post. That visibility translated into new customers and brand recognition.

Local organizations have also taken notice. Becky has received collaboration requests from Bentonville Fashion Week, NWA Fashion Week, and Crystal Bridges Museum. These partnerships are a testament to the platform’s influence and its potential to drive meaningful engagement across Northwest Arkansas.

What Sets Hive Networking Apart

Hive Networking is not a referral group or a sales funnel. It is not designed for cold outreach or advertising. Instead, it is built on genuine interaction. Members are encouraged to post thoughtful introductions, engage with others, and participate in a spirit of mutual support.

This approach is intentional. Research shows that people are exposed to thousands of advertisements every day. Most are ignored. Hive Networking breaks through that noise by encouraging authentic storytelling and interaction.

Becky and her team work hard to ensure that each post adds value. They help users craft messages that are likely to be seen, shared, and remembered. The goal is not to sell but to connect. Selling often follows naturally when trust and visibility are established.

Lessons for Aspiring Community Builders

Becky’s success with Hive Networking offers several key takeaways for anyone looking to build a thriving community.

  1. Start with people, not products Focus on relationships first. Trust and engagement will follow.
  2. Keep your platform open Public access increases reach and makes it easier for new members to discover your group.
  3. Support others before promoting yourself The most successful members are those who actively comment, support, and encourage others.
  4. Moderate with intention Protecting the integrity of the group ensures long-term success and member satisfaction.
  5. Embrace growth with structure Rapid growth can be overwhelming. Having systems and support in place makes it manageable.

A Community That Works Together Wins Together

Hive Networking has already helped hundreds of businesses gain exposure and build meaningful relationships. For podcast hosts, restaurateurs, consultants, creatives, and retail entrepreneurs, it offers a rare opportunity to grow through collaboration rather than competition.

Becky’s vision continues to expand. What started as a simple Facebook group is becoming a scalable model for digital networking that could be replicated in communities across the country.

At the heart of Hive Networking is a simple but powerful truth: when people work together, everyone wins. That idea is spreading quickly in Northwest Arkansas, and its impact is only just beginning.