When Paige Blend Berry and Carrie Goudge Dyer launched their business in January 2024, friends weren’t surprised they paid tribute to their collaborative spirit with the company name.
Maven Collaborative was born out of the partners’ complementary skillsets and collaborative workstyles. Berry and Dyer first worked together on marketing, fundraising and special events for The Children’s Shelter. Through that experience, the duo realized they made an exceptional team.
Dyer brought nearly two decades of nonprofit marketing and communications experience, while Berry’s background in entrepreneurship, event management and creative problem-solving rounded out the partnership.
"We realized we had really complementary skill sets," Dyer said. "We loved working together, we were in the trenches together executing events and marketing, and we knew we could get it done with the two of us."
Today, the San Antonio-based public relations and communications firm partners with businesses and nonprofits that need experienced professionals to step in and manage major initiatives—from marketing campaigns and fundraising events to organizational development and strategic communications.
"There are so many companies and nonprofits that really just need a capable third party to come in and serve as extra arms and legs to help pull off major projects," Berry said. "Teams are really lean now, and when you have a big event, a capital campaign or an annual report, we can get up to speed quickly and help them execute without taking their eyes off their day-to-day work."
The partners say their success comes from recognizing and embracing their individual strengths. Dyer thrives on organization, strategy and details, while Berry gravitates toward big-picture thinking, creativity and relationship building.
"Each project, we learn a little bit more about working together," Dyer said. "Paige has big ideas and creativity, and I love details. Every project helps us refine how we approach it."
Although Maven Collaborative is still in its early stages, the partners are already looking ahead. They recently added an intern and envision growing a network of trusted collaborators who can provide clients with specialized expertise.
"We want to be a resource," Berry said. "When organizations come to us and say, 'This is our problem,' if it's not in our wheelhouse, we want to be able to plug in the right people and help them."
Collaborative in Business and Community Service
In addition to their collaborative approach to business, the partners are equally collaborative when it comes to their community work.
Last year, they launched their own podcast, Mavens Talk, to feature local women who are making an impact on the community. Available through Apple Podcasts, the hosts have interviewed a long list of prominent women to highlight the ways in which they are making a difference.
When they’re not juggling their work and families, the partners are volunteering in the community. They’ve lent their time and talents to Women United, the San Pedro Playhouse, The Greater Chamber’s Leadership San Antonio program, the City’s Department of Arts & Culture, and more.
"People really care about San Antonio," Dyer said. "Whether it's through their own business or the nonprofit they're working for, that caring attitude has been the common thread."
That shared commitment to collaboration, community and helping others succeed continues to shape Maven Collaborative's mission—and the partnership that brought the company to life.
For more information about Maven Collaborative, visit maven-collaborative.com. To learn about the benefits of Greater Chamber membership, call (210) 229-2163 or visit sachamber.org.