Meet Dana Neiger | Small Business Owner/HR Consultant/CHRO/Published Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana Neiger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dana, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
The single most important decision I made, other than deciding to work for myself, was to prioritize my mental and emotional well-being through therapy. This commitment to personal growth not only helped me understand myself better but also led me to learn how to meditate effectively. Through meditation, I developed the ability to manifest positivity both in my business and in my life overall. This shift in mindset has been a cornerstone of my success, allowing me to approach challenges with clarity and resilience.

What should our readers know about your business?

HIVE is a phenomenon. We are committed to bringing the human aspect back into Human Resources. What truly sets us apart is our deep focus on employee relations. We offer a one-on-one program that allows us to delve deeply into the structure of a client’s issues, which ultimately boils down to their people. We take the time to really get to know each individual, building trust and creating a psychologically safe environment where they feel comfortable sharing everything—from personal life challenges to work-related issues. By doing so, we can document and advocate for them when necessary, setting teams up for success, one individual at a time.

This approach fosters an environment of real change. Communication is often the root cause of most problems, and when conflicts arise, resolution isn’t just necessary—it’s required. We approach situations with transparency and maturity, treating everyone like adults. This isn’t always easy, and it’s certainly not always fun, but it works.

When it comes to small business ownership, I often say it’s not for the weary. It’s hard work that never stops, and no one will ever see your company the way you do. No one will ever work as hard for it as you do, and no one will ever love it as much as you do. That’s something you need to accept early on. The level of disrespect and lack of support for small business owners can be eye-opening, especially when you add the challenges of being a woman-owned, Black-owned business. The opportunities for business loans, grants, and other essential tools are far fewer for women and minority-owned businesses compared to what’s available for men, particularly white men.

But despite these challenges, I’m most proud of how we’ve stayed true to our mission and the real impact we’ve had on our clients. We’ve learned that perseverance, authenticity, and a deep commitment to our values are essential. I want the world to know that HIVE is more than just a business—it’s a movement. We’re here to change the narrative around Human Resources, one person and one company at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Arrival & Getting Settled
Breakfast: Highland Bakery – Start with a hearty Southern breakfast. Their sweet potato pancakes and shrimp & grits are a must-try.

Activity: Explore the BeltLine – Take a walk or rent bikes to explore the Atlanta BeltLine, an urban trail system lined with street art, parks, and cool shops.

Lunch: Ponce City Market – Head to this vibrant market for a variety of food options. Try H&F Burger or a taco from Minero.

Activity: Ponce City Market Rooftop – After lunch, check out Skyline Park on the rooftop for carnival games, mini-golf, and stunning views of the city.

Dinner: Staplehouse – An award-winning spot with a tasting menu that changes with the seasons, offering a unique fine-dining experience.

Day 2: History & Culture
Breakfast: Home Grown GA – A cozy spot for classic Southern comfort food. Their “Comfy Chicken Biscuit” is a local favorite.

Activity: Atlanta History Center – Dive into the city’s history, including the Civil War, Southern culture, and the historic Swan House.

Lunch: Antico Pizza Napoletana – Grab one of Atlanta’s best Neapolitan pizzas at this bustling spot.

Activity: The King Center & Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Explore the history and legacy of Dr. King with a visit to his childhood home, church, and final resting place.

Dinner: The Optimist – Enjoy fresh seafood in a chic, coastal-inspired setting. The lobster roll and wood-grilled oysters are popular choices.

Day 3: Art & Innovation
Breakfast: Ria’s Bluebird – Famous for their buttermilk pancakes, this spot is a perfect start before a day of art.

Activity: High Museum of Art – Spend the morning exploring a vast collection of art, from classical to contemporary.

Lunch: Mary Mac’s Tea Room – An Atlanta institution, this is the place to try classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and collard greens.

Activity: Center for Civil and Human Rights – A powerful museum dedicated to the Civil Rights Movement and global human rights struggles.

Dinner: Kimball House – Head over to Decatur for a farm-to-table experience with an emphasis on oysters and craft cocktails.

Day 4: Nature & Relaxation
Breakfast: The Flying Biscuit Cafe – Known for their fluffy biscuits and creamy grits, it’s a great spot for a leisurely breakfast.

Activity: Atlanta Botanical Garden – Stroll through beautiful gardens, the tropical rainforest, and the famous Canopy Walk.

Lunch: Murphy’s – A cozy spot in Virginia-Highland, perfect for a relaxed lunch. Try the crab cakes or the shrimp and grits.

Activity: Piedmont Park – After lunch, walk over to Piedmont Park. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon with stunning skyline views.

Dinner: Two Urban Licks – This industrial-chic restaurant offers great views and delicious wood-fired dishes. Their salmon chips are a must-try.

Day 5: Shopping & Music
Breakfast: Café Intermezzo – Start the day with a European-style breakfast at this charming café. The crepes and coffee are excellent.

Activity: Buckhead Shopping – Spend the morning exploring the upscale shops at Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square, or discover unique finds at the Shops Buckhead Atlanta.

Lunch: South City Kitchen – Head to Midtown for upscale Southern cuisine. The fried green tomatoes and chicken & waffles are standouts.

Activity: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (depending on schedule) or visit the Fox Theatre for a tour of this historic venue.

Dinner: Gunshow – For a unique dining experience, this spot offers a rotating menu where chefs bring dishes directly to your table to choose from.

Day 6: Adventure & Fun
Breakfast: West Egg Café – Start with Southern comfort food with a modern twist. Their pimento cheese grits and fried green tomatoes are delicious.

Activity: Six Flags Over Georgia – Spend the day enjoying thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and entertainment at this popular amusement park.

Lunch: Six Flags Park Dining – There are plenty of options inside the park to grab a bite while on the go.

Activity: Continue enjoying Six Flags or head to the nearby Sweetwater Creek State Park for hiking if you prefer nature over rides.

Dinner: Canoe – Located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, this restaurant offers a serene dining experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Day 7: Farewell Day
Breakfast: Sun in My Belly – A cozy, artsy spot in Kirkwood for a delicious breakfast. Try the stuffed challah French toast.

Activity: World of Coca-Cola – Learn the history of the world’s most famous beverage and sample Coke products from around the globe.

Lunch: Krog Street Market – End the trip with a visit to this trendy food hall. Choose from a variety of vendors offering everything from sushi to BBQ.

Activity: Georgia Aquarium – Spend the afternoon exploring one of the world’s largest aquariums, where you can see everything from beluga whales to whale sharks.

Dinner: Aria – Finish the week with an elegant dinner at this refined Buckhead restaurant, known for its contemporary American cuisine.

This itinerary offers a balance of fun, relaxation, and cultural immersion, with a variety of dining experiences to keep things exciting in and around Greater Metro Atlanta, GA!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my husband and son—our family may be small, but we are a mighty three! Their unwavering support has been the backbone of HIVE’s success, and without them, none of this would be possible.

I also want to acknowledge my HR mentor, Joanne Mocny, who has been a guiding force in my life even before I started my HR career. Joanne was the first woman to become an Executive leader with a Japanese company at Mitsubishi Electric, where she served as my father’s HR Director when he was Corporate in-house General Counsel. Her trailblazing spirit and mentorship have been invaluable to me.

Lastly, I want to thank all the incredible women who have supported both me and HIVE along the way. Your encouragement has made a world of difference—because as we know, NO HATE makes things great!

Website: https://www.hivetaf.com

Instagram: @hivetaf

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-neiger/

Twitter: @hivetaf

Image Credits
Ben Lipford