Harper Spero, Founder of Made Visible

Name: Harper Spero

Company: Made Visible

Instagram | LinkedIn | Podcast

In less than three sentences tell us about your company and what you do. 

After a life-altering surgery and living in shame with a rare immunodeficiency, I launched Made Visible, which began as a podcast to help others share their stories of life with an invisible illness. Since then I've launched writing classes for people with living invisible illnesses as well as work with companies to create more inclusive environments for their employees who are often afraid of disclosing what they're living with. The goal is for those living with invisible illnesses to feel more seen, heard and supported and for those not currently affected to learn more and become more compassionate.

At what point did you make your company a full time gig? How did you know the time was right?

In 2014 I went through a coaching training program while working a full-time job. When I completed the program, I was about to launch my business website to see if anyone would be interested in working with me while I had the foundation of a full-time job. The week I went to launch the site, my boss said things were changing at the company and asked if I would be open to freelancing instead -- I couldn't have been happier. I'd never believed in manifesting until that moment -- I had the opportunity to build my business and have some income, on my own terms while I got my feet on the ground.

What is something you do differently from the industry standard? 

Between my coaching business and Made Visible -- I am working with the underrepresented. There are not a lot of resources for solopreneurs who do not have financial backing or resources to scale rapidly and widely so my goal is to help them build and grow in manageable ways with the resources, time, money and energy they have. With Made Visible, I have created something that entirely hasn't existed before. There was no invisible illness podcast before mine -- atleast ten launched after and none still exist. It's an industry that is not being invested in enough so I'm trying to shine a light on these stories and help companies recognize the importance of supporting those with invisible illnesses.

How do you support other female founders and women in business? 

My coaching business is 99% female solopreneurs and small business owners who I support in helping to brainstorm, launch and build their businesses. With Made Visible, I created a platform to help mostly women share their stories connected to invisible illness to feel less alone and more empowered. I've featured FoundHers such as Genevieve Gorder, Ally Hilfiger, Este Haim of HAIM, Aliza Licht, Jennifer Pastiloff, Serena Wolf and other notable guests on the show.

What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?

I worked eight jobs in ten years before starting my business in 2014. I've been business coaching for several years along with building Made Visible. Being a FoundHer means I can create and pivot as often and however I'd like, with the support of amazing other female founders and friends, all while managing my health and mental health.

Do you want to share your story and advice with the Dear FoundHer… community?  CLICK HERE to submit your information. 

Follow us on Instagram @dearfoundher and join our Facebook community for more conversation. 

Make sure you tune in to Dear FoundHer… for new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.