Ben Hawes HQ: Who’s She And what is she doing here? brief introduction to my new personal website and… why.
Okay, you caught me—I’ve been reflecting on my place in the world again. Don’t tell my mom!! 😂 (I’M KIDDING!)
I want to share the thought process behind switching up my brand and website. About a year and a half ago, I had a conversation with Kelly and Stephanie—two of my all-time besties.
I had some new ideas for a project I wanted to launch, and I was asking for feedback, but deep down, I wasn’t ready to hear it and I guess I didn’t know how to navigate showing someone something new, while balancing the art of receiving feedback I’m not ready for. Long story short, it turned into a big emotional moment for me. Sending them a dramatic voice memo, crying, sharing my struggle with feedback’s relationship to new ideas.
I felt challenged, scared, and unsure about how to move forward with the project. I shared these feelings with them, and Stephanie told me something I’ve been working on embracing ever since. She said something like…
“You are the only one I know who is working so hard to connect your passions with your work. You are the only one being this intentional about that kind of alignment. And YOU are the only one who knows what direction to take—YOU are leading us. You are the pioneer.”
When she said that, it stopped me in my tracks. What do you mean I’m the only one who can carve my path? You’re telling me a coach can’t tell me what to do next? A teacher can’t come in with the next steps? It was a big moment of realization—and one I wasn’t quite ready to face at the time.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve absorbed a LOT of feedback—about my social media presence, my businesses, and my comedy career. Much of it has been helpful, but I’ve also learned something critical: no one has done exactly what I want to do. And that’s actually… cool! And special!
Enter Ben Hawes HQ
This year, I’m planting my flag and making a shift. I’m introducing you to my new home on the internet: Ben Hawes HQ.
Let’s talk about why.
I never felt fully connected to Laugh With Ben, and I think it showed. It didn’t encompass all that I am—we’re not always laughing! Even my comedy does more than make people laugh. If you’re friends with me, you know I’m more than funny—I’m a lot. And if you’ve followed me for more than five minutes, you’ve seen that I’m always coming up with new ideas. I’m constantly creating, building, evaluating, and adjusting. And I’ve finally embraced that as my superpower.
I’ve realized: If you can’t niche down… get an umbrella.
This page is my umbrella. Moving forward, Ben Hawes HQ will encompass all that I do, sharing more of the behind-the-scenes of my creative journey—the wins and the losses, the frustrations and triumphs, and everything in between. And above all… it is what I personally want it to be!!! Because like Stephanie says, I am the only one who knows where to take this, and I am the pioneer!
Why HQ?
I chose “HQ” because this is the headquarters for all things Ben Hawes. Imagine stepping into my big creative office, where I’m giving you a tour of the departments: Comedy, Podcasting, Social Media, Photo Boothing, and the Department of Fun New Ideas.
This space isn’t just about showing the polished final product—it’s about the process. It’s about showing what it takes to do what I do, to create, to grow, and to pursue bold ideas.
So grab a drink, find your seat, and get comfortable—because the show, meeting, session, party, or brainstorming is about to begin. I’m so excited to share this next chapter with you.
Welcome to Ben Hawes HQ. May we all find the boldness to chase our dreams.
