Jillian Anderson: Pioneering Female-Friendly Ridesharing with HERide
From the Thriving Business Network Podcast: Watch the Full Episode Here
In this episode of the Thriving Business Network Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jillian Anderson, the visionary founder of HERide, a female-friendly rideshare platform. HERide is more than just a transportation service; it’s a mission-driven company that prioritizes safety, empowerment, and community for women. Jillian’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a relentless drive to solve a pressing problem faced by many women in the rideshare industry. Let’s dive into her inspiring journey and the groundbreaking work she’s doing with HERide.
Solving a Problem Close to Home
Jillian’s journey to founding HERide began with a career pivot she never expected. Initially moving to Atlanta to pursue professional basketball, she started driving for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to support her schedule. But what she encountered during her time as a driver opened her eyes to a significant issue: many women shared harrowing stories about feeling unsafe during rides.
"Most women at night would tell me these crazy stories—canceling rides until they saw a woman’s name, or dealing with uncomfortable, even scary, situations with male drivers. I realized this was a problem that needed to be fixed," Jillian explains.
Determined to create a safer space for women, Jillian founded HERide in Atlanta, Georgia, where she now manages a growing fleet of 250 women drivers. Her goal? To complete 40,000 rides a month and redefine what safety and comfort mean in the rideshare industry.
"We’ve already completed 7,000 trips, and we’re growing every single day. I’m just happy to be here and part of this journey," she says.
Hustle, Resilience, and Entrepreneurial Roots
Jillian’s entrepreneurial spirit is deeply rooted in her upbringing. As a student-athlete who played both basketball and volleyball, she didn’t have time for traditional jobs. Instead, she found creative ways to support herself—selling candy in high school, cutting hair in college, and even launching her own clothing line inspired by a nickname from her volleyball team.
"I’ve always had a way of having money find me. I wasn’t looking for it; it just seemed to come through these different hustles," Jillian shares.
But the journey into HERide wasn’t without challenges. From launching the app in March 2020—right as the pandemic hit—to troubleshooting technical glitches and navigating regulatory hurdles, Jillian has faced her fair share of obstacles. Still, her determination never wavered.
"The journey has been up and down, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve learned so much, and I’m grateful for every step," she says.
Building a Brand with Heart
What sets HERide apart isn’t just its focus on safety; it’s the intentionality behind the brand. Jillian and her team—including her co-founder and Director of Marketing, Devon Starks—have worked tirelessly to create a company that feels personal, empowering, and authentic.
"Devon is amazing at what she does. From public relations to building the voice of HERide, she’s been instrumental in getting our brand out there," Jillian says.
Together, they’ve cultivated a brand that resonates deeply with women. From using social media to engage directly with their audience to ensuring every aspect of the business reflects their mission, Jillian has made HERide a standout in the rideshare space.
"When you’re riding with HERide, you’re choosing to be unbothered. That’s our slogan, and it’s what we strive to deliver every day," she explains.
Lessons in Leadership and Growth
As a leader, Jillian embodies humility and self-awareness. She’s the first to admit she can’t do it all—and that’s precisely why HERide has been so successful.
"I’m very self-aware. I know what I’m good at and what I’m not. That’s why I knew I needed a co-founder who could complement my skills and bring expertise in areas where I’m not as strong," she says.
Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is refreshingly practical:
"Trademark your name. If you’re building an app, make sure you or your co-founder have a technical background. And don’t quit your day job until your business can fully support you. Hustle smart, not just hard," she advises.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Jillian has ambitious plans for HERide. She aims to expand beyond Atlanta, scaling her operations to new cities and eventually introducing a mascot or brand representative to embody the company’s mission.
"I’d love for HERide to have a mascot, like Flow from Progressive or Jake from State Farm. It’s about creating a brand that people feel connected to," she says.
Jillian also wants to deepen HERide’s ties to the community. From partnering with local governments to becoming a brand ambassador for the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, her vision extends far beyond rideshare—it’s about empowering women and building a legacy of impact.
"The journey has been tough, but I’m grateful for every challenge. I know HERide is making a difference, and that’s what keeps me going," Jillian says.
Connect with Jillian Anderson:
Website: HERide
Facebook: Get HERide
TikTok: @getheride
Twitter: Get HERide
YouTube: Get HERide
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