HAYVN HerStory Series

March 26, 2026 | Location: HAYVN Greenwich

Melissa Bernstein, Cofounder of Melissa & Doug, Lifelines, and Author

VIP Reception: 5:30pm & Main Event: 6:00-7:30PM

Join us for HAYVN HerStory featuring Melissa Bernstein, entrepreneur, creative visionary, and cofounder of the iconic billion-dollar brand Melissa & Doug.

In this intimate conversation, Melissa will share her remarkable journey of building purpose-driven companies while navigating creativity, leadership, motherhood, and personal well-being. From shaping childhood play through Melissa & Doug to redefining wellness with Lifelines, Melissa’s story is a testament to leading with heart, intention, and resilience.

Guests will gain insight into what it means to build a meaningful business and life, grounded in values, curiosity, and courage, and leave feeling inspired to reconnect with their own purpose.

The evening will conclude with a book signing of Melissa’s newest release, The Heart of Entrepreneurship.

ABOUT MELISSA BERNSTEIN

Melissa Bernstein is an entrepreneur, creative, and mother of six. She’s cofounder of the billion dollar toy company Melissa & Doug and cofounder of Lifelines, a wellness brand offering science-backed sensory immersion products designed to help manage stress, find calm, and enhance well-being. Melissa is the Entrepreneur in Residence for the Inner MBA certification program created by Sounds True, LinkedIn, and Wisdom 2.0, cofounder of the Duke University Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs program, Duke University Trustee, and author of Lifelines, Practice Makes Purpose, and the recently released The Heart of Entrepreneurship.

Moderator: Nancy Sheed, Sheed Communications

LINKS TO EXPLORE: Melissa & Doug, Lifelines, The Heart of Entrepreneurship.

May 5, 2026 | Location: HAYVN Darien

HAYVN LIVE: An Evening with James Frey, Bestselling Author

VIP Reception: 5:30pm & Main Event: 6:00-7:30PM

Join us for an intimate, thought-provoking evening with bestselling author James Frey, one of the most provocative and widely discussed literary voices of our time.

In conversation with moderator Nancy Sheed, James will share the real story behind the headlines—his creative journey, the highs and lows of his career, and what it means to continually reinvent yourself.

Often described as a “literary outlaw,” James has written multiple global bestsellers—including A Million Little Pieces, Bright Shiny Morning, and The Final Testament of the Holy Bible—with more than 35 million copies sold worldwide and translations in 48 languages. His work has sparked conversation, controversy, and undeniable cultural impact.

Expect an honest, engaging dialogue that goes beyond the surface—touching on ambition, resilience, creativity, and the complexities of building a life (and career) on your own terms.

Guests will have the opportunity to purchase and have signed a copy of his latest paperback, Next to Heaven.

ABOUT JAMES FREY

James Frey was called America’s Most Notorious Author by Time magazine, America’s Most Important Author by Esquire magazine, a Literary Outlaw by The New York Times, and a snarling punk with two middle-fingers raised who singlehandedly changed literature by The Times of London. He has written multiple global bestsellers, including A Million Little Pieces, Bright Shiny Morning, The Final Testament of the Holy Bible, Katerina, and Next to Heaven. He has sold more than 35 million books, and his work is published in 48 languages.

Moderator: Nancy Sheed, Sheed Communications

LINKS TO EXPLORE: Instagram, Simon & Schuster Official Page