In my personal life, community has always been something I've strived for. Generous long-term friendships with people who think differently than I do has shaped who I am & how I view the world.
As a business owner, I've learned that community plays an equally important role.
As a start up who has decided not to take out a bank loan and as a company who wants the majority of it's funds to go to purchasing goods from our artisan groups, it makes sense to pool resources with other businesses.
There are so many good examples of community in business.
One example is a space in Waco called the Spice Village that has been around for 15 years.
The Spice Village is a large space made up of several smaller booths where retailers can rent a small or large section, depending on their needs, and use the central check out so they don't have to worry about how to staff an additional location. (We've applied & are on the waiting list to get in…!)
As I'm deciding what's next for Purse & Clutch, I keep coming back to the idea of community. How can I partner with other like-minded business owners to help pool our resources to create an amazing & welcoming space.
Insider tip: I have found a space that just may be the brick & mortar version of Purse & Clutch here in Austin.
And here's where I would love your help:
What are some creative ways for us to collaborate with other businesses & also help meet their needs?
Do you know of any local Austin (or not!) companies who are looking for a studio space to run workshops? Or how about a colleague with a dream to open a niche coffee or wine bar (bonus points if either are Fair Trade!)?
We already have some ideas in the works, but I would love to hear your thoughts on how you see Purse & Clutch use a retail space in a collaborative way to help promote & encourage community.