What I Learned From Hosting Community Events
What I Learned from Hosting Community Events
This past spring, I embarked on a journey to build a thriving community of entrepreneurs. Along the way, I experienced incredible moments, valuable lessons, and connections with amazing vendors and shoppers. The feedback I received was overwhelmingly encouraging, with many urging me to keep going—and I fully intend to. However, my approach is evolving.
I’m excited to share that I am developing ideas for The HonestChats Chathouse, a brick-and-mortar hub in Temple, Texas. This space will be dedicated to fostering community, supporting local businesses, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for families to connect and thrive. It will serve as a cornerstone for promoting products, services, and meaningful relationships within the community.
But before diving into what’s next, let’s reflect on what I’ve learned.
- People crave a community that supports their passions and purpose.
However, financial pressures often hold them back. Many entrepreneurs need immediate financial returns, which can make building a community from the ground up seem less appealing. - Vendors prioritize profitability over community-building.
While some vendors value the long-term benefits of a supportive community, many are understandably focused on maximizing short-term gains. This impatience can make it challenging to sustain engagement in start-up communities. - Authentic, continuous support is rare.
Many vendors I spoke with shared that past experiences in “community spaces” left them disillusioned. These spaces often felt more like business entities focused on their own growth rather than genuinely supporting their members.
Despite these challenges, I discovered a small, dedicated group of vendors willing to invest in something more sustainable—even if it’s not immediately lucrative. This gave me clarity and renewed purpose: I am committed to building a community rooted in honesty, support, and shared growth.
Moving Forward with HonestChats
The vision for HonestChats remains steadfast: to create spaces, markets, and events that truly support the community in an honest, inclusive environment. While the journey hasn’t been easy, I’ve come to understand that persistence and belief in this vision are key. Even as the market fluctuates and participation wanes, the dream remains alive—to produce something impactful for the community.
This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see how The HonestChats Chathouse will bring this vision to life. Together, we can create a space that uplifts entrepreneurs, nurtures connections, and strengthens our community.