Starting Small, Dreaming Big. Why The Hub, North exists
In 2013, when my husband and I were just starting out in our first business, we rented a tiny 10x10 office in a local business park. It wasn’t fancy - one desk, a bookshelf, and a chair - but it gave us a place to dream and build. More importantly, it showed us that even the biggest businesses start small.
As the years came and went, I attempted to attend some networking events and found myself… out of place. The men and women at these events were perfectly nice, but I got the feeling that I was not up to their level. They’d been in business (and probably attending these events) for years. I, on the other hand, had zero experience running a business. I didn’t go to “business school.” I didn’t have employees or a marketing plan. All I had was a nervous laugh and a head full of questions I wanted to ask, but didn’t feel comfortable enough to voice.
So I stopped going. I put on my big-girl pants and thought what we all think: “I’ll just figure it out myself!” And I did… sort of. I stumbled and bobbled my way along for the next 10 years, never reaching out for outside help. Being stubborn, confused, and sometimes scared.
The endless Pinterest and Google scrolling had gotten me to a place in business where I felt okay, but I still had SO many questions!
❓ How do people stick to a content calendar?
❓ How do I get my team to take me seriously?
❓ How am I supposed to know if I’m doing this right?
I’d ask people like my accountant (when I finally got one), and yet there were still obstacles I could not navigate. I’d search online for small business groups and entrepreneur resources and would just get a billion emails and constant asks to purchase things. What I really needed was more support.
Just like so many entrepreneurs who came before me, I thought: “If I can’t find what I’m looking for, I’ll build it myself.”And The Hub, North was born.
To learn more about The Hub, North specifically - what the idea is all about and plans to grow in the future - check out our About Us page.
At the very core, The Hub, North exists to support small business owners in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and beyond. We’re here for entrepreneurs who are feeling lonely, overwhelmed, or put off by the people around them: other businesses, their families and friends, and anyone else with their two cents to give (but who frankly just don’t understand). I want to create a community that is a safe place to ask questions, find resources relevant to your business, and brag a little!
The late-night Googling and Pinterest scrolling has to stop and action needs to replace it.
If you’re feeling alone in your business, if you’re worried you’ll sound “weird” or “stupid” asking questions, or if you just need someone to bounce ideas or wins off of: WELCOME, my friend. You’ve just found your people. 🙌🏻
I hope that you’ll have a look around The Hub, North’s website. Check out some of the entrepreneur resources, small business tools, and startup guides (that I’ve personally used and/ or vetted as reputable), and please reach out if you’re looking for something you can’t find!
Coming soon, I’ll be launching an online small business community that is a safe place for people like you and me to discuss business, make suggestions, and cheer each other on.
And the future? It’s bright! The Hub, North will become a physical resource hub for entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio where small business owners can come to work, learn, and grow.
Rapid-fire high-fives to you 🙌🏻 LET’S GOOO!