Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a community-focused business from the ground up? A place where the simple act of enjoying a cup of coffee goes beyond the drink, serving as a catalyst for connection and creative gathering? In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I explored this question with Jill Law, owner of Social Grounds, a unique coffee shop and community hub in the community of Oakridge in Calgary, Alberta.
Jill’s journey of creating Social Grounds wasn't just about starting another coffee shop. It was born from a sense of purpose and a desire to contribute to her community. With over 17 years of experience as a realtor, Jill found that while real estate provided flexibility, she yearned for deeper community connections. This longing, compounded by encouragement from family and friends, led her to create a place where people can gather, socialize, and create together.
What does it mean to run a community-centered business like Social Grounds? For Jill, it involves being a barista, events coordinator, and social media manager, among other roles. Despite the challenges, she has discovered her own capabilities and resilience through this process. 
Jill's emphasis on community extends to the products sold within Social Grounds, which feature locally sourced goods from Canadian small businesses. This not only supports local entrepreneurs but also ensures that the shop can contribute positively to the wider community.
Jill advises those wanting to start their own community-focused business to "really like people" and emphasizes passion over profit. Her story is a testament to the power of community and connection, highlighting how businesses can be both successful and meaningful when rooted in genuine care and love for the people they serve.
 
Listen in as we talk about:
01:00 Meet Jill Law
03:44 The Heart of Social Grounds
08:27 Learning As You Go
10:30 Turning Missteps Into Lessons
12:27 Listening to the Community
13:57 More Than Just Coffee
17:20 A Business with Purpose
18:28 Growing at the Right Pace
19:42 People Are What Matters
22:11 Expanding With Intention
24:32 Family and Life Lessons
26:25 Love People, Love the Work 
27:22 The Best Teacher
29:54 Proud of It All
32:51 Learning from Martha Stewart
34:18 Sharing Skills and Gifts
36:55 Kindness and Passion in Learning
 
Connect with Jill:

Website: https://www.socialgroundsyyc.ca/
LinkedIn: Jill Law
Instagram: @socialgroundsyyc
Facebook: Social Grounds
Visit Social Grounds!

#11 3109 Palliser Dr. SW, Calgary, Alberta



 
Connect with Tiana:

Website: https://tianafech.com
LinkedIn: Tiana Fech
Instagram: @tianafech 
Facebook: @tianafech 
Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course 

 

THE HEART OF SOCIAL GROUNDS
“I may not know anything about running a business, about coffee or running a fitness studio, but I do know the need for connection.”
Jill shared that the dream of Social Grounds had been brewing for years before it came to life. As an entrepreneur at heart, she saw the lack of a true gathering place in Oakridge and the surrounding neighborhoods, despite thousands of residents, and felt compelled to create one. Her journey to opening the doors was shaped by experiences in real estate, community associations, and even accounting. Each role gave her something unique: the hustle and responsibility of real estate, the joy of planning events and fostering community through associations, and the organizational and leadership lessons from working with a supportive employer. Together, these threads built her confidence to take the leap into creating a space centered on people and connection even wi...