063: Brewing Connections in Calgary at Social Grounds with Jill Law

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