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:

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 

“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 without prior experience in coffee or business ownership. The heart of Social Grounds is all about community. You don’t need to have all the answers to start something meaningful. You just need to see the need, trust your strengths, and take that first step.

Jill opened up about what it’s really like to juggle all the roles that come with running Social Grounds – from barista to bookkeeper and everything in between. She admitted that at first, many of the tasks felt daunting, but with encouragement from her husband and her own determination, she discovered just how capable she truly is. Whether it’s mastering the point-of-sale system, managing staff, or learning the ins and outs of social media, Jill has embraced the reality that it’s all on her to make it work. What stands out most is her mindset: challenges will always come up, but you figure it out as you go. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start. Confidence grows in the doing.

Jill shared that some of her best learning has come from the moments when things didn’t go as planned. Long before Social Grounds, she tried launching a meal prep business, only to end up with soup spilling down her walls and the realization that it just wasn’t the right fit. Instead of seeing it as a failure, she recognized it as a sign of her entrepreneurial spirit and a stepping stone toward something better. That same mindset carries into Social Grounds today – whether it’s canceling an event due to low turnout or tweaking offerings to better serve the community, she views each misstep as valuable feedback rather than defeat. Not everything you try will stick, and that’s okay. What matters is what you learn and how you keep moving forward.

Jill explained that in the early days of Social Grounds, all the ideas and events came directly from her, but over time she’s learned to rely on the community for inspiration. Now, many local practitioners and residents approach her with ideas for classes and events that align with the same goal of bringing people together. She pays close attention to what the community wants, listens to feedback, and lets that guide the next steps. By staying open and responsive, she ensures the space evolves in ways that truly matter to the people it serves, showing that growth often comes from tuning in as much as taking the lead.

Jill described Social Grounds as a space that goes beyond being a typical coffee shop. Think of it as the “Cheers” of coffee shops, where regulars feel instantly at home and strangers often connect through simple acts of kindness. The space combines coffee with a yoga and wellness studio, a DIY arts and crafts area, and a variety of events, creating a hub for connection and creativity. Jill has also curated a retail corner that highlights local products, supports small businesses, and gives back to meaningful causes. From the coffee and ice cream to the handmade crafts, every choice reflects a commitment to community and meaningful impact, showing that thoughtful intention can turn a business into a gathering place that uplifts everyone who walks through the door.

Jill emphasized that she didn’t start Social Grounds to get rich or famous, but because she genuinely loves people and wanted to give back to her community. For her, building a business is about aligning it with her passions – wellness, fitness, creativity, and connection – rather than simply owning a business for the sake of it. She believes that when a business reflects your authentic interests and values, it naturally creates a space that resonates with others. By focusing on purpose over profit, Social Grounds has become a hub where people come together, showing that the best businesses are built when the motivation is meaningful and heartfelt.

Jill shared that growing Social Grounds too quickly could lead to mistakes, so she’s committed to a slow and steady approach. By intentionally keeping marketing minimal and letting most of the business come from word of mouth and community connections, growth happens organically. She enjoys seeing new people discover the space through reviews and recommendations, all while keeping operations manageable and ensuring systems are in place. For Jill, pacing growth thoughtfully means building confidence, maintaining quality, and creating a strong foundation that can support future expansion without feeling overwhelmed. It shows that sustainable success comes from patience and intentionality, not rushing to scale.

For Jill, the part of running Social Grounds that truly fills her cup is the people. She finds joy in connecting with everyone who walks through the doors – from grandparents reading with their grandkids to a senior who comes daily just to be part of the community. For her, these connections define success, even more than the business itself. She’s also created a small, welcoming corner for kids, giving families a space to relax and enjoy while little ones play with simple toys and books. By focusing on creating a place where everyone feels included and valued, Jill shows that a business thrives when it’s built around genuine human connection.

While coffee remains her favourite part of Social Grounds, Jill’s focus for the coming year is to grow the workshops, classes, and other community offerings, making sure each space is filled and meaningful for participants. She plans to step back slightly from daily barista duties to dedicate more energy to these areas, while maintaining the intimate, community-centered feel of the business. Looking ahead, she envisions opening two more locations, each with its own unique focus – wellness, music, or arts and crafts – always ensuring that each new space feels authentic and connected to her values. Her approach shows that growth doesn’t have to mean rushing; it can be intentional, measured, and aligned with what truly matters.

 ”Life is what you make it. It doesn’t matter where you came from. Your destiny is your destiny. It’s what you make it to be.” 

Jill reflected on how her family has shaped her journey, describing a supportive partnership with her husband – each taking turns to pursue their dreams while supporting the other. Being a mother has been her most cherished role, but starting Social Grounds was also about showing her children that it’s possible to pursue your passions, take initiative, and create your own path in life. She wants them to see that where you come from doesn’t define your future and that you can be a parent, a partner, and build something meaningful all at once. Her story illustrates that family can be both a grounding force and a source of inspiration, encouraging you to dream big while staying rooted in what matters most.

When Jill was asked what advice she’d give someone thinking about starting a community-focused business, her answer was simple: you have to genuinely love people. She shared how the work often means spending entire days talking and connecting, only to come home to family who also want your attention. So, knowing when to pause and reset is key. But for Jill, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. She described the experience as deeply fulfilling, comparing it to the joy of raising children – watching something grow and seeing the real difference it makes in people’s lives. If you’re building something for your community, do it for the right reasons and let your love for people guide you.

When asked about a teacher who’s had the greatest influence on her, Jill didn’t point to someone from school or work. She immediately thought of her dad. What makes him so special, she shared, is the way he treats people: warmly, respectfully, and with genuine care. He has a way of making anyone feel comfortable, remembers people’s names, and lives with a spirit of hard work and generosity. Beyond that, he’s been hands-on in helping Jill build her community space, from constructing the coffee bar to creating unique art pieces that now fill the space with his creativity. Jill’s reflection reminds us that some of the best teachers in life aren’t in classrooms. They’re the people who quietly show us, through their actions, how to treat others with kindness and heart.

When reflecting on what she’s most proud of, Jill said it’s really everything – though she doesn’t often give herself the chance to pause and feel it. Usually, life moves too quickly, with kids, work, and responsibilities pulling her forward. But one day after a high tea event, when the space was finally quiet, she sat down and let the moment wash over her. For the first time, she looked around and thought, “I did this.” It was overwhelming in the best way, realizing how Social Grounds had grown into something even bigger than she had envisioned. The high tea itself has become a special community tradition, filled with fine china, treats, and new friendships – all sparked by an idea from one of their community members. Jill’s reflection is a powerful reminder that while it’s easy to focus on what’s next, it’s just as important to pause and celebrate how much we’ve already created.

When asked who she’d love to sit down and learn from, Jill chose Martha Stewart. She admitted she’s not sure she’d like her personally, but she deeply admires Martha’s intelligence, drive, and ability to build something remarkable. Jill would want to ask her big questions: How did you know when it was time to grow? How did you decide what to do next? And how did you pick yourself back up after setbacks, even something as public as going to jail? What resonates most is Martha’s belief that women can have it all – being a mom, a wife, and a business owner – and Jill sees pieces of her own journey reflected in that. Success often comes from courageously asking “why not me?” and daring to pursue growth even when the path isn’t straightforward.

Jill explained that many of the classes at Social Grounds, like yoga, fitness, and arts and crafts, grew naturally out of her community connections. She first invited a local yoga instructor she knew through her kids’ school, who then recommended others. Sometimes people reach out directly, and Jill makes sure to see a sample of their teaching to ensure it’s a good fit. The arts and crafts sessions started with a mom from the community who had experience leading scouts and brownies. Jill’s not about to teach yoga or how to make crafts herself. It’s about relying on the talents of others and giving them space to shine. Today, Social Grounds offers opportunities for all ages, from kids’ craft time to mom-and-baby fitness and adult-only wellness events. Jill’s advice? Not everything will work out perfectly, but if you stay open, kind to yourself, and willing to learn from others, you’ll keep creating something meaningful.

Jill shared that when it comes to teaching, learning, or starting something new, it’s important to accept that not everything will work out perfectly—and that’s okay. Being gentle with yourself and open to learning from others makes the journey so much easier. She also talked about how much difference it makes to choose something you truly love, because when you’re passionate about what you’re doing, even the challenges don’t feel quite as heavy. It’s a lovely reminder that the best paths are the ones fueled by kindness, curiosity, and a genuine love for the work.

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Today’s episode is produced by VOLT Productions, a full-service podcast production agency helping creators and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their shows. You can learn more about the agency’s founder Simona, their work and their team by going to www.voltproductions.co.