Tracey Starrett left her corporate HR job to do something many bookish people have fantasized about: open a bookstore. Tracey’s journey with the Stirling Book Company has lots of relatable lessons for anyone with a dream business percolating in the back of their mind. In this episode of I Left the City, she talks about making the leap into entrepreneurship later in life, how small personal touches are the way to beat big competitors, and why right now might be the perfect time to start a business in Hastings County.
Listen below, watch on YouTube, or read on for a few highlights.
Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship
Tracey’s journey from the corporate world to owning her own bookstore began with a longtime dream. After years of thinking about opening a bookstore, a few serious conversations with other small business owners finally gave her the confidence to move forward. Finding the perfect recently renovated storefront in Stirling sealed the deal.
The Power of Personal Touches
Tracey believes in the power of personal touches and community involvement to stand out against larger competitors. By hosting bookish events, partnering with local businesses, and getting to know the regulars and their taste in books, Stirling Book Company has quickly embedded itself in the community. These personal touches emphasize the charm of small-town business and contribute to the store’s growing success.
A Great Time to Start a Business in Hastings County
Tracey wholeheartedly recommends Hastings County for aspiring entrepreneurs. She highlights the availability of retail spaces with historic charm, the supportive community, and the buy-local trend that’s helping small locally-owned businesses. Further, Hastings County has been attracting new residents from the GTA and elsewhere that are looking for a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and services that aren’t currently available. It’s a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to fill the gap.
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Next time on I Left the City, we hear from Paul Kite, a software entrepreneur who bought an art gallery in Tweed. Follow or subscribe on Soundcloud, Apple, Spotify, or YouTube to be notified when the episode drops.
