I found myself standing in a grocery store produce section, running into a friend I hadn't seen in ages. We promised to catch up "when summer slowed down." Most of those promises fizzle out.
But this friend—my "yes" friend—actually reached out. Over lunch, when I mentioned wanting to join a book club, she said, "Let's start one." And we did.
That book club became one of the brightest spots of my year. It brought together old friends and new faces, sparked early morning walks, and created the kind of connection that makes life richer.
It all started because I didn't rush past a chance encounter in the grocery store.
Hi there, I'm Laura. 👋
I'm so glad you're here. I share that story because I believe these moments of everyday connection—when strangers become friends and simple ideas grow into something meaningful—are exactly what our world is hungry for right now.
This Is Your Moment
In a world that feels increasingly fractured—where headlines shout division and social media algorithms amplify outrage—we need community now more than ever.
Not the shallow connections of endless scrolling or the "always-on" spaces that burn out leaders and overwhelm members. But real community. Where people feel genuinely seen, supported, and less alone.
There's no single "right" way to build community. Communities are as unique as the leaders who start them. Perhaps yours is a monthly dinner circle, a 6-week online cohort, a book club that sparks lifelong friendships, or a digital space where members support one another's biggest dreams.
Every idea that changes the world happens because someone was brave enough to gather others around it. To say, "This matters to me, and I think it might matter to you too."
Why I Do This Work
Our family walked a difficult road with our son's complex medical condition, and it underscored an important truth. Life’s most difficult moments and challenging problems aren’t meant to be tackled alone. Quite simply, we need each other.
Community is so much more than a mere business model. I believe in a world where:
No one has to figure it out alone
Different perspectives make us stronger, not weaker
Small acts of connection create ripples we may never see
What You'll Find Here
I publish (nearly) weekly with a mix of strategy and heart:
✨ Real-life strategy for welcoming, engaging, and sustaining member connection
✨ Honest insights about what's working, what's not, and why this work matters
✨ Behind-the-scenes stories from The Hive and my client work
✨ Gentle mindset shifts that make community-building feel possible, not overwhelming
I'm here to help whether you're just starting to dream about gathering people or you're leading an established community that needs fresh energy.
My sincere hope is that my words help you trust your own voice and give you the know-how to create a container for others to find theirs.
Looking for something specific?
Explore the Community Matters archive by theme:
Community Foundations – Foundational philosophy, mindset shifts, and reframing what community can be
Digital Wellness – Why community is the antidote to our fractured digital world
Onboarding & Welcoming – How people first arrive and feel a sense of home
Engagement Strategies – Getting members to connect, participate, and stay involved
Connection & Belonging – Fostering relationships and psychological safety
Community Leadership – Avoiding burnout, setting up systems, making it sustainable
Growth That Feels Good – Revenue, visibility, scale—without losing your values
Community Stories – Real-life wins and stories
Your People Are Waiting
Somewhere out there are people who need exactly what you're thinking about creating. They're looking for a place to belong, to grow, to contribute. They're waiting for someone like you to say, "Come as you are. Your voice matters here."
I see too many passionate leaders pouring themselves out, trying to be everything to everyone, believing they need to be "always on" for their community to thrive. But your community doesn't need you to be perfect. The more you lead with sincerity, the more others will feel permission to show up as themselves, too.
Subscribe to Community Matters—it's free because I believe no one should struggle alone, and that includes the early stages of dreaming about community. Join thousands of community builders who share my belief that we're better together.
Ways We Can Work Together
Ready to dive deeper? Join The Hive for ongoing support with other community builders, explore Community Foundations to design your community from the ground up, or book a strategy session to get unstuck on your specific challenge.
"I've taken a million courses—but this is the first one that helped me feel clear, confident, and able to take action immediately. I use what I learned every single week."
— Kat, Community Foundations alum
"There's a warmth and integrity to this space that's so rare. I feel like I can show up here without having to pretend I have it all together."
— Michelle, Hive member
Here's to more spaces where people can be more themselves. Where connection bridges conflict. And to a world where people feel less alone.
That matters. And I'm so grateful you're here.
Welcome to the conversation. 💛
Laura
P.S.
What Readers are Saying
I asked a few subscribers what keeps them reading Community Matters. Here’s what they shared:
“For me, it’s because YOU write it.”
— Nadine
“Your energy is real, and I sense the genuine intent. You invite us into your world.”
— Christian Fleck, Founder of Slow Down Club
“It’s a topic I care about. I want to meet more people who share the interest.”
— José Antonio Morales
That real connection often starts with the smallest decision to slow down and be present.
So much of community-building is just saying yes at the right moment.
Happy weekend, Laura.
My librarian brain LOVES the new thematic archive in this post! Bookmarking this page right now! 💙Thank youuuu! As always...