I left my last job in software almost 2 years ago, and I planned to take some recovery time and then start my own business. Of course, I assumed I’d start a software business since that’s what I was immersed in. But as I spent time less time online and more time with my city, I started seeing ways I could transfer my skills into a project that resonates with my local community.
Hubert’s is a neighborhood creative clubhouse where people gather to socialize and collaborate around hobbies and creative experiments. During the day, the club functions as a comfortable studio with complementary coffee, discounted food, and a kid’s play corner. On weekends and evenings, we partner with members to host workshops and community events in the space. It’s like WeWork but for your side project, or a down-to-earth Soho House.
We finished the build-out in June, and we’re working through city inspections in hopes of opening this summer. I’ve been documenting the behind-the-scenes on Instagram, and the feedback has been immensely rewarding. It feels nice to be building in-person community, especially while A.I. companies poison the social Internet. I’ll always be a technologist, but I’m excited to see how my practices and priorities evolve throughout this next chapter.