Building Real Community: Mackenzie Te'o's Journey
Episode Overview
Building community requires genuine effort and warmth. Fear of rejection is often unfounded; people are likely to accept you. Perceptions can be misleading; take time to know people. Shared experiences strengthen friendships. Find your passion and connect with others who share it.
"You can only be either impressive or known. You can't be both."
Feeling a bit lonely in your adult years? You're not alone. In this episode of Accidentally Intentional, Zoe Asher chats with Mackenzie Te'o, the founder of Bag + Barre Gym, who’s practically the mayor of Sewickley. Mackenzie shares her journey of building a community from scratch when she moved to a new town and opened a gym that relies heavily on human connection.
With anecdotes about brunch outings where everyone seems to know Mackenzie, you'll get a sense of her infectious community spirit. Mackenzie talks candidly about the daunting task of starting a business solo and the fear of not having anyone walk through the gym doors. Yet, she emphasises the importance of creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels seen and appreciated. Her approach is simple: greet everyone warmly, make personal connections, and foster a sense of family among gym-goers.
She even shares quirky tips like offering gum to break the ice when meeting new people. The conversation touches on how perceptions can be misleading and the importance of not judging others too quickly. Mackenzie explains how she overcame initial impressions to build genuine friendships and encourages listeners to do the same. She also discusses the concept of 'deal friends' versus 'real friends', highlighting the value of relationships that are built on shared experiences and mutual support.
If you’re looking to build your own community or simply find one, Mackenzie suggests identifying your passions and showing up with a pack of gum to start conversations. It's about taking control of your loneliness and turning it into opportunities for connection. This episode is packed with practical advice and heartwarming stories that might just inspire you to reach out and find your people.