Today we’d like to introduce you to Celeste Elliott.
Hi Celeste, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve known for years that I wanted to create a space for people to come together and learn skillsets that may have skipped a generation. My grandmother had many skill sets, such as sewing, canning, and cooking. Unfortunately, she passed away early in my life, and I wasn’t able to learn those skill sets from her as I had hoped. When my children were born, I desperately wanted those skill sets so I could do for them as she did for me, like sewing cute outfits and making the best biscuits ever. I had to look forever for classes to teach me how to do those things, and I realized quickly that there was a need in our community for somewhere to learn those skill sets. Years later, when the pandemic restrictions were lifted, I volunteered to be a member of Central’s Main Street Advisory Board, where I volunteered at the Farmers Market. I met so many people who had moved to the area and were struggling to meet like-minded individuals to become friends with. I strongly desired to provide that space for my community while filling that need for a learning environment. Thus, the thought process behind The Collaboration Station was born. We provide instructor-led workshops and classes on so many topics. Every week is different with our offerings, and we proudly host small business owners, artists, and skills-based individuals to teach our workshops. We love providing a place to showcase their talents and share their knowledge with others.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Opening the business has been a bumpy road. We struggled initially to find a vacant space in town that would work for our concept. Thankfully, we have a tight-knit community, though, with locals who care, and another local business owner, Will Mullinax, gave us a tip that the building we are in now was vacant and gave us the contact information of the building owners. I had driven past the building dozens of times and never paid it any attention, so I am forever thankful to Will for being my sounding board and making the recommendation and connection. We met with the owners, who were the most wonderful people ever, proposed our business idea, and eventually became partners with them. They believed in the idea, knew the good it could bring to our community, and supported us immensely. Unfortunately, the building was an absolute mess and needed a complete renovation. My husband and I, along with our three kids, Abby, Braxton, and Brock, spent every free moment possible renovating every square inch of the space over the summer. We spent our entire summer covered in dirt and sawdust. We wanted to give up so many times, but we knew our vision was what was right, so we just kept working. We received our official occupancy and business license certificate on December 15th and hit the ground running. We just thought we were busy when the place was under construction! It has been a whirlwind in the 2 short months we have been open, and we have loved every minute of it.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
This passion project was my retirement job. I have worked full-time with the Army for 18.5 years, most recently as a Human Resources Manager. I also work as an adjunct instructor with Tri-County Technical College for their business department and instruct various courses. I knew I didn’t want to use any of the degrees I had obtained to work in an office upon my retirement, and I kept pondering what I wanted to be “when I grew up.” I am proud to have served my country and blessed to be able to retire at a young age. I am even more thankful that I can now use my skillsets and background to serve my community and provide them a space to come together and learn while supporting each other.
We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking.
I’m known to be a risk taker, but this business was a massive risk for me and pushed me far outside of my comfort zone. I appreciate having a known outcome, and this venture was completed in unknown territory. I often asked my husband if it was the silliest idea ever because I feared it would be a total flop. He just kept assuring me that it would be a hit and it was exactly what the community needed, so I just needed to stop doubting myself and take that leap. I’m so thankful I listened to him.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://centralcollaboration.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_collaboration_station/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecollaborationstation
