Today we’d like to introduce you to Sallie Stone.
Hi Sallie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey towards the vision of The Well started in 2018. I submitted a proposal to the Lakeland CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) to create a unique Business Center and Cowork space with resources and tools to help the community thrive and prosper. As a community advocate, trainer, educator and business coach, I consider myself to be a “solutionist” and The Well would be an answer to the many problems that seemed to prevail in the blighted community of Midtown. It was clear to me that there existed a huge disparity in access to resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. The Well would provide one more solution for those looking for a space to connect, communicate, collaborate and create. I am married to Mario Stone without whom I could not have made this journey. I have one daughter (Darielle) who motivates me to live a life of purpose and to always be reminded that the leaders of tomorrow are watching us today. My mother Peggy Davis is my inspiration and most of all, I love God!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a three-year journey with many barriers along the way. But I knew that the outcome would outweigh the bad and that the need for The Well would be worth more than any challenges that I faced. My focus has been to look at the challenges as opportunities to grow and help others with the knowledge and experience I have gained. I am certain that things happen for a reason and don’t think things are accidental. So, my purpose is extrinsically tied to helping others, especially those who are under served and under represented, find their voice and amplify it in ways that make a positive impact. Sometimes this is mistaken for being MAD. In fact, if I had a dime for every time someone labeled me as a mad black female, I could probably take a long and luxurious vacation. That may sound humorous but I had to take a look deep within myself and figure out how to allow my challenges to fuel my passion. The conclusion that I came to was a personal mantra that I still live by today, “I will succeed because the fire that is inside of me, burns brighter than the fires that surround me.” So, every time I am faced with an obstacle, I think about this. I remind myself of my mission and I realized that challenges provide lessons that lead to success. I try to learn something from every adverse situation that I encounter. Whether the problem is related to finances, politics or inequities, I count it as a part of the learning process and remain focused on my mission.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think my background has been very instrumental in helping me to craft the vision of The Well. I graduated from the University of NC at Chapel Hill with a BA in Journalism and a concentration in Broadcasting. I have worked in the entertainment field and I think this gives me a very unique perspective. I began my career at BET (Black Entertainment TV) in Washington DC. I moved to Florida and worked at Nickelodeon Studios at Universal. I began my education career teaching Video Production at a local High School in Polk County. Having a business perspective helped me create real world opportunities for my students. I have used this very diverse experience to build programs that help tell stories. I believe that we all have a story to tell. Our stories intertwine and impact those around us. Sometimes however our stories are not our own. In other words, sometimes people try to tell your story through a perspective that is not authentically your own. Stories are colored by history, our background our family and our culture. I love to hear stories and I have learned to embrace the uniqueness that we all bring. I think that sets me apart from others. I don’t have to agree with everything you say or do to see you, hear you and connect with you through the stories that make you who you are.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories would be the family time that myself and my siblings enjoyed. I am the next to the youngest child in a family of seven. My father was a Sargent in the US Army and he died shortly after returning from Vietnam. To this day I believe that he died from the effect of agent orange. Both he and my mother were in their early 30’s with seven children. As a single mother she taught us to love and support each other. I was five when my father died but I distinctly remember travelling quite a bit. In fact, all of my siblings were born in different states. I was born in Massachusetts but I don’t recall ever going without because even though we were not wealthy, we had all that we needed. We created games and encouraged each other to always strive to be the best. I am fortunate to this day to have a mother who sacrificed her own needs above her children. My mother was widowed at a young age and never remarried. She is my hero and my inspiration. I remember Christmas in my family was a big deal. I can never recall not getting what I needed and most of what I wanted for Christmas. It wasn’t until I was in my young adult years (my 30’s) that I realized the magnitude of what my mother sacrificed and did without for her children. I am blessed to be able to be her primary caregiver in her later years. She is 84 years old and full of wisdom.
Pricing:
- The well cowork spaces start at $75
Contact Info:
- Email: thewell.lakeland@gmail.com
- Website: www.thewell-lakeland.com
- Instagram: @thewell.lakeland
- Facebook: @thewell.lakeland
