Reflections: 3 months in
Somehow, it’s been three months since I got the keys to MakeSpace and I’ve been reflecting on the journey so far. It feels like no time at all and forever all at once. The reality is, this has been a long time in the making. March 2025 was a significant point, where the seeds of an idea began to form at a women’s leadership event. However, with a creative background spanning performance, music, art and photography, combined with over a decade of community building in the corporate world and a more recent personal focus on self-care and wellbeing, it would be fair to see this as the natural culmination of All The Things.
I’ve always been curious and had lots of interests. A few years ago, I learnt that this has a name. Thanks to Emilie Wapnick’s TED talk, I was introduced to the term ‘multipotentialite’ - someone who doesn’t have one true calling in life. I am energised by lots of different things and this can show up as:
Idea Synthesis: combining two or more things to create something new at the intersection (hello creativity, care and connection and the magic that happens when they meet).
Rapid Learning: trying new things can feel more exciting than daunting and failing forward is familiar friend (becoming a self-taught wedding photographer at 30, learning to DJ vinyl at 40 and now navigating a new solopreneur adventure).
Adaptability: Used to playing many different roles and leveraging different skills (great for when you need to be furniture builder, social media manager, web designer, cleaner, teacher, administrator, facilities coordinator…)
The first three months of MakeSpace have taught me a lot about entrepreneurialism so I’m sharing some of those insights here:
Learnings
Prioritisation is key - I dream big. But that isn’t always realistic or achievable. My plans to create a paint splatter space outside definitely wasn't the smartest idea in the throws of Peak District winter. My aspirations to transform the courtyard into a lush space for growing and lounging hasn't transpired (yet). But we quickly had a functional event space with yoga mats, blankets, pillows, tables and chairs for art classes and all the essentials needed to welcome guests and ensure a comfortable and cosy experience for all.
Experimental mindset - These first months are about trying things to see what works. Most of our events have been full days but now we’re exploring shorter durations on different days of the week. We are creating new workshops and trialling content to ensure the best outcomes for attendees. We’re discovering that there is a strong desire from those interested in venue hire to hold shorter, more frequent evening events. The most important thing is to start. To build, measure, learn. If we all waited until we felt ready or certain, would we ever begin?
Collaboration over competition - New Mills has a thriving creative community and I am proud to be part of it. MakeSpace aims to uplift, accelerate and enhance opportunities for creatives and wellness practitioners, supporting amazing people to reach as many people as possible. Through collaboration, we hope to broaden the impact of creative wellness, offering everything from yoga to cacao ceremonies and art classes to soundbaths. The enthusiasm and support has been incredible so far (thank you!) and I can’t wait to see how this evolves.
For the latest news, updates and offers from MakeSpace, please subscribe to our mailing list below. You can also find details of our upcoming events, venue hire and private gathering options on our website and you’re welcome to follow along @makespace_highpeak on Instagram. Thank you for your continued support. It’s great to have you as part of this journey!