A Vision Worth Sharing
“Do you think I can get our store open by the end of the year?”
One of my favorite parts of leading The Store is meeting people who want to bring this model to their own communities.
Almost every week, someone reaches out wanting to learn more about how a dignity-centered, choice-based free grocery store might work in their city. It is always an honor to receive those requests.
The reality is that with a small team, we can't always spend as much time with every organization as we'd like. That's one of the reasons we created Core Conversations, our quarterly virtual training series. But every now and then, we're able to carve out time for a deeper conversation, and those moments are always special.
Recently, we had the opportunity to welcome Stephen Groves and his team from Charleston, South Carolina.
From our very first conversation, Stephen made it clear that he wasn't trying to decide whether to start a store. He had already made that decision.
For him, the question was simply how.
Years ago, through his work, Stephen was introduced to Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley and first heard about The Store. The ideas of dignity, choice, and community stayed with him.
The vision never left.
So he gathered his board, packed a notebook full of questions, and came to Nashville.
Stephen and his team toured The Store with Brittney Brown and Emma Sharou. When the tour ended, he didn't head for the parking lot.
He asked for an apron.Then he started volunteering.
By the time they left, they were excited, energized, and more than a little sweaty.
The next day, Stephen and I sat down together. We talked through lessons learned, challenges, partnerships, and what it takes to build something that serves neighbors with dignity and care.
At one point he told me he hoped to have a store open in Charleston within six months.
I remember thinking that sounded ambitious.
But the more I've gotten to know Stephen, the more I've realized that some people have a way of turning ambitious timelines into reality.
Recently, our co-founder Kimberly Williams-Paisley shared that she'd love to see a free grocery store in every major city across the country.
I think Charleston is in good hands.
Stephen, I can't wait to visit The Harbor Store and celebrate with your team when the doors open.
Nashville ✔️Charleston ✔️
Where should be next?
When Stephen Groves visited The Store, he wasn't deciding whether to open a free grocery store in Charleston—he was learning how. Collen shares the story of a leader inspired by The Store's mission and why seeing this model spread to new communities is one of the greatest privileges of the work.
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