Try Things That Might Not Work
How a short-lived collaboration helped shape the future of my business
Let’s get something out of the way:
Some things just aren’t meant to last — and that’s okay.
A while back, I took a shot on a local business collaboration. We had honest conversations, shared some values, and committed to growing together. For a little while, it was working. I was helping them with content and marketing. They were giving me weekly pay and full access to their office on weekends to run my own business experiments.
It felt like a win-win.
Until it wasn’t.
But here’s the twist: it didn’t have to “work out” to be a success.
You Have to Try Things That Might Break
That partnership opened up possibilities I hadn’t seen before:
I had a dedicated physical location for my projects.
I was testing ideas in real time.
I was building deeper community ties than any ad campaign could offer.
Eventually, our paths diverged — and it was clear that the relationship wasn’t built to scale long-term. We wanted different things, we had different work styles, and we learned that fast.
But because I gave it a shot, I discovered something huge:
Ghost retail + local influencers = one of the most powerful small business models I’ve ever touched.
Real Space + Real People = Real Commerce
While working from that shared space, I realized I could run multiple storefronts out of one location — no physical retail lease required.
If delivery apps like DoorDash and UberEats just need a legitimate address, then any underused space can become a micro-retail hub. Combine that with creators who already have trust in their communities, and you’ve got:
Clothing pop-ups
Food or drink pilots
Jewelry brands testing new SKUs
Cottage businesses going direct-to-door in their own town
And best of all: you’re doing it with people who live near you, who can show up, promote, collaborate, and evolve the concept in real time.
That model didn’t come from a pitch deck. It came from trying something messy, small, and uncertain.
Local Is Still the Most Underrated Opportunity
We spend so much time trying to get noticed by big brands, venture-backed startups, and national chains that we overlook what’s right in front of us:
your neighborhood is full of people with great ideas and zero infrastructure.
If you’re a creator, local is where your value skyrockets. You’re not just one voice in a sea of followers — you’re the bridge between a business and the community it’s built to serve.
If you’re a business owner, creators aren’t just “content people.” They’re your first investors. They care more than your ad budget ever will — if you build the relationship right.
The Lesson? Do the Thing Anyway.
Even if it breaks.
Even if it only lasts two months.
Even if it makes you realize that you want something else.
That first try will show you the real path.
And you don’t need it to last forever to learn exactly what to do next.
That short-lived partnership helped me refine my whole direction.
It gave me belief in ghost retail, shared space, and community-backed brands. And now I’m all in on that future.
Trying something new is the job. Failure is just the tuition.
