Building the Little Village
When you’re creating something new — truly new — there’s this strange in-between stage where the idea feels so clear and exciting to you… but almost no one else sees it yet.
That’s where Little Village Learning Center is right now.
Recently, a woman reached out, full of enthusiasm about offering cooking classes for kids. I was thrilled. We’ve gotten so much interest in an offering like this, and I just know there are great people in town who would be amazing at it. I could already imagine the aroma of cinnamon, the little hands stirring batter, the joy of trying something new. I love the idea of neighbors inspiring the kids of our city in ways that make Turlock an even more wonderful place to grow up.
So I told her what we do:
- that Little Village is a directory for independent tutors and instructors who run their own businesses,
- that we’re a place where families can find them,
- that classes, locations, and pricing are all up to the tutors themselves.
And her reaction was… a pause.
A polite, “Oh… that’s a new concept.”
And you know what?
She’s right. It is a new concept.
And because it’s new, not everyone immediately understands what I’m building.
To be totally honest?
We’re not “slowly filling” with tutors yet.
We have one wonderful person who signed up early — one believer who saw what I’m trying to build right away — and that’s where things stand for now.
I’m thrilled and honored to be building a profile for her so the city can see what a treasure she is.
But here’s what I keep reminding myself:
Every village starts with the first house.
Every movement starts with the first follower.
Every directory starts with the first listing.
Being in this stage is vulnerable. It’s easy to feel discouraged when someone doesn’t immediately see the vision or when excitement turns into confusion. It’s easy to wonder if maybe the idea is too new, too different, too outside the box.
And honestly? That’s sort of the story of my life. But I know I’m not the only one who’s ever felt different — who’s ever felt like someone looking in from outside the box. I know there are neighbors out there who will find belonging in what I’m building. This is for me, and for them, and most importantly: for our kids.
And I know it’s worth building here, in Turlock. We’re a city with a university, a city that values education, a city where learning already runs deep in the community. Our landscape of opportunities keeps expanding, and I truly believe we have everything we need to become known as a place where kids don’t just get by — they excel. Where families feel supported, where tutors and instructors can thrive, and where children grow up surrounded by people who believe in their potential.
And if there are neighbors out there who’ve been waiting for something like this — people with gifts to offer, people who want to teach or mentor or share what they know, but who feel like they’re shouting into the wind just like I am — I hope they hear this: I’m here for you.
I’m building a place where your passion matters, where your creativity has a home, and where the power of community makes everything stronger. If you’re out there, ready to be part of something meaningful for our kids and our city, I’m ready too. I’m not giving up, and I hope you won’t either.
Onward We Go!
When I look at what I want this Village to become — a place where families find help, kids learn and grow, and tutors have the freedom to run their own little businesses — I know it’s worth building, even if the early days feel lonely.
I’m still planting seeds.
Still showing up.
Still explaining the model.
Still inviting people in.
And yes: sometimes it feels like shouting into the wind.
But even wind carries sound farther than we think.
So if you’re out there building something brand new — something no one quite understands yet — here’s your reminder:
Early on, it will feel like almost no one gets it.
That doesn’t mean it’s not worth building.
That just means you’re still at the beginning.
And beginnings?
They’re supposed to look like this.
Here’s to first steps, first houses, first listings — and to the Village that will grow from them. 🌿🪶
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