A New Space In Midtown Allows Collaborations Among Individuals

LAKELAND, FL. — "I want people to look at The Well and see opportunity." A new collaborative space in Midtown Lakeland is committed to providing

LAKELAND, FL. — “I want people to look at The Well and see opportunity.” A new collaborative space in Midtown Lakeland is committed to providing a place for people of all backgrounds to collaborate, connect, and create.

Collaborative and co-working spaces are opening up all across the country, offering clients working spaces and places to connect with other businesses and creatives. Dr. Sallie Stone saw a need in the community and knew The Well could fulfill that need.

“I knew that there needed to be a space that was poised to help grow, not just the economy but opportunities for those who may not have always had an opportunity,” said Dr. Sallie.

In February of 2018, Dr. Sallie proposed The Well to the City of Lakeland Office of Economic Development in the community redevelopment agency department. Over four years later, on Jan. 21, 2022, at 114 E. Parker St., The Well opened for business. “It’s been a journey,” Dr. Sallie said.

The emergence of COVID-19, an increase in construction costs, and personal life circumstances all presented new challenges for Dr. Sallie and The Well. “Just life happens, and so when you factor in some of those things, you certainly have to be willing to know that, but of course, the delay does not mean denial,” said Dr. Sallie.

The Well exists to help people from all different backgrounds achieve their goals. Whether you’re a visual artist, an actor, a business owner, or an aspiring business owner. “I hope that people see or use this space as it was intended—as an enriching and empowering place to grow and develop, scale, or sustain that which you are meant to do,” Dr. Sallie said.

The Well is not solely focused on paying members but also on community members who can benefit from anything from finance to dance classes. The non-profit arm of the well, “Friends of the Well,” is more easily focused on providing free resources for the community.

The Well offers private office spaces, a recording studio, a video production studio, and other spaces for members. The concept is flexible and offers multiple membership tiers designed to accommodate anyone’s needs.

When you walk into The Well, along with the open layout, you will see many elements of water, and this is not a coincidence or purely for aesthetics. “Water being one of those life-sustaining elements is kind of an analogy to the journey. And so it starts with one drop, one idea, one concept that then blossoms into something like a raging river, but into a fluid, flowing concept, “said Dr. Sallie. According to Dr. Sallie, The Well should not be thought of as any other co-working space. The Well is more focused on collaboration and creation than co-working.

“The well is just a space, what goes into the well and what comes out of the well is what’s important,” said Dr. Sallie. She went on to say that The Well is like “a platform, a conduit to get from point a to point b.”

“Being able to connect with others, collaborate, and create things that didn’t exist before is a big part of what the well is about,” said Dr. Sallie.

Though The Well may be a new venture for Dr. Sallie, connecting and equipping people with what they need to succeed is not something she is new to.

“With my background in technology, multimedia, and entertainment, which is where I used to work, and even education training, having been a principal for over 25 years, I have a clear understanding of how we address some of the gaps and barriers that are difficult for young people and businesses at large,” said Dr. Sallie.

Dr. Sallie’s faith has played a big part in her journey of bringing the well to life. “I feel like I have the most blessed opportunity… You know, God has a sense of humor and he’s so amazing that he sees your gifts and talents long before you even realize that he’s putting together a very special package that’s specifically made for you,” said Dr. Sallie.

For Dr. Sallie, seeing others succeed means a lot to her, regardless of how big or small a role she played in it. Serving others is what this is all about. “I think the biggest reward for me is meeting so many different people and having access to resources to help them move towards their goal and reach their goal,” said Dr. Sallie.

“Just getting to know people, it does help to have an opportunity to meet all different people across diverse platforms, not just people who look like you, but people who are very different from you, and you find out just how much you have in common. That’s rewarding,” said Dr. Stone.

Visit Tampafp.com for Politics, Tampa Area Local News, Sports, and National Headlines. Support journalism by clicking here to our GiveSendGo or sign up for our free newsl etter by clicking here.