What community means to my collective

Liz Mendez of The Luncheonette shares what community means to her

Community. Collective. Humans in our corner. Our neighbors, colleagues, friends, people we meet in passing.

Community is a big word that can represent A LOT. I tend to need to redefine words often so I can get really clear on what they all mean to me.

I’m grateful to have a collective of humans that are sacred to me and my growth as a leader, friend, sister, daughter, aunt and partner. A lot people notice that I have a a big winged community - which I do and I’m grateful that this nurturing of it is a part the core of my makeup. But, not just anyone or any type of relationship enters my community circle. There is a depth to the relationship, the energy cord, the support and commitment that is required.

I’m excited to launch this series to shine light on my community through another medium! I’ll be sharing conversations and interviews from some incredible humans in my collective here.

And I’m honored to have

Liz Mendez

, author of the

The Luncheonette

, as my first colleague that has allowed me to shine light on everything she is!

Liz Mendez

is the ultimate community member and builder. The way in which she refines and builds community is so special. She is so intentional and committed to those that enter her orbit. Enjoy this Q&A and be sure to give her substack a follow!

Q: How do you define community?

A: One of the reasons I believe it can be difficult to put a valuable definition around this word, is because I want to use it, to define it :) Here's where I'm currently at on what community is to me, with a sprinkle of what I'd like to see it become: 

• a fellowship with shared, and often similar values and goals - which by achieving them through collaborative dialogue and action, all members of a group may heal, grow and thrive. 

Q: What does community feel like for you?

A: It feels like safety and homebase - for those meditation folks out there, not necessarily home because work doesn't have to be like a family, but rather homebase as community feels grounded; community allows us to show up as we are in our personal and professional roles - flaws and all, without apology. It feels like a regulated nervous system, while knowing I'm also responsible for how I show up and impact those around me. 

Q: What do you look for when searching for community?

A: Grace and Accountability. At this point in my career, I'm doing my best to remember that we all have stuff, and to give others the grace I hope they'll afford me. 

Q: How do you participate and support your community?

A: One on one coaching and mentoring with hospitality folks; actual phone calls with other creative folks in all types of industries - from founders to leaders and contributors, learning from our ups and downs, and how to take it back into other circles of our life. Additionally, part of a hospitality association that collaborates and brings resources to restaurants and the businesses serving them. 

Q: What guidance do you have for anyone seeking an aligned community?

A: If you have a feeling about anything in your personal or professional communities, there's a good chance someone else has felt the same way - yet too often we hesitate to speak up and connect over aspects in our lives, which can make bonds stronger. Finding an aligned community means tapping back into and listening to intuition - speak up, reach out - you'll find your community eventually. 

Q: What is one thing that is LIGHTING you up lately about something happening within your community?

A: As humans and a hospitality industry, there seems to be this collective feeling of the dust that has somewhat settled on the last four years, and we've sort of figured out how life works right now. Now more than ever is the time to build in ways and collaborate like we never have before. The personal conversations and business meetings in my network right now feel like planting incredible seeds to address much needed change in this world and our industry - and it feels down right electric. 

You can also listen to Liz’ episode on Hospitality from Within Podcast here.

Connecting with like-minded people can feel intimidating and draining. If you are a leader ready to find your aligned community and help you grow your confidence in your voice - subscribe to Hospitality from Within substack and get a discount code to the “Lead with Confidence” course library and community circle membership!