The HUB provides space for connection, empowerment
If a hub is the centre from which other things radiate, Duntroon may seem like an unlikely place for a business hub. Not so, according to Ashley Lougheed founder and CEO of Girl Time Inc and The HUB. Lougheed grew up in the area, attending Duntroon Central Public School. She lived in London, Ontario and Ottawa before moving home in 2015.
“Suddenly, we were considered newcomers and I was craving connection, community and collaboration,” she said. “I found myself connecting with other women who were new to the area, and old friends who were going back to work after having children or starting side hustles. I decided to create events and activities to connect them all.”
Lougheed launched her business, Girl Time Inc in 2020, although she said she had been working on ideas to bring women together for some years prior to that.
“I see myself as an ambassador for women,” she said. “In 2020, there was fear everywhere. I focused on bringing women together in a safe environment.”
The HUB, at 2791 County Road 124 is a new bricks and mortar location for Girl Time Inc. Lougheed’s 14-year- old daughter said HUB could be an acronym for Her Unified Beginning. The centre will offer business events and activities as well as purely social events like a book club, a running club and weekly “coffee and connections” sessions.
“The HUB is not just me,” said Lougheed. “It’s other women and other businesses. If there is something that women want and I don’t have the expertise to facilitate it, I will find someone who does.”
The space includes a cozy meeting space, a boardroom and display space showcasing work by local painters and crafters.
“I looked for four years in Collingwood and Stayner and all around the area for this kind of connection and it didn’t exist. Duntroon really is a hub, connecting Collingwood, Stayner and Singhampton. It’s an ideal location with ample parking and we’re connected to outdoor everything,” said Lougheed. “Our goal is to inspire and empower women through fitness and well being, social and business events.”
The space will be available for rental by community groups. The calendar of upcoming events includes a book launch, an art show and events to celebrate International Women’s Day. Beginning in the New Year, the HUB will host a Girl Code Program for nine- to 12-year-olds focused on developing inner confidence and fostering relationships.
“We’ll be showing them how they can be ambassadors for each other,” said Lougheed.
Memberships are available, or events can be booked a la carte.
“We had women purchasing memberships before we actually opened our doors on Nov. 1. There are currently 63 members of our ‘Women of the Round Table,’ a group of women in business and leadership that meets regularly to discuss business and personal issues. Recently, a group of 21 women gathered for a social event to discuss issues around menopause. Annual memberships are currently offered at $33.30 per month. “I am not fixated on numbers to measure my success. One of the greatest compliments I’ve every received was from a woman who said you created a warm space where I can relax and be myself.”
Lougheed has a three-year lease on the Duntroon space and is hopeful that before it’s time to renew, The HUB will be looking for larger premises. Her vision is that eventually, it will expand to include work spaces for female professionals.
For more information, visit www. girltimeinc.com.
