Tracey Starrett left her corporate HR job to do something many bookish people have fantasized about: open a bookstore. Tracey’s journey with the Stirling Book Company has lots of relatable lessons for anyone with a dream business percolating in the back of their mind. She talks about making the leap into entrepreneurship later in life, how small personal touches are the way to beat big competitors, and why right now might be the perfect time to start a business in Hastings County. Check out Stirling Book Company: Stirling Book Company website - stirlingbookco.ca Stirling Book Company on Instagram - instagram.com/stirlingbookco Stirling Book Company on Facebook - facebook.com/Stirlingbookco About the I Left the City Podcast If you’ve ever fantasized about moving to cottage country, you need to hear these stories. In every episode of I Left the City, we talk to a talented and skilled professional who moved to Hastings County, Ontario to find a wildly authentic life. If you’re inspired to make the move and start a business in a place halfway between Toronto and Ottawa with affordable real estate, welcoming neighbours, and four-season natural amenities, visit investinhastings.ca for startup and relocation advice, commercial property listings, and many other helpful resources for business. I Left the City is an initiative of the Hastings County Economic Development department. It’s hosted and executive produced by Michelle Samson, a former radio broadcaster and economic developer who found her calling when she founded economic development podcasting agency Storied Places Media. As someone who grew up in a small town, moved to the city, then returned, she loves being nosy about where people have lived, and why they chose to build a life and business in Hastings County.