Cheers to Adventure: Compendia's Pub-born Concept Elevated by Step App Collaboration
In 2011, under the hum of pub chatter, an idea was born. I, Sam, founder of Compendia (previously SHHHH), found myself in conversation with a graphic designer and two writers, musing over the idea of an app to uncover and celebrate local independent businesses in cities across the UK. Little did we know, this seed of an idea would eventually grow into a global vision. Ironically, despite our initial thoughts of a digital platform, we found ourselves drawn towards the tactile appeal of the physical print, leading to the birth of the SHHHH guide to Norwich in book form. As time passed, the idea of an app never quite disappeared; it was kept in the back of our minds, quietly biding its time.
In the meantime, our work remained rooted in our community. Our passion for promoting local talent, fostering connections, and driving local economies became our mission. Our curated guides have always been about celebrating the unique, the quirky, and the underappreciated, be it food, culture, or art. We believe in the power of independent businesses to invigorate cities and towns, and we've dedicated ourselves to sharing these unique local experiences. In our journey, we've had the pleasure of working with Ark Design Studio, who helped us transform Compendia into a brand with global resonance. They understood our vision and brought it to life, ensuring that we maintained our core focus on promoting local culture and businesses whilst gearing ourselves towards a more universal audience.
Fast forward to now, and the dormant app idea has been rekindled. We were recently approached by Step, a brilliantly conceived social platform that mirrored our original vision and more. After exploring and testing the platform, we were thrilled at the possibility it offered - a perfect blend of digital accessibility with our love for meticulous curation. Joining Step doesn't mean we're leaving behind our roots in print; our passion for physical books remains strong. It's not a farewell to print but rather an expansion of our offerings to embrace the best of both worlds. We're excited about the prospect of giving our audience the choice of flipping through a physical guide or scrolling through an app, as per their convenience.
Step gives us the platform to roll out our carefully curated guides across the UK, Europe, and eventually, the globe. You can expect to find the same level of detail, the same dedication to showcasing the best local independent businesses, and the same Compendia touch you've come to love and trust. This is where you, our loyal audience, come into play. Your support has been invaluable, and we want to continue this journey together. By subscribing to our Step platform, you will be joining a community of like-minded explorers, foodies, culture vultures, and more. It's about more than just accessing curated content; it's about becoming part of a global network of individuals passionate about local culture and businesses.
