When people ask what inspired me to create 99active, they often expect some dramatic "aha moment." But the truth is far more organic – the idea grew from countless small, meaningful encounters that showed me the power of coming together. The best connections often happen when we're doing something fun, creative, or even a bit awkward together.

Let me tell you how all the fun began. Before 99active was even a name, I was teaching movement classes. As a Liebscher & Bracht trainer, I got people stretching and laughing – sometimes simultaneously. Picture this: all of us in crazy stretching positions, trying not to fall over. Sounds silly? It absolutely was. But that was the beauty of it. What started as a simple exercise class quickly became a place where people met and friendships blossomed. Nothing connects people quite like shared laughter while trying to look graceful.

From Stretching to Brushstrokes

But that was just the beginning. As an art and creative therapist, I also led painting classes that quickly turned into little adventures. Imagine this: a room full of adults holding their brushes like magic wands, looking at each other as if they'd just been given a secret mission. "Help, what am I doing here?" was written all over their faces. But you know what? That initial awkwardness was exactly what made it all so fun.

One story still makes me smile: A participant came to me and declared with dead seriousness, "Kathleen, I'm about as artistic as a toaster." Three hours later, she was practically dancing around the room, waving her painting like a victory flag. Today, that "toaster masterpiece" hangs proudly in her living room. The best part? Not the painting itself, but her beaming face when she tells visitors, "I made THIS!" – and the new friendships that formed between paint splatters and lots of laughter.

A Vision Becomes Reality

While teaching these classes, I recognized a profound truth: What really connects people isn't the big events – it's the authentic moments of learning and laughing together.

With my background in business consulting and an MBA, I saw a unique opportunity: Why not use my business experience to create something truly meaningful? I met so many talented people – from yoga teachers to artisans – who wanted to share their skills but were intimidated by business hurdles. Their stories inspired me to use my various talents and experiences for a bigger vision.

That's how 99active was born: A platform that combines business sense with heart. A place that enables everyone to share their talent professionally yet authentically with their community – as simple and natural as a conversation between neighbors. Here, skills transform into opportunities, and neighbors become mentors.

Celebrating Everyday Magic

From the start, 99active was meant to be more than just another booking platform. Imagine: a place where your neighbor teaches you how to make the perfect pizza dough (while only minimally dusting the kitchen with flour), or where you finally learn how to fold a fitted sheet – an art previously mastered only by hotel room fairies.

We're not about perfection; we're about genuine moments of learning and laughing together. The scarf from your first knitting workshop might look like it had an exciting battle with the knitting needle, but that's what makes it special. It tells a story of courage, laughter, and new friendships – something you won't find in any store in the world.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Picture this: It's a cold January morning in 2025. While others are still filling their online shopping carts with yet another sweater, two remarkable acts are bringing generations together in our community.

In Martha's cozy kitchen, the 80-year-old master baker is teaching a small group the art of perfect sourdough bread. Between clouds of flour and the warm scent of fresh bread, she shares fascinating stories about her time as a baker in the 1960s. Her students lean in closer as she demonstrates the perfect kneading technique, passed down through generations of bakers. "The dough tells you when it's ready," she says with a knowing smile, "you just have to learn its language."

Meanwhile, across town, Sarah, a 25-year-old digital marketing expert, is hosting a "Social Media for Seniors" workshop. With patience and enthusiasm, she's teaching older participants how to edit photos, use Instagram filters, and create engaging social media posts. "I never thought I could make my garden photos look this beautiful!" exclaims one participant, beaming at their newly edited image. Sarah, in turn, finds herself fascinated by the rich stories behind each photo she helps enhance.

These are the moments that make life special. Not the new sweater in your closet, but the magic that happens when generations connect and share their unique skills. In my next post, I'll show you why such cross-generational exchanges are worth more than any shopping spree, and how you can turn your own talents (yes, everyone has them!) into activities that bridge generations and inspire others.

What Activity Will You Offer?

Maybe you're the only person in your neighborhood who's mastered the art of parallel parking? Or you know the trick to cooking spaghetti without it sticking together (yes, that's a superpower!). Perhaps you're an expert at organizing chaotic drawers or a master of relaxation yoga for morning grumps.

Whatever your talent is – there are people in your community who want to learn exactly that. Let's create a world together where skills are shared like good stories, and where strangers become friends.