About Us
Big Heart Social was created to be the kind of place we wanted to see within our community: a welcoming space where people can gather, work, connect, and enjoy being together. We believe everyone deserves a place where they can spend time without pressure or expectations. Whether it’s for coffee, meeting friends after work, or attending an event, Big Heart is your local third-space to be you.
Our Story
A quest for community.
The seed for Big Heart Social began after realizing the dwindling amount of Vermont’s community third spaces (places to chill outside of home and school/work). We envisioned a spot that goes beyond just a cafe or bar, a place where you can breathe easy, hang out, and meet new people.
But this is more than just a vision, and we have spent months crafting a space that encourages real community building. We offer flexible seating options (solo and group, indoor and outdoor), regular social events, and over 100 board games to encourage neighbors to sit down and chat with one another.
Another aspect of community is making sure everyone feels not just invited, but encouraged to participate in our space. We make active efforts to uplift folks from marginalized backgrounds, like showcasing community artwork, establishing a gender-affirming care fund for locals, and fundraising for VT-based nonprofits. We welcome everyone who shares our mission of creating a more safe, kind, and comfortable environment.
“I wanted to create a place where people could come exactly as they are, whether they're looking for connection, community, a productive workspace, or simply somewhere comfortable to exist for a while.”
— Shiloh, Co-founder / ✨ Sparkle Princess 👸🏼
The Space
What began as a search for office space quickly evolved into something much bigger.
While searching for office space for our software development business, we found ourselves thinking about a much bigger opportunity. For years, we had talked about creating a community-centered space where people could gather, work, connect, and feel at home. When the right location became available in downtown Vergennes, we decided it was time to turn that dream into reality.
Together, we envisioned a space that blends the warmth of a neighborhood café, the energy of a community gathering place, and the flexibility of a co-working hub. A place where remote workers can build their day, friends can catch up over coffee, and neighbors can feel a genuine sense of belonging.