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Introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?

Hi, I’m Hannah Corbett, a well-being enthusiast, community builder, and founder of Presence&Co, a modern social club designed to help people unplug, reconnect, and become the best version of themselves in Reading, MA.

What made you want to start your business?

I worked in healthcare for about ten years, and I completely burned out. When I got laid off, I didn’t know what was next, and honestly, it scared me. But it also forced me to slow down in a way I never had before. For the first time, I had to sit with myself and figure out who I was without the job, the title, or the constant busyness.

As I was navigating that season, I started noticing something: I wasn’t the only one who felt exhausted. So many people around me were burned out, overwhelmed, and quietly lonely. We were all walking around pretending we were fine, high-functioning, capable, “doing great,” but underneath, we were drained.

I didn’t want to go back to pretending.

I wanted to build something closer to home, rooted in real human connection. A space where people could be human beings, not just human doings. A place where you could show up as you are, learn how to take better care of yourself, and not feel like you had to carry everything alone.

My background in health policy and healthcare operations taught me how systems impact well-being. Presence&Co is my way of building a new system, one that prioritizes presence, community, and human connection as preventative care.

What do you love the most about owning a business in Massachusetts?

The community. Massachusetts is filled with thoughtful, creative, entrepreneurial people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. The support I’ve received, especially as a woman building something new, has been incredible.

What are your favorite small businesses to support in Massachusetts?

I love supporting local independent bookstores like Whitelam Books and All She Wrote. There’s nothing better than wandering through shelves curated with care. I’m also a big fan of family-run staples like Bova’s Bakery in the North End. There’s something special about businesses where you can feel the personality behind them.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?

It’s not that serious. We tend to take adulthood very seriously. Building Presence&Co has taught me that joy and play are strategic advantages. The more we loosen our grip and stay adaptable, and embrace joy in the moment the better the outcome.

If you weren’t in your current position, what would your next dream job be?

I would absolutely work at an authentic wood-fired sauna. I love sauna culture, the ritual, the slowness, the intentional pause. It aligns perfectly with everything I believe about well-being, and it doesn’t hurt that my family has Finnish roots. Honestly, there may still be a sauna chapter in my future.

When you’re not working, what activities do you enjoy?

When I’m not working, you can find me walking in the woods with my Goldendoodle, meditating, baking something sweet, doing puzzles, reading, or spending time with friends and family.

Thank you for sharing more about yourself! Tell us how we can get in touch with you or find you online.

You can learn more about me via my website, Instagram, and LinkedIn.