Guest post by DeShawn Brown, CEO at Coworks, a software solution for today’s flex and coworking spaces. (And one of our amazing Coworking Convos partners!)
Hey there, coworking rockstars! 🌟
Get ready to have your minds blown, because the world of shared workspaces is evolving faster than you can say “hot desk”!
Remember when WeWork was the talk of the town? Well, those days are ancient history, my friends. Today, we’re diving into the exciting realm of niche coworking spaces that are taking the industry by storm! 🌪️
Picture this: coworking communities that are as unique as your favorite coffee blend. We’re talking beauty salons, makerspaces, cultural hubs and craft collectives—all reimagined as vibrant, collaborative workspaces. It’s not just about renting a desk, as you know; it’s about creating a whole ecosystem where your members can thrive, connect and chase their dreams.
As someone who’s got a front-row seat to this evolution, I’m seeing some seriously game-changing stuff. These spaces aren’t just tackling the loneliness epidemic; they’re creating lifelines for passionate professionals and entrepreneurs.
Want some examples that’ll knock your socks off? 🧦
1. District Studios in Canada
Imagine a coworking space for beauty pros that’s so in demand, there’s a waitlist to join! We’re talking business coaching, marketing help and spaces that make Instagram followers drool. (It helps that the Founder, Anita Wosniak, was a marketer in a former life.) Like many operators, she created the solution she couldn’t find otherwise.
“Not that there weren’t an ample amount of options for spaces, but I was looking for something similar to a coworking environment that like an accountant, or tech company or startup would. In coworking environments, you might have a receptionist, you might have workshops—I just felt like we didn’t have anything like that, especially here in our city in Canada.”
2. Parkway Social Bronzeville in Chicago
This historic landmark isn’t just serving up tables and Wi-Fi. It’s dishing out a heaping helping of African American culture and community vibes in a historic city that both embraced and embattled its constituents. General Manager Summer Powell has done a fantastic job of building on a storied history while forging new paths.
“We realized a lot of people were working from home or in a hybrid environment, and really missing out on a lot of the social interaction, networking and cultural exchange.”
3. MASS Collective in Atlanta
Picture a makerspace that’s run like a coworking dream. At MASS Collective, they’re all about inclusion and celebrating craft, no labels attached. It’s like the United Nations of creativity, and their ethic is baked in from the moment you enter. Founder and Executive Director Gabrielle Mooney is unapologetic and downright excited by the breadth of culture and skills her members bring.
“When I started, there was one other woman in the makerspace. There was one queer person. Very few people of color. My first initiative was to ask these communities, what do you need? How do we make a safe space for you? I reached out to communities and found a femme welding teacher, Hispanic artisans, black woodworkers. We held events with queer organizations and it just sort of snowballed.”
4. LIME TREE WORK SHOP in England
This dynamic duo of sisters has turned a historic building into a coworking wonderland. From SEO know-how to holiday crafts, they’re serving up events that’ll make your members’ heads spin (in a good way). It’s a master class of member value, all because Cathy Emmins and Sandie Johnston didn’t follow a blueprint.
“We spoke to other coworking operators. We did loads of homework on the trends of the industry and discovered that actually city centers are not where the new ones are coming on board—the need is in the suburbs. And a coworking space just sort of ticked the boxes of what we were trying to achieve. The rest was improvisation.”
The Future of Coworking
These trailblazers show us that the future of coworking is all about creating spaces where people can be their best selves, pursue their passions and build connections that last a lifetime. It’s not about maximizing square footage; it’s about maximizing human potential.
So, my fellow coworking enthusiasts, are you ready to join the niche revolution? It’s time to think beyond the traditional and create spaces that truly speak to your community’s heart and soul. Trust me, your members (and your bottom line) will thank you for it!
Let’s raise a glass (of kombucha, cold brew, or whatever floats your boat) to the future of coworking—it’s looking brighter than ever!
🥂✨
Thanks to our friends and partners at Coworks for the roundup of exciting coworking models! Get in touch with DeShawn and the team for guidance and support with your coworking space software.
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