Congrats Balance Space

Founded by three “mompreneurs”, Balance Space in Henrico, Virginia has recently opened its doors as a place for parents to get some uninterrupted work done. Here’s what owner Courtney Buzzell has to say about their new coworking space.

When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?

The idea was originally launched in July of 2017 when one of our owners had her second child and found that she could accomplish more in 2 hours of kid-free time as an entrepreneur than most could in a 40 hour work week (or at least she felt that way). We launched The Balance Space December 2018, as three mompreneurs that know the real value (and challenge) of work-life balance as a mompreneur. We wanted to empower other mommas (and dads) to keep killin’ it in the workplace without compromising on their number 1 priority…the kiddos. It was a great combination of having support from others running businesses while being present for families, coaching and business advice, productivity, time to actually nurse instead of pump, and peace-of-mind from the mom guilt.

 

Tell us about your space. How big is it? What kinds of amenities do you have? What sort of quirks make it special?

We have over 10,000 sq ft of space with 2 lounges, a gym, a wellness area, homework room, healthy vending machine, kids area, catering kitchen, and so much more. Some of the perks include a podcast room, dimming light switches, TONS of storage. Of course, childcare – so kids can be on-site while parents get uninterrupted work time, for meetings and for productivity in general.

We also have a board of advisors that dedicate time each month to mentor our members and provide guidance, they are truly invested in the success of each part of our community.

 

What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?

My business partners and coming to work with my WHOLE self (all the “little pieces” too) 😉

 

What has been the most surprising/unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?

How much time people spend in the communal area to chat and lend support even when they have their own private office. Coworking is so different than “renting space.” It’s building and nurturing a community. Regardless of where the physical space is, what we are building goes way beyond the four (or four hundred LOL) walls of our space. We are empowering people to build their dreams and to teach their mini-me’s that life CAN be a balance.

 

What’s your favorite story about one of your members?

Our first member, Optimum Ed owner, Tom Leahy, was so excited about his office that he began meeting with people in the space before his office was even fully painted. We loved watching give tours of not just his own office, but the entire space with such pride and excitement [in regards to] what the space would do for him and his business. We could FEEL the community already coming together.

 

What is your biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to open a space?

Coworking is about a community not about a space. The space is just one piece of what the community is all about. Build the community first and allow the space to follow.