Today marks the grand opening of Collaboration Space of Hampton Roads and we’re so excited to welcome them to the Proximity Network! Located in Yorktown, Virginia, this coworking space offers affordable prices, a podcast room, and even business coaching! We recently caught up with Courtney Riley, Director of Marketing and Business Development to learn more about their story.
When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
The Collaboration Space of Hampton Roads is owned by Timorah Beales and Vibha Butai. They knew each other through networking in the local community. Timorah was in the process of reshaping her business, and Vibha had been in discussions with me about her desire to become a business owner (she was in corporate work at the time). I met with them individually and encouraged them to make the jump. I invited them to a sit down with me and talked them through how a space would work and what it would do for their community. They loved it and decided to launch. This all happened about six months ago now. We worked through logistics, a budget, a marketing plan and rolled it out about a month ago. They’re already picking up members, and doors open on May 29, 2019!
Tell us about your space. How big is it? What kinds of amenities do you have? What sort of quirks make it special?
It has an amazing event space! The style is designed by Timorah, who is also a high-end photographer and has impeccable style, so the furniture and look of the space is gorgeous. It’s perfect for members to meet with clients and prospects, and give off an elite vibe. It is the ONLY coworking space in that city and was much needed. There are flex offices, private offices, private offices you can rent by the hour/day, conference rooms and a podcast room.
What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
The community that’s built! As entrepreneurs ourselves, we know how important it is to have a tribe, that is what coworking provides.
What has been the most surprising/unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?
Well, the Collaboration Space of Hampton Roads is just getting started, but we were surprised to see so much excitement before we even launched.
What’s your favorite story about one of your members?
One of our founding members is launching her brand new business alongside us, and opening officially the same day we do! We’ve really been able to encourage each other.
What is your biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to open a space?
Don’t get too stuck on your initial plan, be open to changing and morphing into what your members and community actually need. Keep communication with them wide open and make sure each decision you make is in THEIR best interest.
Don’t get too stuck on your initial plan, be open to changing and morphing into what your members and community actually need. Keep communication with them wide open and make sure each decision you make is in THEIR best interest.