Located in the heart of east Portland, Oregon, VIDA Coworking opened over the summer to help working professionals Make Life Work for their hectic schedules. We spoke with founder Melanie Marconi to learn more about VIDA and what her space is offering the local community.

Why did you decide to open a coworking space?

I was inspired to create VIDA after I tried to find a coworking space that integrated important aspects of my life—children, yoga practice, and health and wellness. I couldn’t find what I was looking for in a coworking space. 

What kinds of amenities do you have? What makes your space unique?

Our space is just under 15,000 square feet. Our amenities are designed to Make Life Work for our members. This includes drop-in childcare, daily fitness classes, onsite health and wellness practitioners, a monthly life-coaching session, and a member concierge.

What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?

We love the energy of our community and the ability to really enhance and support each of our members’ lives.

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

We were surprised how social it is! After working from home for many years, it was a bit of a switch to have “work” be engaging with members and guests. It was such a lovely surprise, which maybe should not have been so surprising.

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

The very first week VIDA opened one of our founding members landed the biggest deal of her career. She credited it to being in her new office and the supportive and professional vibe in the space. Since then, we have called it “VIDA Magic,” and we see inspirations of it every day.

What advice do you have for someone who’d like to open a coworking space?

Have a nice cushion of funds at the ready. There are always so many things to buy!

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