Women-only co-working spaces popping up in several cities
Working from home certainly has its perks, but in the past few years, co-working spaces have become a desirable alternative for those who like independence mixed with a pleasant space, some networking opportunities, an officelike environment and a bit of social interaction. Oh, and good coffee.
Despite the benefits, many female entrepreneurs weren’t sold on their shared environments, perhaps because many of the spaces were dominated by men.
Enter women-only co-working spaces. In the #MeToo era, as conversations about workplace harassment grow, these hubs aim to offer a safe and supportive work environment for women and people who identify as non-binary.
As Minneapolis-based The Coven notes on its website, “Our business is designed to provide services that allow our members to reclaim their time and be any version of themselves.”
Of course, the women-only model isn’t just about creating a safe space, it’s also about “good business sense,” as Hera Hub founder Felena Hanson told CNBC.
“We ... have confidence that women-owned businesses are the key to the next wave of U.S. prosperity,” the Hera Hub website states. And female co-working spaces help foster that prosperity with perks, amenities, expert advice, a support network and smartly designed spaces that you’ll want to spend time in.
Whether you’re a woman building your business as a solopreneur or working with a team, here are five spaces that could be just the environment for your success.
The Wing
The most well-known on the list, The Wing, has been soaring since opening its first space in 2016, having raised more than $40 million from investors including WeWork and SoulCycle founders Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler.
The Wing’s locations are an Instagram-worthy dreamland of blushcolored, mid-century modern furniture and light-filled open spaces. But the offerings are more than visual. In addition to the long list of amenities, including a lactation room, showers and a library, The Wing hosts regular events and scores big names, such as Hillary Clinton as speakers. And it’s growing rapidly.
In addition to the three locations in New York, The Wing has a space in Washington and more coming in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Toronto and Seattle.
Price: $215 per month or $2,350 a year for a single location; $250 per month or $2,700 a year for all-access.
The Coven
The Coven came to fruition via a crowdfunding campaign, raising about $315,000 from 284 backers.
The Minneapolis space, which opened this year, offers female and non-binary members amenities such as a prayer room, beauty bar, concierge service and organic snacks from a local community co-op, as well as a calendar full of smart events and useful classes.
And it all takes place on two floors of a historic building designed so beautifully (by women) that it looks more like a trendy home in a magazine than an office.
Price: $200 per month or $2,200 a year.
evolveHer
EvolveHer’s minimalist design (bright white tables, gold accents, uncluttered bookshelves and greenery) is the perfect antidote to your always-full inbox.
The Chicago co-working office is a 5,000-square-foot loft that includes conference rooms, spaces for photo shoots and an open floor plan room with various areas to gather and work.
EvolveHer also offers an online member network, child care through a partnership with another local business, a book exchange, discounts for partner events and more.
Price: $100-$389 per month.
Hera Hub
Hera Hub has been in the game since its San Diego launch in 2011, steadily working toward its goal of supporting more than 20,000 women in business by 2020.
The company has co-working spaces in California, Washington, Phoenix, Arizona, and Sweden with more coming soon in Atlanta, Seattle and Houston.
In addition to the office space, Hera Hub is a business accelerator, offering support for businesswomen, including gurus who share their expertise in one-on-one sessions and a Writers’ Lounge led by a professional writer. Price: Varies by city (check individual locations for pricing).
Quilt
If you’re feeling torn between the work-from-home life and an office environment, Quilt might be the solution.
The company was launched in 2017 and connects women on and offline. Members can attend facilitated conversations in women’s homes, post in online groups or connect one-on-one through the member directory.
Quilt also offers a calendar of coworking sessions, tea chats, learn shops, side-hustle Saturday events and more in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you’re feeling inspired, you can apply to be a host and lead a session in your home. Price: $79 per quarter or $199 a year.