As WeWork Stumbles, Local Co-working Flourishes

As you may have noticed, co-working spaces have been popping up everywhere, big and small. Raleigh and Durham both now have WeWork, founded in New York, and there are tons of other new co-working spaces opening up everywhere. If the gig economy keeps growing at its current rate, more than 50% of the US workforce will participate in it by 2027. In 2018, US independent workers spent a billion hours per week freelancing.One potential issue with these larger coworking chains is the question of whether or not they can survive an economic downturn. The Wall Street Journal recently published an article criticizing the company’s business model and examines which multibillion-dollar valued company is most likely to fail the hardest. What happens if things change and they are stuck with such a large and extensive space? 

Though the gig economy proves to not be going anywhere anytime soon, it comes down to who you want your dollars to support. WeWork can fit large startup teams and hundreds of members, but what about someone who wants something more intimate for their team of one. Locally owned coworking spaces are the perfect solution. Competing with these larger chains are locally owned spaces designed by members of the community. Today on the blog, we’re sharing 3 coworking spaces that are not only locally owned, but also female owned. 1 of which is for female entrepreneurs only. These spaces all have unique offerings that larger coworking spaces could never provide for all members with such ease. 

House of Work

House of Work is a brand new coworking space located on Golden Belt Campus in Durham, neighboring Bikram Yoga, High-Wire Brewery, Durham Art Guild, and more. This historic building in Downtown Durham marks all the way back to 1901. Golden Belt combines a vibrant local arts community, airy loft living, and modern offices in historic setting, while also saving space for fun.

What makes me most excited about this shared creative space is its natural light photo studio. As a member of House of Work, you automatically get access to this beautiful studio and props. It is also rentable for non-members. For creatives who often need photos of their work or products, this studio makes content creation a breeze. Started by Hannah of Foxwood Studio, her goal is for House of Work to be a space to gather, collaborate, create, and work. Member and Product Stylist, Janet Lucia St Clair says, “I love House of Work because it is truly a collaborative space where business owners & creatives from many different industries can gather and create together! Not only is the space beautifully designed, but the vibe is always welcoming. There is even a rentable natural light studio in the back with props available for use, which makes it easy for me to shoot products for my clients. Also, it’s located in the Golden Belt near yoga studios, cute coffee shops, food trucks and breweries. House of Work is definitely one of a kind!” With convenient location and Nolia Coffee next door, this coworking space is a great choice.

Photos by Radian Photography

The Locality

Remember our feature on The Flourish Market a few months ago? Emily Sexton has since moved locations and added a private coworking space to the back of her store! The Locality, which launched June 3rd, 2019 is part of the new home for The Flourish Market in The Warehouse District, and is a hub for 50 triangle based female entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate with each other. This gorgeously designed co-working space is designed for like-minded women to connect and support each other in reaching their goals. The Locality offers monthly socials for networking and a monthly development class, on top of coffee and retail discounts. Member and Health coach, Shay Miller says, “The Locality is more than a coworking space – it’s an incubator, a community, and a support system. Female entrepreneurs have a different lens on the professional world and the space is tailored with our needs in mind. It feels like you’re working in an exquisitely designed home office with your closest girlfriends – all who happen to be building empires. I accomplish more in my own business and walk out with new inspiration every day.” If you’re looking for a space in Downtown Raleigh and you’re a female entrepreneur, the design and offerings will definitely leave you wanting to join.

Photos by Adelyn Boling

The Mothership

The Mothership, located in Downtown Durham, is another locally and female owned coworking space. The Mothership is a creative community built around the principle of radical hospitality.  Founders Katie, Megan, and Krista created this space to be a “home for good ideas” and they all believe in the importance of having an accepting community to be a part of. This colorful space was made to be a platform, resource, and a gathering place and it has thus far, accomplished all of that. This spot also has a retail section and event space! Even if you are not currently in need of a coworking space, you should definitely check out the store portion to do some shopping local! They carry local vinyl, vintage clothing, handmade homeware, one of a kind jewelry, textiles, and more.

The Mothership is also walkable to many great restaurants, bars, and walking trails. Another great feature is that your membership is extremely flexible. They have SEVEN different membership options, allowing you to pay for exactly what you need. The Mothership coworking offers freelancers, business owners and remote workers a space for their good ideas. This Downtown Durham coworking space is a focused but laid-back work environment where the coffee is free, dreams are welcome, and community is key. 

Are you a member of a local co-working space? We would love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on Facebook at @urbanmj!