admin

Words can’t describe the joy it was to sit down with our amazing yet humble colleague, Jade Petersen. She’s so much more than an accounting assistant. From her bubbly and charismatic personality to her knowledgeable and driven professionalism, Jade is an integral and vivacious part of our team. We are so excited to have the opportunity to get to know her better and couldn’t have picked a more deserving candidate for our Employee of the Quarter. 

Interview by our previous employee of the quarter, Ryan Greenwood.

What is your role at Bond Collective and how do you like it?

I’m an accounting assistant and love it. It’s a good role for me because I get to be behind the scenes but also am involved with hospitality. I get to interact with the members and see what’s going on with both sides of the business.

When did you start working at Bond Collective? What were some of your first impressions?

I started back in November of 2021. Coming from real estate finance, everything was so black and white and mundane. Here we get to have a bit more fun and take ourselves a little less seriously. People are young, they have new ideas, and they actually care. It was a real breath of fresh air!

What were you doing before you started here?

I went to school and got my bachelor’s degree in accounting. Before this I worked for a real estate finance company and the change from doing that to working for a coworking company has been really fun. I like that I’m not stuck to one location or in a boring cubicle. I get the option to switch it up and I love visiting all of the other locations.

Are you typically working in the office at 55 Broadway or do you ever choose to work at another location?

I’m typically at 55 but it depends on the week. Sometimes I’ll get the option to work somewhere else and I might choose to work at a location in Brooklyn.

Is that close to home? Where are you from originally? Where did you grow up?

Well I’m currently in Queens but I’ve always lived in NYC. I moved all over the city growing up living in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens.

Well I’d never mistaken you for anything but a New Yorker… I love hearing your accent coming out a bit!

Yeah! As soon as I tell people where I’m from, they’re like, “Yeah, that’s what it is!”. And we just talk fast, New Yorkers talk fast and sometimes people can’t keep up!

What were your first interests and aspirations when you were younger? What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up?

I always thought I was going to get into something Science-y. I was thinking of becoming a vet or a doctor or something. I always wanted to help people or animals. I started to take some science classes in college and when I got to chemistry, I soon realized that path wasn’t for me. So then I thought about it more and realized I always liked math and was always good at math, so maybe I’ll do something in business and see where we end up! When I looked closer into finance it seemed to be a pretty well rounded career path, opening a lot of doors which was very appealing to me. 

I can understand that a lot. Finance seems like something that is very straightforward and numbers don’t lie. There’s always a solution to a problem and that must be very satisfying and rewarding in the workplace. 

Yeah, I feel like I’m not very creative and more technical and need an answer, so this career path really resonated with me.

If you could make a sudden career change, what would it be?

I feel like if I was good at science and I could finish the right schooling, I would work with animals. I’ve always loved animals and loved helping people and I think being a vet or something along those lines would be super fulfilling.

What were some of your biggest influences in your professional life?

Honestly, I have a very big family, mostly women who have been such great role models in my life. I feel like I have a really large female support group and we all are very close. We all have our own lives and are scattered around but we’ve always tried to be there for one another.

Favorite Bond Collective location?

That’s a tough question, but if I had to choose it would be Greenpoint. From the pink tile, to Jeffrey, everything about Greenpoint is the best.

I love it too, it’s just the coziest. It feels like a warm blanket when you’re there.

Yeah! I think that’s what it is, I think it’s just cozy. That’s a great description. It’s so welcoming, I like how it’s smaller than most of the other locations too and if I have a sweet tooth, I know Jeffrey always has the best candy.

Out of all of your daily duties and tasks, do you have a specific thing that you like most?

I would say when I get the chance to interact with the members and the community teams. I enjoy changing perspectives and seeing what I do behind the scenes and how it impacts the daily lives of our team and members.

You forget to bring your lunch to work, what do you order or where do you go?

Oooh, I feel like it changes and depends on the day. It’s very dangerous because they just put a Whole Foods across the street. Before that, there wasn’t a lot downtown in FIDI but now, since they moved in, I love seeing what prepared food they have available. Really anything from Whole Foods is just amazing!

What’s the best cure for a mental roadblock at work?

Definitely just taking a break, walking away from the computer, getting a nice giant cup of coffee. I feel like that’s always my go-to. When I can’t figure something out, I have to get a cup of coffee.

 I love hearing you say “Cup of coffee.” Your accent is everything.

Do you have any pets?

Yes! I have a Boston Terrier named Skippy. I got him right before Covid in October 2019. 

Cute! That was like the perfect time to get a dog!

Yeah, it actually worked out so well, I don’t think I would have been able to survive Covid without him! 

What’s your favorite season of the year and why?

I definitely would say Fall. I love all the fashion – the boots, the scarves, the jackets… The weather is beautiful too. I’m a very pale person so the summer and I don’t get along well. Ready for fall at all times!

What’s your zodiac sign?

I’m a Capricorn!

Oh, that makes sense with your profession!

That’s what everyone says! Everyone’s like, “that makes total sense!” I like a schedule, I need a plan. 

So I take it you’re not a super spontaneous person?

I feel like I’m not at work. I try to be on the weekends but even then, I like to have a plan with everything. My sisters just drag me everywhere, I need to know where I’m going, who’s going to be there…

Speaking of where you’re going, if you could do a dream vacation anywhere, unlimited funds, where would it be?

I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. It’s just so beautiful and all the crazy animals that I would see while I’m there would just be so cool. Would definitely burn up in the summertime so I would need to go in the off season.

Favorite pastime when you’re off the clock?

I like to go out to eat, hang out with Skippy. If it’s nice out I love to get out of the city, go hiking and explore new places. I try to get out of the city as much as possible.

Do you have any favorite shows right now?

I just try to watch everything! There’s so many streaming services now so it’s hard to keep up! I’m very excited for the upcoming Harry Potter series.

Harry Potter is amazing! We’ve been really into the game, Hogwarts Legacy.

Yes, I’ve been playing that too! I was so bummed when it first came out because I couldn’t download it on our console but soon it became available.

Favorite movie or genre?

My favorite genre of movie has to be comedies or rom-coms.

What’s the first rom-com that comes to mind?

I just think of when I was younger and my sister would make me watch the movie 27 Dresses. Every time it was on TV we would watch it. One summer I think we watched it like a thousand times!

Any big plans on the horizon? 

I just got married to my husband, Vincent so that’s been a fun life change! I would say growing my career with Bond, maybe even moving out of the city into somewhere a little less busy. That’s probably my biggest goal.

Yes, congratulations! Sounds like you’ve got some changes coming your way!

If there’s one thing you could tell your younger self, what would it be?

If I could tell myself one thing it’s that you can do so much more than you think you can do. You don’t give yourself enough credit for the amount of work that you do. Accept the credit when people give it to you. 

That’s really inspiring and honestly we don’t hear that enough.

Right? I think we need to put that quote on our desk to remind ourselves daily that you are deserving, worth it, and amazing. 

Choosing the right desk chair can be just as important as choosing a mattress. Just as we spend a third of our time sleeping, the average office worker spends more than half of their workday sitting, which means picking a chair should not come without discretion. You will want to choose a chair that offers comfort, back and posture support, and can last a long time. At the same time, while office chairs aren’t known for their aesthetics, you don’t have to sacrifice style. Below, we’ve rounded up the office chairs that offer both ergonomic features and attractive design:

by Contributing Writer, Alana Valko

Highly Rated: Steelcase Gesture

There’s a reason this chair ends up at the top of best-of lists (it was ranked #1 overall office chair by both Wirecutter and CNN) and it’s because it checks three boxes: extreme adjustability, tested comfort, and a proven track record of durability. It rings in at over $1,329 depending on how you customize the chair, but its initial sticker shock is well worth the investment.

Features: Office workers love this chair because it can be customized to fit their design preferences and has multiple ergonomic features while in use. The arms adjust 360 degrees to fit any workspace height or range. The seat rest is designed to mimic the natural S-shape of the spine and moves with changing postures. The seat depth, lumbar, height, and recline tension are fully adjustable. The chair arrives assembled and if it’s not a fit for you, you are backed by a 12-year warranty (almost unheard of in competitor chairs).

The “Dot Com Throne”: Herman Miller Aeron

Once credited as the “Dot Com Throne” by New York Magazine back in 2006, this chair arguably built the internet we know today. Workers have depended on this chair for over a decade to support computer-constrained backs, maximize adjustability, and offer breathable design. Prices start at $1,405. 

Features: The chair offers adjustable lumbar support pads, adjustable arms, and three different sizes to order depending on your height and weight. The chair can be customized with added features, like a tilt-limiter and seat angle, and each seat is  designed with mesh fabric for breathability.

Sleek But More Affordable: Branch Verve

The Branch Verve is the upgraded version of the popular Branch Ergonomic Chair, which Wired rated as the chair “Best for Most People.” It’s one of the more comprehensive ergonomic chairs on the market, but for half the price at $549. It’s better looking, too; with a mostly matte finish, its design is less techy and more playful. There’s a vivid coral color option that would surely make a basic deskspace pop.

Features: Just like its competition, the chair provides ergonomic features like an adjustable seat height, armrest height, seat depth, tilt, tilt tension, and lumbar support. The back is made of a stretch mesh knit for coolness and breathability. The only downsides compared to a pricier option? Its armrests are less adjustable and it might be a bit too small for someone big and tall. 

Design-Driven Back Support: Herman Miller Sayl

For a complete design-led chair, workers might want to consider Herman Miller’s Sayl, which satisfies similar comfort and durability to its big brother Aeron, but for nearly half the price (Sayl chairs start at $750). Forbes rated it the “Best Chair for Back Pain” thanks to its flexible webbed back design, which also makes it one of the more visually distinctive chairs. It’s a win-win for support and design.

Features: Despite not having a mesh back, the ventilated net backing will definitely keep you cooler, and is made of a flexible elastomer meant to flex with your body. This helps support your back and adjust your posture. While there are fewer adjustment features available compared to more expensive chairs, upgraded support, like fully adjustable arms, added lumbar support, and adjustable seat depth, can be added for an upcharge.

That’s a wrap on the latest chair roundup for 2023. We wish you happy comfort!

All Bond Collective locations feature a selection of ergonomic chairs. Looking for a luxury coworking and private office space?
Book a tour here.

These days, the term “coworking” is used as a catch-all phrase to cover a wide range of workplace solutions. So, we’ve decided to break down exactly what coworking is, first and foremost, and its benefits.

by Bond Collective

Coworking spaces serve as an alternative to traditional offices or home settings that allow both individuals and companies to work within a common environment, while still keeping connected. In most cases, coworking spaces offer communal amenities, like kitchens, private phone booths, printers, lounges, and conference rooms. They offer beyond what can be found in typical offices, with added perks like greater flexibility, a sense of community, networking opportunities, and even improved overall well-being. 

Below, we cover the many benefits of offering your team a coworking option. 

1. Coworking provides flexibility

One of the primary benefits that coworking spaces provide is the flexibility for workers to adjust where and how they work. Coworking spaces often have multiple locations and there are typically a variety of buildable office plans and desk layouts to choose from. That is, you can choose to rent a dedicated workspace or have the flexibility to move within an open floor plan of lounges, workspaces, and private rooms. Businesses working in coworking environments can benefit from being able to adjust their workspace to cater to a growing or shrinking team while only paying for what they need.  

At Bond Collective, for instance, we offer coworking spaces coast to coast in six major cities, with multiple locations in New York and Chicago. In all our spaces, workers and businesses can choose from a variety of membership options to curate their needs in a thoughtfully designed environment. 

2. Coworking spaces strengthen workers’ professional identities 

Coworking spaces provide meaningful places for workers to network and make positive impressions. In a recent survey, researchers found that coworking spaces positively shaped workers’ professional identities. In the research, workers in coworking spaces established a sense of belonging amongst other professionals, startups, and businesses that allowed them to take their work seriously. And when meeting with clients, coworking spaces proved to help businesses make positive impressions. 

3. Coworking improves employee well-being

Overall, research has found that coworking spaces improve workers’ productivity and serve as alternative spaces for employees to thrive socially. Studies found that 70% of members felt healthier, 68% of members became better focused, and 64% of members completed tasks faster when working in a coworking space. 

Lonely employees suffer from poorer well-being and performance, and research shows that hybrid and remote work exacerbate loneliness. However, researchers discovered that more than 60% of respondents in one study found working from third sites, like coworking spaces, more socially fulfilling than working from both the office and home.

4. Coworking spaces allow workers to job-craft

Coworking improves employee well-being by allowing workers to job-craft, which means that they can choose who they engage with during the workday, and build relationships outside of their organization. Further interviews reveal that coworking spaces allow workers to escape pesky coworkers, build relationships with potential partners, remove pressure found in traditional office spaces, and exist within a communal environment with an agreed-upon social code of conduct and community activities to network.

5. Coworking spaces provide a sense of community

With remote work environments as a new norm, building a sense of community can be hard for many employees. Research shows that when people have a sense of community at work, they are more likely to thrive, be more engaged, and stay with their organization. Coworking spaces allow workers to create relationships with people outside of their network, and as hinted above, they often have community managers who provide workshops and networking opportunities for members to interact. 

Whether you are a remote employee, startup, small business, or freelancer, coworking spaces have benefits that traditional workspaces and at-home offices cannot provide. At a coworking space like Bond Collective, no request is too big or small, and you choose from a variety of membership options to suit your needs. You can build out a private office space, book a private conference room, rent a dedicated desk, or buy a pass by the day or for the month that allows you access to the space’s luxurious open floor plan of workspaces and amenities.

Visit any one of Bond Collective’s many locations in the United States, including workspaces in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Tennessee, and Texas. Call us today to find out more about everything we have to offer.  

While you’re at it, schedule a tour to experience first-hand how Bond Collective can benefit your business.

Implementing smart and thoughtful design in a small space can spur productivity and promote creative collaboration. And thankfully, with the rise of hybrid and remote as the new normal, downsized workspaces have become common and much easier to design for. Below, we’ve rounded up five ways to design smart and maximize space in a small office, without sacrificing feng shui or comfort.

by Bond Collective

1. Encourage desk flexibility

In a small space, clutter needs to be carefully considered and avoided. Encouraging desk-sharing or hotdesking can be one way to limit clutter from building up, and also prevent rigidity in a tight space. When we sit in one spot every day, we often move less and thus can get caught feeling stifled, especially within tight corners. Allowing workers to move freely in the space will limit clutter and prevent the space from feeling stale.

2. Utilize functional office furniture 

Offering functional furniture in a small office space, such as fold-down desks, expandable tables and chairs, and rolling furniture allows workers to re-imagine the space and quickly adjust the environment to fit their needs – whether that’s expanding furniture to host a brainstorming sesh, or collapsing desks, chairs, and tables to host a literal stan2d-up presentation. Sometimes working in closer corners can actually spark creativity and togetherness, as workers are more likely to collaborate. You might find more inspiration in a small space than in a big office!

3. Create ideal office lighting

Most workers can agree an abundance of natural light and ambient lighting enhances their mood and productivity—research backs it up, and there are even lighting standards for all businesses to follow in the United States! 

Making the most of office lighting in a small office can transform the space. Small spaces with windows should take advantage and open them up to reveal natural light, which will improve productivity and also widen the space. Add mirrors to reflect natural light, which will also create an illusion that the space is larger. Placing unique ceiling and wall accent lights can also add texture without sacrificing space, and can create ambiance in the room. 

4. Avoid bulk and store vertically

When looking for storage, avoid choosing bins and old file cabinets that take up space as bulky items on the ground. Instead, choose storage options that stack vertically. Designing upwards can also give the illusion that the space is taller and provide dimension through visual space.

Avoid clutter on vertical shelving by using creative storage containers, like wicker bins and wooden trays, and place them next to more artistic pieces, like a focal piece of art or plants. Allowing the space below desks and furniture to be clear will let the room appear spacious and open.

5. Consider the flexibility of a coworking space as an option

If you are considering a coworking space, like Bond Collective, members have access to fully equipped spaces to work, rest, and network with other guests that a traditional office setting does not provide. They will also have access to shared spaces like gourmet kitchen areas, comfortable lounges, and amenities like showers, mothers’ rooms, pet-friendly spaces, and phone booths. Studies show that coworking spaces allow for greater levels of flexibility and a sense of community over traditional offices. Coworking spaces give workers access to expansive spaces with amenities to explore, network, and thrive.  

Ryan Greenwood far surpasses his title as Junior Designer, it should be more like Design Team MVP. He is an incredibly talented and creative designer, as well as an organizational wizard, multi-tasking extraordinaire and an overall kind, hardworking, and reliable asset to our team.  Learn more about our Employee of the Quarter as our Director of Design, Elide Rathborne sits down with her dear colleague.

How did you start working with the design team?

It’s really cool how our story unfolded. I was working at a commercial tile and stone vendor for 7 years. One of my biggest clients was Bond Collective. The design team and I hit it off and we developed a really strong working relationship and friendship. I just loved working with you guys and seeing your projects come together. It was a bit unorthodox transitioning to actually working here.  After an amazing tour of your Downtown LA space we started talking about new opportunities. I always wanted to get into design since I have been around it my whole professional life. I was always in sales so it was really an awesome opportunity to get more into a creative role. I started at Bond in October 2021. Even though I am a remote employee, it wasn’t hard to jump into this role. I feel so at home with my team. I’ve been with the company for a year and half now and I’m loving every bit of it!!

First impression?

I was a little overwhelmed at first, with the change of industry from sales to creative. Thankfully, I was given clear expectations and values, and had an incredible first week. It was so different from what I was used to, I had a company that really guided me and was so warm and welcoming. There was so much structure and help everywhere I looked and I felt like it was a big upgrade from where I was before. It was a warm, welcoming family environment and family is the keyword here.

Where are you from?

Originally, I was born in Seattle Washington and grew up in the suburbs. When I was ten we had to take care of my grandma so we moved to Coeur d’Alene Idaho (its French). Growing up there for middle school and high school was great. It’s a beautiful lake and touristy town. After high school I went to work in a design showroom, and that’s where I started my journey.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I have always wanted to be an architect. I was obsessed with drawing and my parents always encouraged me. I didn’t excel in sports but I felt at home in the arts. One of my first Christmas presents was a drafting table that we set up in the guest room. After school I would sit there until bedtime. I drew floor plans and exterior elevations.

After my grandma passed away in 2004, we built a custom home, and that process was super interesting to me. We met with the contractor weekly to refine the plans. I went to every meeting and my mom and we were constantly thinking about this house and how we can improve it. Seeing it come to life inspired me and reinforced what I wanted to do. Designing homes was exactly what I wanted to do.

Who has had the biggest influence on you, personally?

My first boss Jill. She was such an amazing mentor, great business woman, and communicator who built the business from the ground up. I was a sample assistant in the showroom and then worked myself up to a sales and marketing position. She always allowed me to sit in on client meetings and really was the liaison from client to contractor. She helped me understand the process and taught me so much about design, the business side of things and keeping things organized. She showed me the whole process, from drafting to creation. She was always involved in so many networking events and worked with the community to build brand awareness. She has always had such a great attitude and demeanor, and always kept her cool. I really felt like if I ran a business one day, I would want to do it the way she did. I still think about her to this day.

If you could make a sudden career change what would it be? 

I have always been fascinated with advertising. If I could do something totally different I think I would go into ad sales and get involved with pitches and commercials to grab the consumer! Funny enough I still like commercials more than the actual shows on tv. 

Favorite Bond location: 

I have so many. I like them all. I would have to go with Bushwick!! Everyone loves bushwick– Vinegar Hill is pretty sexy too.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most? 

I really enjoy the onset of a new project. I love the brainstorming process, presenting ideas, and refining them. I think presentations are one of my favorite things to make! Going through material samples and putting together mood boards and sample trays is really fun. I crave the opportunity to dive into a new space. Working through floor plans and changes is so exciting!

When you’re not working what’s your favorite pastime?

Sketching, going out to new restaurants and trying new places. Travel and exploring, if I could go anywhere I’d choose Rio De Janeiro. I think it’s such a metropolis mecca in a rainforest and that juxtaposition is unreal. 

Do you have any pets?

Well, I have three cats: Koko Puff, she’s a ragdoll cat, Kanye (we are rebranding him to Le Chonk lol) the siamese, and my eldest is Cleo. He is just an old mix cutie pie, but also a little bit of a torment!

Do you play a musical instrument?

I play piano. I wish I played more, I definitely don’t play as much as I’d like. I don’t read music but play by ear very well. I took years of lessons but did not retain reading music to my adulthood. My very first job actually was teaching private lessons.

What’s your favorite type of music?

I love good bluegrass and folk music, anything vibey and acoustic. One of my favorite artists is the Queen, Stevie Nicks.

If you could meet a famous person who would it be?

Nicole Hollis, she’s a San Francisco based designer. Her style is dark and moody and that’s definitely my vibe!! Hmmm actually, maybe Tina Fey or Amy Poehler they’re just so damn funny, I’ve loved them for years.

Biggest take away from working at Bond Collective

It’s probably just enjoying the work and not taking everything so seriously. I really enjoy working with the community team and having a little bit of fun. I also love the creative process. Every job I have had up to this point has been so fast paced and there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I never got to reap the benefits of my work. Here I’m surrounded by support, love and family. I have such a boost of energy and happiness to see what I’ve worked on and created. 

If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be? 

I would say don’t let the bastards get you down!! Haha but seriously, don’t be intimidated by other people’s success and to move on your own path at your own pace. I still struggle with this and wish I realized it sooner.

Follow Ryan on Instagram @GreenwoodInteriors.co to stay up-to-date with his design story!

For more than a decade, Hospitality Design magazine has annually honored a handful of designers, architects, brand executives, and owners as the “Wave of the Future”—those who are young enough to be considered visionary, but tested enough to be accomplished. This October, our very own Elide Rathborne was recognized for her work at Bond Collective; designing over 500,00 SF of office space across twelve locations. At a ceremony hosted in Nashville, Tennessee, Elide along with the Design Team received this prestigious honor and premiered a short film to tell her story. Watch the film and read the interview below!

Words by: Caitlin St John • Photos by Logan Jackson + courtesy of Elide Rathborne

When did you know you wanted to be a designer?
I have always had a vivid imagination and dreamed of fanciful spaces. My elementary school stories have detailed descriptions of interiors to set the mood, and I was always interested in art and creating things.

First hospitality-related memory?
When I traveled to Paris for the first time, I stayed at The Ritz and thought I was in heaven. We antiqued in the Left Bank, and I remember being so inspired by the architecture, the art, and even the intricate patterns in the cobblestone porte-cochères.

What drew you to hospitality?
My mother—whose aura is hospitality—trained me to anticipate needs and spoil my guests with things they never knew they needed. The idea of reaching people I would never have access to and introducing them to another level of joy and comfort drove me to hospitality.

First design-related job?
After completing my post grad at the Sotheby’s Institute of Art [in New York], I worked with an art and antique gallery selling and acquiring pieces. I then started helping friends design their apartments and houses. One of my first projects was a very important historical home on Main Street in Sag Harbor which was a fabulous opportunity with a ballroom and all.

How did you land at Bond Collective?
In 2015, my roommate from college was heading up real estate for Coworkrs, a shared workspace startup. At the time, I was cooking and designing and waiting to see which path would take off first. She introduced me to the CEO, Shlomo Silber, and we hit it off. I pitched him to sell prepared lunches to his members. He was also reviewing plans and renderings for their Gowanus location [in Brooklyn, New York], and I began to give him feedback. He asked if I would help with the design, so I put the lunches on hold. The company needed help with two more locations, and I was hired fulltime. Three projects turned into 12 with over 500,000 square feet built. During this time, I built out our design team, project managed, and started our in-house procurement department. I was fortunate enough to bring my good friend, Thomas Gibbons, on as creative director and design partner. We worked with Shlomo and renamed the company Bond Collective. It’s been a busy seven years to say the least.

What about the job interests you?
My mission has been to change the way people feel about coming to work. Going to work is a much different experience than staying in a hotel. I want our spaces to instill joy and bring out confidence in people through their surroundings. Since we aim to appeal to everyone, we always try to provide options for people to choose their own work adventure. Also, the company’s founders Elie Dietsch and Shlomo Silber have an immense amount of trust and faith in me. They are amazing at choosing locations and give me an incredible amount of creative freedom.

What has been your greatest professional challenge?
Designing projects that were put on hold or never saw their way to completion. Concepting, specifying, and creating all the details that lie within the construction documents are a labor of love. A little part of my heart breaks thinking of the possibilities of what these projects could have been. The ideas are still there and sometimes they find their ways into new projects, so there is a silver lining.

Most rewarding part of the job?
Overhearing people talk about the space and enjoying their surroundings makes my heart so full of appreciation and pride.

Do you collect anything?
I have an affinity for antique mirrors. They are so romantic in all they’ve seen and the light they have reflected. One is an 8-foot-tall cartouche mirror I sourced from a dealer in New Orleans. Every time I walk by it, I feel so beautiful. I can’t wait to make my own version of it for a project.

What is your dream project?
The Pierre Hotel in New York. It has such a rich history. I’d love to bring it back to life and put my spin on it.

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
You can’t delegate understanding. Only by doing all the phases of a project can you become a better, more sincere, and empathetic leader.

Check out some of Bond Collective’s locations, and get to know the rest of Hospitality Design‘s 2022 Wave of the Future class.

Nick DeNofa – A hospitality hero, NFL enthusiast, and valued Bond Collective employee. As our Community Manager at Center City, Philadelphia, he plays a vital role with the daily operations, member relationships, and business development. We were lucky enough to snag him away for a few minutes to get his point of view as we interview him for Employee of the Month!

JA: Can you please tell us about your role here at Bond Collective?

ND: I am the general manager here at Bond Collective Center City in Philadelphia. I have been here since November 2021 so I’m coming up on one year soon which is exciting and kind of crazy how fast this year has gone by! It’s been a wonderful experience so far, my Bond family has been nothing but welcoming and supportive. Being outside of New York, sometimes you can feel disconnected but our team is always in constant communication with each other and the support is always there from the team. We’ll have a new Member Experience Associate starting soon who will help me fill the space to 100%!

JA: What was your very first impression of Bond Collective when you started?

ND: I would say my first impression of the space here in Philly was nothing short of jaw dropping. When Drew, our Director of Operations, showed me the space and we got to the Franklin Loft and the wraparound terrace, my first thought was “I can’t believe they’re going to let me run this space!” It made me think of something my friend of mine said years ago which was, “This place is way too nice for us!” I was ready to take on the challenge!

JA: What did you want to be when you were younger?

ND: When I was really young, I wanted to be a police officer. My uncle was a Philadelphia police officer for his entire career and I always looked up to him and just thought it was a really cool job. As I got older, in high school I wanted to be a mechanic because I was really into cars and then I started working at my first job at Rita’s Water Ice when I was 15. That’s where I really fell in love with hospitality because I enjoyed talking with customers and seeing a bunch of different people from all different walks of life. The one thing that really stood out to me, which is why I stay in this industry, is the people who work in it. The Bond team is a clear example of this but I found that to be the case in almost every restaurant, bar, or catering company over my last 16 years in the industry. I love the people who work in it!

JA: Who/what has had the biggest influence in your professional life?

ND: I’ve learned from many of my peers who I’ve worked under over the years and I owe it to all of them as they’ve shaped me to be the manager I am today and how I am professionally. I’m thankful for them and what they’ve taught me and their approaches to the smallest to most difficult situations.

JA: What makes your location special and unique compared to others?

ND: What makes my space unique is my porter, Blanca. She is amazing and I don’t know what I’d do without her! She keeps the space immaculate and keeps me up to date on everything going on. I constantly get praise on her behalf from members, she is just a wonderful part of what makes this location special. I’d also say our terrace is insanely gorgeous and offers views of the Philadelphia skyline that most people will never see. Being born and raised in North East Philly and being able to see the skyline and having our building be a part of it is really rewarding to me. 

JA: If you could have a dream vacation, where would you go?

ND: I’m a beach guy through and through, I spent most of my life and summers at the south jersey shore and more recently cape may. I was just there for Labor Day weekend so I’m definitely a beach person. I’ve recently crossed off Mexico and Aruba on my lists so I think my next move would be Paradise Island in the Caribbean or Hawaii. Going to beaches that are so crystal clear are so different from what I grew up with, it’s definitely somewhere I’m hoping to visit soon.

JA: What are your favorite pastimes when you’re not working?

ND: I am a huge NFL fan, football overall. This is the time of year that I thrive. Penn State just won their first game not too long ago but above all else, I’m a die hard Eagles fan, go Birds! Their first game of the season is coming up and I’ll be throwing a party with friends and family. Once that TV goes on, I’m glued to it! I also love tailgating and since I live in South Philly, I’m very close to all the home games. People go crazy for sports here so it makes the experience ten times better.

JA: What is your biggest takeaway or learning experience from working at Bond?

ND: One of my biggest takeaways from working with Bond so far is how we can be one big cohesive unit which I guess also comes with being a slightly smaller company. Being in a company that feels a lot bigger is an interesting take especially because I worked for Marriott previously and the scope of them is worldwide. Everyone here gets it and it’s great to be able to have a team who is so responsive and available no matter what.

JA: Do you have any key memories from working at Bond so far (events, tours, etc)?

ND: I always try to create a great memory when someone comes in for a tour because they could be a potential member. One of the things I love about this job is getting to know and see your members consistently. It’s great to build relationships with them and I consider them all really cool and some have even come out to support my partner’s work as a stand up comedian. They come out to shows that feature her and seeing that support come back is a really great thing to have and I’ve never experienced that before.

Meet Gabi, Tiffany, and pup Stella, owners of Pink Apocalypse: a delightfully energetic and colorful vintage clothing store operating from Bond Collective Greenpoint! We discuss how they started to where they are today – featuring an online store, scheduled to launch August 10th, and popups at the Grand Bazaar on 77th throughout August and September!

How did you two meet?

On a dating app in fall of 2019.

What are both of your respective backgrounds, and did you think you’d be doing what you do now given your work experience?

We come from the tech and beauty industries. Each of us had the thought of reselling in the back of our mind in some way before we met. Then in 2020, as Gabi was on unemployment, we were thinking of ways to start selling clothes online as part of our income.

Can you tell me a little bit about your company and how your company came together?

We started with the idea of having an online shop and quickly realized that before launching a website, we needed people to launch it too. We needed to build a community. 

What are the challenges you’ve faced in the launch phase of your business?

Starting our sourcing in the pandemic – with masks, stores limited capacity, and estate sales on hold. We also started storing all of our inventory and supplies in our Brooklyn apartment – we started running out of space.. We also quickly learned that starting in a city like New York is very competitive. For example, we’ve started going to estate sales in the area as early as 4am when the doors open at 9am.

Did you find that any of the challenges were particularly more prevalent being a women-led and founded company; i.e. access to capital?

Not necessarily, however we definitely experienced moments of being treated differently due to the physical nature of our job. Several times in set-up/takedown we’ve been patronized in ways that implied we didn’t know how to unload something correctly or that we weren’t strong enough. 

If so, what helped in your journey? 

Support of friends who kept showing up over and over again on market days to say hello and just be with us. The validation of returning customers who become like friends, and bring more friends because of our selection. The continuous tags on instagram. 

Were there any women-owned business grants that you were able to tap into? If not, perhaps you can share a women-in-entrepreneurship online community or resource that every female entrepreneur should know about. 

We don’t have any resources, but we used the female entrepreneurs in our network as inspirations and examples. One is the founder of https://zuliahuipa.com. The other is the founder of https://oliveandm.com.

How has having an office space like Bond Collective Greenpoint contributed to your growth as a company?

As mentioned we were totally running out of space keeping all of the inventory in our apartment. Bond collective offers an office space to keep our inventory, which helps us focus on photos and uploading things to our website. We love that we can book a conference room to hold customer appointments, take pictures, and prep for markets. We LOVE that we can bring our dog Stella with us. 

So many women deal with imposter syndrome, burnout, decline in mental health, among many other threats when they start and run their own company…have either of you struggled with this? 

Yes, there are definitely moments we experience imposter syndrome sourcing/selling in categories like vintage t-shirts that is very male dominated. We also work 7 days a week and burnout is a thing. We try to have a vacation plan to look forward to, and take small breaks during the week when we can. 

What are some tools or tips you’ve been able to tap into to reclaim your identity as the talented and capable entrepreneurs you are? 

That we have to remember, it doesn’t matter the competition. We have a unique style and taste that stands out from others – we’re known for unique and colorful pieces from the 80’s and 90’s.

How important is comradely and community in business? Can it be done solo?

People can definitely do it solo, but we benefit from being two creative people of different styles and a similar creative taste. We also really benefit from building camaraderie in the community of resellers. 

If you could set one intention for all your working days in the beginning of the day and follow through on it, what would it be? How does this intention contribute to your overall wellness and wellbeing in the workplace? 

We really try to keep learning every day – listening to podcasts, watching live shows, and watching YouTube videos from other resellers keeps us growing and informed. 

Lastly, do you have any news or upcoming events you’d like to share with our readers?

Yes! We have been updating our website and will be launching shopping on the website August 10th. We’re also confirmed to pop up at Grand Bazaar on 77th: July 24th, August 7th, August 14th, August 21, September 11th, September 25th.

Follow @pink_apocalypse_official on Instagram!

Or visit their website at PinkApocalypse.com

We love supporting women owned businesses like Pink Apocalypse and giving them the tools and resources needed to grow and thrive. Do you or someone you know own a small business lead by women? Check out our Collective Impact Awards, a membership award that recognizes and celebrates women-owned and/or operated businesses. Click here to learn more or start your application.

While we may not be out of the proverbial pandemic woods yet, your dogs sure are missing you as you go back to the office. Why keep them cooped up at home when you can bring them to work with you?

Written by Lauren Volper – Marketing Manager

The newest addition to our spaces, Bond Collective Vinegar Hill near Dumbo, has some posh digs for your furry friends. We recently held a photo shoot day in anticipation of our grand opening, and we asked our employees to bring their dogs for the day. Our coworking space became the set for both Oscar-worthy performances (and a couple over-actors), but we sure got a kick out of it.

In the opening scene, Skippy, our Accounting Assistant’s Boston Terrier, is carried in a backpack on a Citi Bike; that is located just around the corner from our main entrance on 295 Front Street. It’s a wonderful convenience having public transportation options just a block from the office space, and Skippy got a kick out of the Citi Bike ride, if you couldn’t tell.

Zully the labradoodle awaits Skippy’s arrival in the company of an enthusiastic welcoming committee, Finn and Leo. Their morning was filled with important meetings and zoom calls, followed with the finest dog treats any pup could desire from a Brooklyn coworking space.

Toward the afternoon, the furry friends swapped their meeting booth for a private conference room and took advantage of amenities like Airtame projection, unlimited black and white copies, and carafes of fresh fruit-infused water.

When all their important meetings concluded, the dogs finished the day with some light brainstorming and tried to look busy by shuffling important papers around their desks until the clock struck 5pm. It was a dog day for many, not just our pets, so we all headed home and called this day a wrap. 

They say all dogs go to heaven… at Bond Collective Vinegar Hill, the setting sure is blissful, so this rings true of all the pups who visit.

Looking for pet-friendly coworking? Book a tour of our Vinegar Hill location here.

About Vinegar Hill

Nestled between the famously photographed Manhattan Bridge Dumbo neighborhood and the Industrial-Aquatic span of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Vinegar Hill is like all quintessential Brooklyn neighborhoods once were: underrated. 

Like much of New York City land once was, Vinegar Hill started pre-colonial era with Native Americans and then Dutch settlers turned the area into farmland. In the mid to late 1600’s English subjects under the rule of King Charles II took over the land, turning it into King’s County which consisted of six regions: Brooklyn, Bushwick, Flatbush, Flatlands, Gravesend, and New Utrect. At the time, Vinegar Hill was part of the Brooklyn region.

Following the dutch settlers, Vinegar Hill soon became the place where the first ferry boat was built and launched. In the 1700s, a shipyard, as well as several homes for the shipyard workers, was built. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was constructed soon after, as were several more blocks, forming a neighborhood for Navy Yard workers’ to reside. 

“Vinegar Hill” is an English transliteration of the Gaelic term meaning “hill of the wood of the berries”. It was named Vinegar Hill by speculative land developer John Jackson around 1800. He hoped to attract Irish immigrants by naming the area after the site of a significant battle during the 1798 Irish Rebellion.

The 19th century proved to be pivotal in dividing the region between the industrial working class and the more affluent families. The area quickly became host to several blackmarket distilleries because though alcohol was still legal, it was taxed unproportionately, and moonshine crafting became increasingly popular. The moonshine trade became the lucrative business that was necessary to further develop the working class neighborhoods. 

After the costly American Civil War, what we know today to be the Internal Revenue Service was created in the late 1800s, and raided the distilleries as a way to recoup funds. 250 barrels of alcohol was equal to $5,000 in unpaid taxes, a volume equivalent to $107,145 in 2021. The battles between the government and the neighborhood were known as “Whiskey Wars”. 

Some of the original warehouses and homes remain, but in the early 20th century, many of these buildings were destroyed due to the building of the Manhattan Bridge. The original Navy Yard was at a time mostly Irish immigrants but soon after Lithuanian immigrants settled, and by the 1930s, the neighborhood became home to over 70% Lithuanian families. In the shops on Hudson Avenue, you can still hear shop workers speaking Lithuanian to each other today.

In the 1990s, Vinegar Hill was determined to be a Historic Landmark or Historic Neighborhood as to preserve the homes and cultural heritage of its early settlers. 

Popular attractions

• Cafe Gitane

• Vinegar Hill House

• Vinegar Hill Community Garden

• Stranger Things the Experience NYC

• Duggal Greenhouse

• Bridge Pilates

• Rooftop Reds

• Building 92 Museum of Brooklyn Navy Yard

To receive a trial day pass of our newest Vinegar Hill location near Dumbo, book a tour here. 

Special thanks to the actors and their owners:

Skippy, Jade Petersen

Finn, John Conway & Drew Puig

Zully, Emily Krohn

Leo, Sally Forman

Looking for luxury coworking space?
Book a tour here.

By Elias Rivera, Community Manager – 55 Broadway

Beer has been a staple refreshment for American culture since the turn of the 19th century. It’s a bonding agent for backyard grilling, sporting events, music festivals, and so much more. Jason Pazmino and Jon Moore, co-founders of Gay Beer in NYC, saw an untapped niche to represent the LGBTQ+ community in this ever growing industry. So crack open a cold one and learn about why Gay Beer isn’t just for Pride Month…

ER: Thanks for joining us! What’s the name of your organization?

Loyal Brands NY. Our names are Jason Pazmino and Jon Moore. We are both Cofounders of Gay Beer.

ER: Why Beer and why Golden Lager specifically?

Who doesn’t love beer?! In developing our first beer offering we wanted the brew to be approachable to all beer drinkers. Lagers are classically refreshing while offering complexity depending on how crafty you want to get in the brew process. It was our intention to create a lite, sessionable beer that could easily fill a cooler and be sipped all day.

 ER: Do you have any other beers or products you’re working on?

Currently we offer one beer, a Golden Lager. We are in the midst of developing a second brew, an IPA, set to be released in Fall of 2022. We also have a full range over beverages in our product pipeline that are on the horizon.

ER: That’s awesome! Are you marketing or selling toward a certain or select demographic?

Gay Beer is not a gay man’s/gay bar beer.  It is an everyone and everywhere beer.  It is an invitation to start a conversation and engage in community.

ER: What inspired you to create this company?

The beer industry had an archaic view of marketing to the LGBTQ+ community.  Historically steeped in isolating masculinity and a belief that queer people are only worth pandering to during Pride month, marketing and efforts for consumer connectivity was reserved for rainbow retail during Pride month. The LGBTQ+ community and its allies are a powerful consuming base in the beer market pouring money into it year-round.  We understood the need for a brand that not only represented our community integrally but that was active within the community.  

ER: Would you say that you are pioneers in the industry or were there other brands that drove inspiration?

When we conceptualized the Gay Beer brand there was nothing like it on the market. Gay Beer is the first mainstay craft beer with intention to market to the LGBTQ+ community and its allies year-round. Since its launch there have been multiple follow up brands which is so great to see. As eater.com said, Gay Beer leads the charge in the queer beer agenda.

ER: Were you successful right out of the gate or was there a lot of trial and error in the process?

From its launch Gay Beer had and incredibly warm and excited reception.  People love the brand, its mission and the liquid itself.  

ER: What were you doing before launching this company?

Both of us are beer drinkers, in that sense we were connected to the industry. It had never occurred to either of us to enter the beer market from a business standpoint. Through conversation and a lightbulb moment we saw the opportunity that lay before us to get involved and to offer a solution to an ongoing problem.

ER: Diving in a bit deeper, how has the company evolved from when you first started to where it is today?

The company has grown not only in terms of scale but in relevance to the market. In the beginning, Gay Beer was a concept that we were driving. Today the brand itself is driving us, it has become its own entity in dictating what it looks like and how it’s offered. It’s truly exciting to be on its journey.

ER: Have you stayed constant with the same product or service as you originally intended or has the business evolved and changed over time?

We are Gay Beer all day, every day. This brand is fun, disruptive and meaningful. We are full steam ahead in our focus in becoming the next major beer brand.

ER: What obstacles have you had to overcome since you launched?

COVID! Our first full year on the market, 2019, was such a big year for us. The beer was successful out the gate and was so well received with a lot of press. 2020 was set to be an even bigger year for Gay Beer. Unfortunately, the pandemic struck and temporarily blocked the wind in our sails as it did for many businesses. We were able to navigate the pandemic and even have some growth. The time also gave us to better understanding of our business strategy and gave us opportunity to refocus our intentions.

ER: Do you ever wish you did something differently?

Everything happens for a reason. Past experiences, good and bad, enable growth.

ER: If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

Don’t hold back. Go with your gut. And take the ride.

ER: With the world constantly changing and evolving, how do you plan on keeping up and staying relevant?

There will never be a time where a reflection of a community is not relevant. The Gay Beer brand will always reflect the Queer community in real time, and that connective quality will solidify it as ever relevant. We aim to continue developing progressive and disruptive products.

Follow Gay Beer on Instagram @drinkgaybeer
Or visit their website!

One might meet Jade Alvarado while touring a prospective office and would be immediately taken aback by her bold personal style. However, her unassuming intelligence, kindness and warmth are what really make her unique and such a pivotal member of our team. Read on as Jeffrey Jackowitz, CM at Bond Collective Greenpoint, learns more about how Jade got so cool…

JJ: Jade, it is with extreme joy and privilege that I get the honor to sit down and chat with you here at our Greenpoint location for your very well deserved Employee of The Month Interview.

I know that I can say this with the full support of our entire Bond Collective Team, that we are grateful for all of the hard and detailed work that you give each and everyday! We truly appreciate you. Now, I know everyone is super excited to hear and learn more about you. So without any further ado… let’s get it!

JJ: Can you please tell us about your role here at Bond Collective?

JA: I am the Community Sales Coordinator and I assist in facilitating all of our locations office pricing, draft examples and final contracts. I work at our corporate office (55 Broadway) so I’m there mostly everyday. Although, I frequently visit other locations to connect with our Community Teams and Members to make sure everything is flowing smoothly throughout the week.

JJ: What was your very first impression of Bond Collective when you started?

JA: My first impression was, “OH WOW!! This is really nice!” Everybody was just so friendly. It’s comforting to be in an environment where everyone is friendly and sincerely gets along. It’s a very different environment from where I was previously, so that was a big and welcomed change.

I didn’t know anything about Luxury Shared Office Spaces/CoWorking, when I started, so it was very different from what I was used to. But almost immediately I knew this is where I wanted to be. I feel good about what I’m doing and I feel very good about this company and the people here! 

JJ: What did you want to be when you were younger?

JA: I really wanted to be a personal stylist, which I did get to explore for a little while working in retail. It was nice to work directly with the customer and getting to know their style. Unfortunately, when the pandemic started, the need for personal stylists started to fizzle out so I had to rethink what I wanted to do.

JJ: Who or what had the biggest influence on your professional life?

JA: A few people I think, my Mother is definitely one! She didn’t get a chance to finish high school and instead got her GED. She’s incredible and one of the hardest working people I know. She worked for places like the WNBA and the TV show, The Simpsons. My dad is a super hard worker as well. He’s from Puerto Rico and lived in the projects growing up so college wasn’t an option or something he could afford. He worked at Macy’s on the janitorial staff for over thirty years, later becoming one of the head executives. Both of my parents were able to accomplish such greatness and I am so very proud of them!

One last person I have to mention is Jared, a previous manager and now a good friend. He is one of the nicest and most intellectual people I’ve ever met. He had a realistic outlook on retail management and always wanted to see you succeed. Similar to how David, our Director of Expansion, is to me. They care, they’re understanding, they’re available when you need something and listen to you.

JJ: I have a two part question for you, what’s your favorite Bond Collective location and what makes that location special to you?

JA: Oh no… you’re going to make me choose? Aside from Greenpoint, I would have to say Center City! I really liked it there specifically because it has that little breakout library area tucked away in the upper level. It’s so special and unique, like an adult hideaway room! If I saw that as a potential member, I’d be like, “This is it… This is where I want to stay!”

JJ: I’m excited to hear this answer, as I happen to know a little hot goss on you… Even though I know you may have a little “fear” of flying, if you could have a dream vacation, where would it be?

JA: OMG, where would I go? Nobody believes me, but I really want to go to Antarctica.

JJ: It’s an incredible trip and experience!

JA: It would be amazing right? To be 1:00PM and black outside.. that would be the trippiest thing I’ve ever seen in my life!

JJ: If you could meet a famous person, past or present, who would it be?

JA: Lady Gaga! No hesitation. I already have and I cried! She came to Macy’s once while I was working in the perfume department. I got to meet her and sit next to her. Oh boy.. I cried for the rest of the day! She helped me realize that I’m not straight and that was like the biggest thing for me, such an eye-opening moment. That made me more comfortable with myself and I’ll never forget it. From then on it freed me up!

JJ: Jade, what would be your biggest take away from working at Bond Collective so far?

JA: Personally or career wise?

JJ: However you feel you’d like to answer that. 

JA: I’m a lot happier. My mental health is as good as it’s ever been. I’m very comfortable coming to work everyday and I feel confident knowing what I’m doing is helping make a difference in someone’s life. It feels really good.

I don’t have a college degree and I don’t plan on going to school. Personally, I wanted some sort of job that I felt like I could learn a specialized skill that wouldn’t require going through actual school. I’m confident in the type of person I am and when I’m dedicated to something I see it through. It’s also so nice to have a job that also believes in me and what I’m capable of. I really like being here and the flexibility this job offers makes having a social life with my partner and family outside of work so much easier.

JJ: I’m sure your emails are starting to pile up but I have one more question for you.. If there’s one thing that you could tell your younger self today, what would it be?

JA: Oh WOW… That you do not need to go to college to build life skills. I was told consistently by teachers and parents that you need to have good grades and a plethora of skills to be able to do anything. I knew from an early age that you can teach yourself anything. You can learn from experience and working first hand with others.

What started off as a small coworking conference in 2012, GCUC has turned into a global coworking community that seeks to connect, discover, discuss, and educate their members through their now 3000 + conferences around the world.

GCUC is an experience unlike any other. Packed into three days of keynotes, “unconferencing”, networking, panel sessions, group dinners, and a fabulous trade show expo. the energy you experience at this conference is infectious. Bond Collective was lucky enough to have the privilege and honor to not only attend, but to speak at their latest conference in the beautiful city of Seattle, WA.

Written by Ryan Cottrill – Junior Designer

Tucked in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle boasts a booming tech industry run by corporate giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Tableau, and SAP Concur to name a few. As the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is overgrown with lush forests, lakes, and mountains, all nestled along the Puget Sound; A breathtaking body of water that hugs the city, shielded by Seattle’s many islands. Just look at this gorgeous view of the Puget Sound and mountains beyond inside the convention center!

The Global Coworking Unconference Conference (GCUC) was held in Seattle from May 17 – 19th, 2022, which proved to be an interesting time as the design team was approaching the finish line of our newest location in Vinegar Hill, a seven story, 30,000+ SF space with a postmodernism design. For years, our in-house design team, led by Elide Rathborne and partner, Thomas Gibbons, has been paving their way through new locations to uncover our own unique design identity. We were honored when GCUC asked the design team to share their approach and what it means to design for a new world.

We started with our fundamentals. Who we are, where we started, and why great design has such an impact on productivity, overall wellness, and efficiency. Of course, building great luxury coworking spaces didn’t come out of thin air. There were enormous challenges, set-backs, and learning experiences that shaped the work we are able to accomplish today. After introducing themselves on stage, the team dove into our location timeline and the path that binds them all together.

Elide explains, “Our interiors really elevate our members’ experiences and that is really the driving force – being a partner to our members, making them really happy to stay and come to the office.” Thomas adds, “And being people focused, it’s all about community. People make up a community, and that community is what essentially drives our design. Each location is super unique. No Bond Collective looks the same; we like them to feel like a family. They are all completely different, they have their own personalities, their own quarks, their own misgivings, but they are all undeniably related.”

This level of refinement, passion and scrutiny for our signature design is something that so many coworking spaces are either lacking or not optimizing correctly, which is what makes a Bond Collective really stand out, giving coworking a chance to be hospitable and not so sterile.

Elide and Thomas continue to walk through several more locations, unveiling their design strategy like using fluted window film, designing with custom lighting and terrazzo, mixing patterns and textures, and embracing any history they uncover when converting a building with a past. This conversation then led to our most iconic transformation yet. Bond Collective LA, formerly known as Desmond’s.

“When I first entered the space, I was floored. It was incredible… but also very scary!” Elide says with great excitement.  “The entire space is just about 60,000 SF and we were able to secure all the floors except the rooftop.” She later explains that there was about two inches of dust covering most everything, which gave a great amount of color inspiration lending to a warm, sandy, swirly, creamy, and ethereal environment. Images of the space behind them highlight the main coworking level. “This was a very glamorous 1930’s department store called, Desmond’s”, Elide continues. “And throughout the design of this space, we really tried to keep the integrity of the building. And so, these phone booths are kind of reminiscent of sumptuous dressing rooms.”

“That glamor of the department store comes in with these kitchens that resemble 1930’s display cases – vitrines”, Thomas conveys with feeling. “The custom lighting we did was all inspired by Paavo Tynell with these 1930’s pendants that almost feel like jewelry.” That level of detail and connection to this historic landmark definitely pushed the design team in directions that were never thought possible, launching our brand into a new standard for the shared workspace industry.

But who sets these standards? What are people craving when looking for office space? What makes a memorable first impression and how do we retain the members we currently have?

Shlomo Silber, our co-founder and CEO, was later met on stage with executives like Nick Clark – Founder & CEO of Common Desk, Sofia Stolberg – Founder of Piloto 151, and Peter Chee – Founder & CEO of Thinkspace to discuss exactly that. Seeing this vibrant group of people come together, all with the same common goals was so inspiring. There was energy, charisma, and even a Smirnoff Ice chugging contest which made the audience howl with laughter – thanks Shlomo. But all joking aside, hearing what this dynamic group of industry leaders had to say was not only inspiring but made one think.

What can we do to embrace change and adversity in these uncertain times?

How are we setting a lasting impression for our members?

Are plush lounges, outdoor space, and private phone booths enough?

Taking the lead on discussions of adversity, Piloto 151 founder, Sofia Stolberg says, “Coming from Puerto Rico, I feel like I am the queen of adversity…” as she lists monumental hardships such as Hurricane Maria to earthquakes, the pandemic, and more. “I do feel that what doesn’t kill you actually makes you a lot stronger, and throughout the pandemic, we realized the power of diversifying your product mix.” She continues, “If it hadn’t been for our virtual office offerings, making up at that time 30% of our revenue, it would have been very challenging and one of the really amazing things that we learned was that community can be built in many different ways.” Piloto 151 explained they stayed open during the pandemic as they were deemed an essential service, acting as a mail hub for many and hosting companies that ran essential services. “We had members that were getting, through mail, all sorts of protective gear, medicines, and help to those people that were most in need.” Sofia explains. “We had the opportunity, even with curbside pickup, to engage and have conversations and get to know our members a lot better.”

Thinkspace Founder & CEO, Peter Chen, discussed opening his unused space for services like a blood drive during the pandemic when hospitals were struggling to keep up. And later, Nick Clark of Common Desk, opened up about being visible and present as a large company during the pandemic, offering one-on-one screen time with employees in every department.

Stories like these are so inspiring as to what the power of community and the power of a company backed by community can accomplish. Building impactful, humble, and honest relationships that extend below the surface. That’s what it’s all about.

But how do we get people to come back to the office? During the pandemic, so many of us (guilty as charged) have had the time to really marinate in their home office, surrounded by all the creature comforts of being at home. We’re at the point where comfortable lounges and electronic espresso machines just aren’t cutting it. We have to think bigger, broader, and more innovative when it comes to amenities.

Sofia, with Piloto 151, elaborates on the lack of accessible healthcare for entrepreneurs or freelancers, especially for those in Puerto Rico. “One of the things that we’re doing now, and it’s taken much longer than expected unfortunately, but we’re about to close a partnership with one of the largest healthcare providers back in Puerto Rico to be able to offer to our members, specifically to this type of member, health coverage that’s affordable and that works. That’s the kind of out-of-the-box thinking that comes out of scenarios like a global pandemic that you see really impacting your members in a real way.”

This radical transformation from cubicle, sterile, and obtuse work environments to a hospitality focused, boutique-designed, community-driven environment is not losing traction any time soon. As Nick Clark from Common Desk puts it, “I think what people want, when they’re coming into our coworking space, when they’re coming back to the office, is the same thing they want when they go to a restaurant. They want to be served.”

We definitely expect this level of service to keep climbing as we explore more amenities to keep our members happy. As the founder of GCUC, Liz Elam, puts it, “People are getting together for intention, purpose and a reason.” It’s our job to keep them together.

Cheers to a wonderful conference in Seattle!

Thanks GCUC! We hope to see you again soon.

Looking for luxury coworking space?
Book a tour here.

You just can’t help but smile when you’re around Jeffrey. As the leading Community Manager at Bond Collective Greenpoint, his passion for people, innovation, and hospitality resonates within the space and the members who thrive there. We couldn’t be prouder to announce him as this month’s Employee of the Month!

-Virgilio Mendez, Community Manager at Bushwick

VM: When did you start at Bond & what were you doing before?

JJ: I started with Bond Collective towards the end of August 2021. Prior to joining Bond Collective, I was Vice President of a full scale, luxury travel & life-style firm based in NYC.

VM: What was your first impression when you started?

JJ: I was able to experience 2 of our NYC locations before I joined the BC team. So I knew a little bit of what 55 was like, but it wasn’t until I first met with our co-owner, Shlomo, that I had my first real impression solidified. I felt that it all clicked and that Bond Collective had unique, genuine, current and like-minded qualities I wanted to be a part of for the next phase of my career.

VM: What influenced you to get into this type of work?

JJ: I have always been passionate about hospitality, travel, and food & beverage. From the time I was 12 years old, I loved being in the kitchen, creating culinary experiences for my family. That really set the foundation for what would become my profession.

VM: Where did you go to school and what did you study?

JJ: Shortly after I finished High School, I enrolled in Nassau Community College and their International Study Abroad Program for Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts. It was an amazing opportunity at that age to spend as much time as I did in Italy. Years later, I moved to Florida as I had the chance to further my college degree at Florida International University.

VM: If you could make a sudden career change, what would it be?

JJ: If I could make a sudden career change, I would want to be on the PGA Tour winning/dominating golf tournaments all over the world and earning a spot on the USA Team for the 2025 Cup that’ll be held at Bethpage Black!

VM: What is your favorite Bond Collective location and what makes this location special to you?

JJ: I really do love how our Greenpoint locations lets people see how authentic & creative our Design Team can be! You know you’re in Brooklyn when you step foot in our Greenpoint space. Something that makes Greenpoint special to me is when I hear from our members that they came back to the space just to have dinner and relax. Like their workday was over and they may have even gone home. They just want to be here and utilize the amenities that are at their disposal.

VM: What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

JJ: Learning how to improve upon things I may already know and doing them more efficiently and learning new things and applying them to something I knew nothing about.

VM: Any tips on being productive or staying awesome?

JJ: If it isn’t in writing it doesn’t exist. So, WRITE IT DOWN!
Read the book “Getting Things Done”. You’re welcome.

VM: When you’re not working, what’s your favorite pastime?

JJ: As a father of 2 young children, my pastimes have certainly changed! When I’m not working, I’m usually with my wife and kids doing whatever my wife tells me to do! #HappyWifeHappyLife

VM: Do you have any pets?

JJ: Yes, Remi! She is a 25 lb cockapoo. She is turning 11 years old in November.

VM: If you could have a dream location anywhere, where would you go?

JJ: I’d contact my brother-in-law, Roman Chiporukha at Space VIP and book a seat for the 2023 International Space Station Mission. Then, after my astronaut fix, I’d become an aquanaut and go see the Titanic ship wreck.

VM: Favorite Movie?

JJ: Impossible for me to narrow it down to just one favorite but Gone in 60 Seconds, Blow, and Rounders are certainly very high up there on my list.

VM: If you could meet a famous person, past or present, who would it be?

JJ: Sorry, but I’m going to ask for three people! I’d love to spend 24 hours with Johnny Cash, Anthony Bourdain, and Christopher Wallace.

VM: Biggest takeaway so far working at Bond Collective?

JJ: Witnessing the gamut of members we have in our space that are thriving and hearing them share their victories all because of the value that Bond Collective offers them.

VM: Any big plans on the horizon?

JJ: Yes 100%! I’m extremely proud, encouraged and excited to continue collaborating with our Members, Communities and our entire BC team to make our locations better and better everyday. So I urge people to head over to your nearest BC location and come in for a tour and see for yourself that we are not only your best option, but how we become an asset to you, your team and your business needs.

VM: If there is one thing that you could tell your younger self today, what would it be?

JJ: Jeffrey, life won’t always be like it is right now! You’ll have tremendous wins, achieve things personally and professionally that will make you proud, you’ll travel the world and meet people that’ll make you understand a lot about life and the world. You will however experience loss, grief, sadness, many failures and disappointments. But, here’s a secret, one day not too long from now, you’re going to marry a woman so incredibly amazing, you could have never even dreamt about her! The two of you will have 2 extremely happy & very healthy children that you’ll one day be able to share all of this & more with!

By Mariah Mell, Community Manager

Bond Collective Loop members, John and Cameron, share their path to creating their company, liina. liina is a first of its kind, spirulina products company with the mission of sharing the miracle of spirulina with the world. Spirulina is a natural-occurring blue green micro-algae. It is one of nature’s most nutritionally dense superfoods and also one of the most sustainable.

MM: To start, how did the two of you meet and what inspired the idea for liina?

Cameron: I actually grew up with John’s sister. When I came out here to Chicago in 2016, I didn’t know that many people and John’s sister recommended that John and I get together. We hung out a few times and about 3 years later, we began kicking around the idea of starting a company. We had a lot of ideas, not all good ones. Then I ended up doing a triathlon in Argentina and read a book by an endurance athlete which outlined his training, recovery process, and use of spirulina. The author detailed the multiple instances he used spirulina and all the different types of health benefits. I thought it was interesting and started to do my own research on Google. I found spirulina supplements and drinks, but there just weren’t a lot of products. I started talking with John and we went to Whole Foods to buy the spirulina powder. We started to make smoothies with it and quickly realized that it just tastes… bad [laughs]. It smells like, if you ever had a goldfish, you know the fish food flakes, it smells worse than that. So we knew if we could figure out a way to be aesthetically pleasing, we would have something. We originally went down the path of making it into a drink and worked on that for the better part of two years on the side while still working our jobs in finance. As we were still complaining about our finance jobs, we kept at our idea and realized the drink business was going to be pretty challenging given the amount of resources you need in the beginning.

John: It also is something we both use a lot, it’s not just something we are trying to sell so I think we will be the biggest advocates of how it helps you. At this time, Cameron was still doing Ironmans and I was playing college basketball so the health benefits were something that really helped us personally. That was most important to me, having something that I can personally vouch for. If you really believe in it and you have really seen it help you, then you will be the best person to tell others how it can help them. It has really improved my quality of life in a meaningful way. Having been an athlete my whole life, you have to take a lot of different supplements and powders. Some of it takes you backwards more than it takes you forward and with spirulina I immediately started feeling the benefits. I experienced an increase in energy. I have always had bad knees and a bad back from playing basketball, I slowly started seeing an improvement on that. It is definitely something that we both believe in and use, again, I think that is critical to being able to share those experiences with others.

MM: For sure, it is important that you believe in it before you can expect others to do the same. Back to the origin question, did you two know that you wanted your business to be in the health industry? Or did your background in finance make you interested in starting a business together? It is an interesting shift.

John: No, we did not. I can tell you confidently I did not think I would be trying to sell algae one day. It makes a lot of sense in retrospect because I have always cared a lot about the environment. I didn’t really know how to have an impact besides what everyone does like recycling, turning the water off when you brush your teeth, things like that. Yes, those things have an impact but to create a product with a sustainable ingredient, now that can really move the needle. It takes a lot of different things going right to have a big impact but that’s not an excuse to not do your part. It wasn’t until we were further along in the process that I realized and once I did, it really motivated me to make a shift. Cameron and I would text every morning about our dreadful walks to work. When we both quit our jobs, it was the first time I didn’t feel like I was just waking up for a paycheck but instead for reasons that could have an impact. I am waking up for something that is going to take time to get there, and it’s a day-by-day process, but it is a rare spark that I don’t think many people get to experience. In that regard, I feel lucky to have that.

 MM: You have touched a little bit on why spirulina is a great ingredient. What would you say differentiates liina from other health drinks and supplements in the market?

John: As Cameron mentioned, the only way you can buy spirulina now is in the raw powder format. There are a lot of barriers of entry for just anyone to access the health benefits of it. You have to be someone who is more on top of these kinds of things, since it is not as mainstream yet. If you do know about it, you have to be willing to find ways to make it taste and smell good to get access to the health benefits. You can think of liina as removing those obstacles out of people’s way so that you know about it and it is easy for you. The health benefits will take care of itself. That is the main distinguisher.

Cameron: It’s unique because it has been around forever but no one has put it into a mainstream mechanism. We look at Vital Proteins a lot because they were one of the first companies to take collagen and market it in such a way that everyone now knows it as being good for your hair, skin, and nails. Something that people see as a necessity in their everyday routine. Even though collagen has always been around. We looked at spirulina as an ingredient that is unique and that not a lot of companies are focusing on. We are able to market spirulina in a similar way to increase awareness. That makes us more unique than if we were to start another plant based protein, or whey protein, etc. as there are already so many in the market.

MM: You do have a unique advantage with being one of the first to bring the ingredient to the market and how sustainable of an ingredient it is. We need more products that are both good for us and the environment.

John: Yeah for sure. Our goal is to make spirulina mainstream and I think that if we are good at marketing liina, there will be other companies that try to come in and make something similar. Yes, we want to be the only company, but the reality is that’s not how the world works. Our mission is to make it more mainstream so having other companies with similar products will work towards that mission which is very exciting to us. While we are just starting out with one product, there may be someone down the line who creates something different such as a yogurt with spirulina. There are many ways liina can impact the industry and make spirulina a commonly used ingredient.

MM: That is very exciting. Which leads to my next question, how do you view liina in 5 years from now? Do you want to be on store shelves, traveling the country to give talks about how great the product is, or something entirely different? What is the ideal route for spreading awareness?

Cameron: Yeah, I would say all of it.

John: A Ted Talk would be nice.

 Cameron: It’s one of those things that when you start something, you have a vision in your head of how it is going to go but it doesn’t always go exactly as planned. Two years ago, I envisioned that we would be on the news, in local stores around Chicago, raising a ton of money, and more. The reality is you may not always take the initial path but you still end up getting to the goal result. As for five years from now, just more awareness about spirulina and liina in general. Why we named it liina, as it is a direct play on spirulina. If we can accomplish that in any future form it happens, then all the wildest dreams can come true.

MM: Absolutely. I can say that I had never heard of spirulina until I met you two. When I shared your company with my colleagues, some of them were familiar and were so excited to see this product. Their immediate reactions were, “Why has no one done anything like this yet?” and that they would use it but it didn’t smell or taste so great. I love how it is such a bright natural blue color in the powder. We are excited as a team to create more awareness in our Bond Collective community nationwide. That being said, our final question, what made you choose Bond Collective as the space for you to work on and eventually launch liina?

John: It just felt like a good home base for us. We toured several other coworking spaces, a lot of them felt too crowded out. They also didn’t seem to have the resources of Bond Collective, like this blog feature we are doing now. The other spaces felt more like a get in, get out cycle rather than a community feel like we have here. On top of that, the look of this place is incredible. We have tried our best to make our brand feel premium and Bond Collective feels like the perfect match. So hopefully we reach a point one day where we need this 20-person conference room to hold our team meetings in. Bond is a great place for us to establish ourselves while also looking like a more put together brand than just Cam and I behind the scenes. I think that goes for anyone considering Bond Collective. Additionally, some of the other spaces we looked at didn’t have many windows, they were just dark spaces in the corner whereas here there are a lot of windows. I think that says something about the kind of company Bond is. It feels like you are walking into a CB2, telling our visitors that we are doing a lot better than they may initially think. Eventually, our company will be in a position where people expect the caliber of office Bond provides and we are excited to share that.

MM: Thank you two so much for your time and for choosing Bond Collective as the home for liina. We are so excited to watch your company grow!

Follow liina on Instagram @liveliina
Purchase on Amazon!

Interviewing Virgilio is like catching up with a friend. He’s kind, humble, and has such a lovely sense of camaraderie about him. It’s no surprise that he came from a hospitality background and even less surprising that he’s here today, featured as our newest Employee of the Month. Let’s jump right in.

-Francisco Peralta, Community Manager at Gowanus

FP: Where are you from? What did you want to be when you were younger?

VM: I was born in the Dominican Republic, but I’ve been raised in New York City since I was 5 years old. Growing up there were two professions/career paths that really called my attention. One was a professional baseball player, but of course… (as we both laugh)… it’s in the blood. There was that and… it’s very, very cliche but I did want to become an astronaut. I’ve always been fascinated by space ever since I was very little, and I really thought that was going to happen for 3-4 years.  

FP: Where did you go to school and what did you study?

VM: I went to Johnson and Wales University and I studied Hospitality and Tourism Management. The school is very well known for its culinary education as well as its hospitality program. The University is in Providence, RI, and the whole city is pretty much a fun little college town by how well J&W are known. The food is amazing, some of the best food I’ve had in New England. It was a lot of fun during my time there since there was a huge Dominican community. When I graduated my parents came up and they were surprised by this, but very happy to know I was in good hands.

FP: When did you start at Bond Collective?  (…what were you doing before this?)

VM: I started with Bond August 2021, and I came from another co-working space focused in the medical industry and that was my first exposure into co-working spaces and the co-working industry in general. I spent some time there learning the ropes and learning about the industry and how it has evolved into what it is today. Then I arrived at Bond with big wide fresh eyes, into what’s an industry leader now, so yeah I started then, and looking forward to longevity in this role, and in this company.

FP: What influenced you to get this type of work?

VM: What inspired me was, just the fact that I felt that this was a great opportunity to really thrive, to bring my personality into the light, and to be part of a collective, to be part of something that’s bigger than myself or bigger than any one thing that I’m doing for a certain company. To give a little more insight and also some history, I also come from hospitality. I’ve worked in hotels for pretty much my entire professional career before I got to co-working. I’ve gained a lot of experience and knowledge on both the front end dealing with customers and guests, and key insights of how a business runs on a day to day. Having this knowledge lit a fire in me to learn more about commercial real estate, and to move in the direction of not just operating a business or dealing with people on a day to day but kind of doing both in an environment that’s thriving. I quickly realized and paid attention to trends in the industry, and co-working was just booming at the time. I saw how popular this was getting and how far it could go. With co-working things are so fun because you meet so many new people and you get to know them both intimately and professionally. It gives you the opportunity to broaden your horizon, and learn more about the world.

FP: How was your previous coworking experience compared to what we are doing here?

VM: Bond is umm..(Nervously laughs) It’s kind of like night and day, Bond’s community aspect is really important and shines really bright here, which is what I was looking for all along. I was looking to join a company that took its community seriously and that wanted to offer its members everything possible from the foods we offer to the partnerships and the overall atmosphere and vibes you get when walking into each of our locations. It was very different and I was enlightened and also not surprised but it felt refreshing to be in a co-working space like this amongst managers like yourself. The executive team is super hands on and super helpful, always having so much knowledge to share… so definitely like I said, like night and day.

FP: What was your First impression of Bond? 

VM: I went to 55 (Broadway) to interview and as soon as I walked in I was like, “Wow”. Everything from the design aspect; the building itself is super nice and impressive. I was really impressed how neat everything looked and It was nice to walk in and feel very zen. I felt right away that the environment I was in was super productive and I was just blown away by just how beautiful the space was.

FP: What is your favorite Bond location?

VM: Not to be biased, but my favorite Bond location is Bushwick. I love Bushwick! The indoor outdoor aspect, the exposed brick, the terrace, the front desk is gorgeous! It’s beautiful for a lot of good reasons and some of the biggest being, all of the good food options nearby and my favorite music venues around the area. Bond Collective really did an amazing job with Bushwick, as they do with all their locations, but there’s just something about Bushwick that makes me want to spend my whole day there.

FP: What’s your favorite part of the day to day at Bond?

VM: Honestly, it’s getting to talk to people. Whenever I see someone approaching the desk, I never think it’s because a complaint or something has gone wrong. I approach each interaction as an opportunity to build some rapport with members. I feel like talking to members and getting insights on their life and sharing stories helps build strong bonds. Whenever I have a chance to interact with someone on a professional level, or if I’m just recommending someone a spot for lunch, it brings me a lot of joy. I really love getting to interact with the plethora of individuals at different stages of their lives and their business.

FP: When stuck on a project, What is your strategy for getting through a mental roadblock?

VM: Music is the answer. Music can be relaxing and motivating. From SoundCloud to iTunes or Spotify, I usually let things sit for a minute before I get my head together to address things in an orderly fashion. I like to let my mind clear over the course of a song and recenter my thoughts.

FP: Any tips on being productive or staying awesome?

VM: It’s a lot of hustle and bustle. Honestly, it’s in my nature to relax and let the noise disappear. Over the last two years I have been lucky enough to let myself go all in on yoga and meditation. Outside of the practice itself, it has taught me how to chill. In work and life, I try to approach everything with a balanced mentality or approach — never with my emotions and always with a clear mind and an understanding that whatever is happening or needs to get done, there will be a solution. It’s just a matter of finding it. You’ll get there easier with a clear mind and with a relaxed attitude as opposed to feeling like you have to have all the answers and do everything right. Mistakes happen, things will fall through, but as long as you’re there to catch it and pick the pieces back up, that’s what matters.

FP: What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

VM: Outside of work I like DJ’ing, I’m also an avid hiker and have been working on rock climbing for the last 6 months. As I mentioned earlier, I do a lot of yoga, and exercise which keeps me busy. A few weeks ago I climbed my first summit in Guatemala on their 3rd tallest volcano. It was a lot of fun but also, one of the hardest but rewarding and satisfying experiences of my life so far. Looking out to the horizon and seeing everything was a major mental test that required a lot of willpower. At two different points during the climb, I questioned turning back and quitting. But despite the elements, I pushed through and am now looking to do another few months of training and get back at it again.

FP: What have been some of your biggest takeaways working at Bond?

VM: This might sound cliche, but the fact that everyone has been so available and willing to help each other out, the teamwork is next level. It left a big impression on me. It means a lot to be part of such an amazing team. And the other thing I have come to notice is the genuine good vibe among all of the members or the people who come to visit the office. There is a level of enthusiasm when people walk in the door that lights a fire in me that makes me want to provide a consistent level of service. 

FP: If there was one thing you could tell your younger self today, what would it be?

VM: Whenever someone says you can’t do something, it’s not a reflection of yourself — it’s a reflection of them. Have at it. Onward and forward. It’s taken me 30 odd years to acknowledge that second part. Follow your dreams and make sure that you’re the only person that’s allowed to tell yourself no. There’s nothing to do but to do it.

FP: Well, this has been great! Wrapping it up, are there any plans on the horizon for yourself personally or professionally?

VM: Personally, the hobby of hiking and climbing has taken over. There is a lot that I’m training for. So personally I’ve already started training for two additional mountain / volcano climbs in Mexico. I’ve been training to get my body in shape for that. And professionally, I recently picked up an online Project Manager course, and I am looking to get an ACOM certification for commercial property management. Both of these will help broaden my horizons and gain more knowledge into the project management world.

FP: Last question, and this hypothetical of course, if you could make a sudden career change what would it be?

VM: If I could make a sudden change right now, I would love to open up a coffee shop somewhere along the coast in Central or South America and serve coffee in my sandals. Enjoying life by the water.

FP: That’s amazing, sounds like a chill life! Alright V, this has been great, I appreciate all of your time.

By Bond Collective Staff

Does your business need more collaboration and creativity? An innovation space may be the solution.

Setting aside a unique place within your office environment where your teams can gather, brainstorm, and push your products and services to the next level is well worth the time and effort.

In this article, we investigate what makes an innovation space and give you tips for creating your own from scratch.

Innovation Defined

Before we discuss the innovation space itself, it would do us well to back up one step and examine the root of the concept: innovation.

Innovation is defined as:

The practical implementation of ideas that result in the introduction of new goods, services, or the method by which those goods and services are offered.

It’s important to understand going forward that innovation is very different from the regular, day-to-day work in which a company engages.

Some businesses spend their entirety doing regular work without pushing the boundaries of their industry. Other businesses do nothing but innovate, while most businesses do both to differing degrees.

For example, if your team is building an app, regular work is relying on standard methods to get things done. Innovation is solving a problem in a novel and unique way (perhaps with a new bit of code or a spin on the standard interface) that pushes the boundaries of the industry and, perhaps, has never been tried before.

The key to this discussion, however, is that innovation doesn’t just happen. Sure, once in a great while, a team member may experience a stroke of genius.

But, more often than not, innovation is something that takes time and must be nurtured through various stages of development. That’s where the innovation space comes in.

What Is An Innovation Space?

An innovation space is any room or, well, space, that is set aside for the sole purpose of brainstorming and thinking about how to make the product, service, or business itself better.

It takes a significant shift in thinking to switch from day-to-day work to the business of transformation and change, so innovation spaces are often designed to inspire the energetic exchange of ideas and provide the means by which to test and play with the new concept.

In most cases, this testing and playing revolve around computers and connectivity, but every business is different, so your team may do just as well with whiteboards and sticky notes.

Regardless of whether you outfit the space with the latest VR technology or stick to paper and pencil, most innovation spaces include the same basic design elements, which we’ll discuss in the next section.

How To Create An Innovation Space

1) Choose The Right Size Room

The right size room for your innovation space depends a lot on the number of individuals on your team.

A small team will do just fine in a conference room, but a large team will certainly need more room to spread out.

2) Provide Movable Furniture

In most innovation spaces, team members want to be able to work wherever the inspiration strikes them.

If they’re involved in an intense brainstorming session, they don’t want to worry about losing the magic because they have to stop to figure out where everyone is going to sit. They want to be able to pull a few surfaces together and take advantage of the vision.

Modular and mobile components and furniture make that possible. Equip the space with items such as rolling cabinets, adjustable monitor arms, adjustable-height desks, and tables and chairs that team members can move easily.

When you include movable furniture in your innovation space, you remove a major speed bump in workflow and make it easier for your teams to concentrate on finding unique solutions, getting things done, and pushing your business forward.

3) Outfit Your Innovation Space With Plenty Of Technology

Technology is the cornerstone of the modern innovation space.

Computers, tablets, screen sharing, and the fast internet and WiFi to power it all, give your team the tools they need to get creative, collaborate, and find new solutions for your business.

The technology you choose certainly depends on the type of business you run and the needs of your team, but for some great ideas on how to outfit your innovation space, check out these articles from the Bond Collective blog:

• 8 Futuristic Office Ideas For The Modern Workplace

• 10 Ways Technology In The Workplace Is Transforming Business

4) Minimize The Clutter

Clutter is distracting. The sense of disorganization that permeates a cluttered workspace seriously affects some people’s happiness and productivity.

So, before you attempt to improve your innovation space by adding things, try removing things first. Here are a few suggestions for decluttering:

• Hire a commercial cleaner

• Go wireless if possible

• Invest in storage solutions

• Corral and hide the power cords

• Go paperless

• Minimize items on the horizontal surfaces

Give this issue some serious thought, and we’re sure you’ll come up with plenty of unique ways to keep your home office clutter-free.

5) Add Color For Inspiration

Color is an important addition to any innovation space. It communicates a sense of atmosphere that can affect your employees in a variety of ways.

If the walls, furniture, and floors are permeated by neutral grays and tans, employees can feel uninspired and sluggish for no apparent reason. If dark colors dominate, employees can feel tired even first thing in the morning.

That’s not to say that you can never use neutral or dark colors. But drab colors do nothing to encourage creativity and inspiration. That’s why modern design esthetics often incorporate vivid colors into the workspaces.

To keep your employees energized, engaged, and productive, punctuate your innovation space with areas of bright color.

Whether you’re organizing different areas according to a certain color scheme or just scattering pops of color here and there, studies show that varied bright hues give your team a boost and improve productivity, creativity, and overall happiness.

6) Decorate With Natural Materials And Textures

Want to make your innovation space feel happier, more comfortable, and more productive? Include natural elements in your design.

Natural accents such as exposed concrete, brick, wood floors, wood beams, and painted steel are simple natural design elements that bring the outside in, boost morale, and inspire your team to greatness.

7) Soften Your Innovation Space With Plants

Another easy way to enhance your innovation space is to soften the area with plenty of plants — both large and small.

You can arrange a cluster of large plants in the corner of the room or line the windowsills with smaller plants to break up all the hard, flat surfaces. You can even hang plants from the ceiling for even more inspiration.

Looking for more on decorating your office environment with plants? Take a few minutes to read these helpful articles from the design experts at Bond Collective:

• The 7 Best Office Plants To Enhance Any Workspace

• 11 Low-Maintenance Plants To Transform Your Office!

8) Give The Room A Cool Name

Every innovation space needs a cool name — if for no other reason than to set it apart from every other room in your office.

A unique name also serves to put team members in a creative mood and inspires them to switch their thinking from the daily grind in the rest of the office to the creativity, collaboration, and whimsy that is necessary to do things differently.

For tips on how to choose the perfect name for your innovation space, check out this article from the Bond Collective blog: Room Naming: How To Choose An Epic Name For Your Conference Room.

Innovation Space At Your Fingertips

If you want innovation space at your fingertips without the stress, strain, and expense of building your own from the ground up, base your team in a coworking space from Bond Collective.

Each of our shared working environments incorporates inspiring design elements like natural light, mobile furniture, tasteful and professional decor, and multipurpose workspaces.

And at Bond Collective, the benefits don’t stop with the office space. In addition to our unique work settings, members also enjoy amenities such as:

• Daily on-site cleaning

• Guest reception and greeting

• Private-label mail service

• Fast Ethernet and WiFi

• Concession food market

• Conference rooms

• Black-and-white printing

• Networking and curated events

• 24-hour access

• Bike storage

If you’re looking for an innovation space — or even just a day-to-day work environment — that is sure to increase your team’s happiness and productivity, become a member of Bond Collective.

Tour our gorgeous coworking spaces in New York, California, Washington D.C., Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Then, take advantage of our coworking spaces, dedicated desks, and private offices to suit all your business needs.

To get started or to learn more about the advantages of coworking spaces for digital nomads, remote workers, and businesses of all types and sizes, visit BondCollective.com today.

By Brett Hafstad, General Manager

Just six months of being on the team, Francisco, who pulls all the strings at our Gowanus location, has already been an integral piece of the team with his willingness to be wherever needed! We took some time to catch up with him this month to see what drives this Miami-at-heart New Yorker!

BH: To start off, why don’t you tell me a little bit about your past, where are you originally from?

FP: I was born and raised in New York City actually. My parents are originally from the Dominican Republic but once they wanted to start a family, they decided to move to America and what better place to go than NYC! I grew up in the Washington Heights area which was great because there’s a large Dominican population, and made it easy to keep in touch with traditions. 

BH: How did you get introduced to the Hospitality industry and what do you like best about it?

FP: When I was 21 I had an opportunity to move down to Miami and finally took it. I had lived my whole life in New York City and wanted a change of scenery. I planned to go down for a couple weeks and see how I enjoyed it and after a day, I was sold! Hospitality is such a major industry in Miami so once I decided I was going to stick around, I started exploring my options at a couple different hotels. It was such a breath of fresh air from what I had been doing; the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world and to help positively impact their time, it was extremely enjoyable and eye opening that this could be more of a long term option.

BH: With how much you enjoyed your time in Miami, what finally brought you back to the Big Apple?

FP: There were a couple things but the main was certainly education. When I made the decision to move down to Miami, I had switched my major a couple times working hard to figure out exactly what I wanted to be doing. After getting my feet wet in the Hospitality industry down there, I knew that was what I wanted to focus on and the first step was finishing up school to help work towards that. Once I finished, there were a number of opportunities in New York as well so I wanted to keep Miami as more of a place I could enjoy on vacation!

BH: With so much experience in hotels, what drew you to Bond and what was your first impression?

FP: With the onset of COVID, it really hit the hotel industry and things were a bit slow to bounce back. I started to explore options that would still allow me to be in a position to meet new people and have the ability to assist them. As soon as I met some of the Bond team members, I was sold immediately. The community atmosphere that’s not only present at each location but also within the Bond team, it was a whole new feeling that excited me. My first impression was that I was just blown away. Walking into the space for the first time and how truly unique the Gowanus location is, I was speechless.

BH: What’s your favorite Bond location?

FP: Although I truly do love the Gowanus location, I’d have to say my favorite is definitely the City Center location in Philadelphia. I spent a couple weeks there helping cover the space and there are so many unique aspects that really stick out to me. The wrap-around terrace provides wonderful views of the city, the zen room, and just the overall history of not only the building, but also the area of the city that it’s within. 

BH: So now that you’ve been with Bond for some time, what’s your favorite part about the job?

FP: I would have to say meeting so many unique people and entrepreneurs. It’s exciting to see a small team running with a new idea I’ve never heard of and the opportunity that they could grow into a household name; I love being a part of their story. And to take that a step further, the process of trying to get different teams to link up and possibly work together. When hosting happy hours I’m always trying to be engaged as to help companies link up and help one another.

BH: When you’re not at work, what are your favorite pastimes?

FP: Growing up, sports have always been a huge part of my life, I’ve always enjoyed playing baseball and football. Nowadays, I still like to be as active as possible as well so most weekends you can normally find me riding a bicycle around a different part of the city. I’m also a big animal lover; over the last year, my girlfriend and I have fostered 13 kittens. It get’s tough at times because we want to keep them all but it’s nice to have some temporary friends for our cat, Leon. 

BH: Is there anything else that you’d like to share about yourself that others may not know?

FP: I always shock people with the size of my family. I have 6 siblings and between them, there are 24 nieces and nephews! So family has always been a big part of my life and there’s never a dull moment especially at get togethers.

BH: Well thank you so much for letting us get to know you a bit more and for everything you do for Bond day in and day out!

By Nicole Clark, General Manager

Bond Collective Greenpoint members, Shane and Ian, discuss their e-commerce performance consultancy, ECOY. Built on the principle that the unglamorous side of e-commerce is too often overlooked and underserved, these two founded an agency to meet the needs of online retailers and businesses with a distinctly human approach.

NC: How did y’all meet, and how did ECOY come together?

Ian: Shane and I met through a mutual friend, Michael. Michael actually grew up across the street from my wife, we’re all close friends from way back when. The seeds for ECOY were planted in January of 2020, when I was in between jobs. I had left my previous role as Director of E-Commerce at NJOY, before that I held the same title at Sony Music. I started my career in the music business and moved into ecommerce as a way to join Sony Music at an entry level. I knew I loved music and I found ecommerce as a path to the company I wanted to join, and in doing so I totally dove in and learned to love it. I studied the nuances, trends, the different ways it can perform, and I saw ways that it could change the world. This was years ago pre-Covid, pre-Shopify, pre-mobile shopping. So fast forward to January 2020, and Michael told me that I needed to meet this guy who worked in a talent agency with a music component. I was interested in networking and finding the next opportunity, so I connected with Shane in a sort of informal interview. Towards the end of that meeting Shane was really transparent and said he was on his way out of that company and was looking at starting an agency of his own, specifically meeting the ecom gap he has seen in the music industry. We were on the same page about the need for what I call the ‘under the hood’ less sexy work of helping the client realize the full reach and performance of their brand or product. I’ve spent most of my career filling the gaps in things like collecting taxes, efficient payment processing, shipping, warehousing, and global expansion– all underserved components of client’s businesses.

Shane: And I’m going to cut in here to give him a compliment. When I met Ian, I recognized him immediately as a hybrid. Hybrids recognize other hybrids. I saw in Ian, a hybrid that had all of these skills and this experience that can’t really come from any other agency for the most part. That was something that sparked a connection and I saw what he could bring to clients and how he can apply it in a consultancy agency.

Ian: Thank you, I appreciate it. And vice-versa to Shane on the marketing and positioning side. He has a great understanding of how brands resonate and connect with customers and the stories that they’re telling. I think we are able to cross navigate both that tactical, operational element as well as marketing and engagement. Effectively, a full service ecom option for brands that we believe in, that have a lot of growth potential, and who are ultimately great people. One of our ethos and trademarks when taking on a new client is that we don’t work for or with jerks anymore. We spent a long time in our careers working with, sometimes not the greatest people. We are intentionally flipping that narrative, and that resonates with our clients. We’re not here to come in, work with you for two months, and leave. We want to grow with our clients, with our brands, help them succeed, and empower them while we’re doing this work for them. This is one of the key drivers at ECOY, it also helps our employees grow and improve their skills in communicating with clients, learning new platforms and tools, and so called tricks of the trade. 

NC: Right, that was one of the things that I noticed when reviewing ECOY’s online presence, there is a pretty candid approach to your messaging which I think resonates with people who are looking for more authenticity as the world moves further into ecom. What would you say your target client would be to partner with for this type of tactical approach?

Ian: We’ve tried to bring our personalities and our humanistic approach to the digital world, which can be very data and jargon heavy. We started focusing on small to medium sized businesses in ecom and retail that we felt had potential to build out a presence. We also launched two months before Covid hit, which supercharged our growth because we suddenly had clients who were scaling back on their brick and mortar and pivoting those budgets into ecom, but didn’t necessarily have the insight to run an ecom operation.

 

NC: That’s a great point, because for so many businesses, the pandemic created this rush of new challenges and one of those was how to carry their message to their now entirely remote audiences and clients. Do you feel like this was a key moment for ECOY to help businesses in this transition, to meet their markets in ways they may not have been able to without this type of consultancy?

Shane: Absolutely, it was also an opportunity to take some power into the business landscape holistically, find out whose products are solid and create the space they needed to succeed. If we pour gasoline onto your business, is it going to blow up? Is it ignitable? If that’s the case, then let’s build their store smarter, let’s make it easier to use , let’s give customers more ways to interface with them, more ways of accessing it. We’re looking at the stories behind these products and ultimately the people and how invested they are in the development of the product. You can see that in the clients that we have.

 

NC: Along with a growing client base, I know you are also starting to grow your team. It’s an exciting time to be able to put together a team, that’s really when you’re able to see your company take shape and build your culture, what does that look like so far?

Ian: We currently have five full time employees. We have a CTO, John, who I have worked with for a long time. He’s been with ECOY from the beginning and is integral to building out the company from a development side. As we grew in the last year and half we brought on a Project Manager, Meredith, who is fantastic and has a lot of the hybrid chops that we look for. She’s great with clients, from starting her own agency in New Orleans, and executes from a holistic approach. We also have our Account Coordinator, Sarah, who has been a rock in keeping us organized. She makes sure everything gets done on time as we’re growing. We also have Mark in our product focused ecom role, he’s spent a lot of time in the Shopify world and has experience setting up campaigns and understanding webflow. And really, a lot of the work we have done has been powered by an incredible network of freelancers. We’re growing, and we’re a small company, so with certain projects that dictate certain needs it just makes sense to bring in someone who has expertise in SEO, email marketing, etc. Shane and I have networks that allow us to tap into great designers, great product people, so we can tailor projects to meet specific demands from our clients. The most important part of who we hire, both freelancing and full time, is that we have a team who can build trust with our clients. Trust almost comes before technical skillset because it’s crucial that we can trust them and that the client trusts them. It’s a major component of the culture we’re building because the best work is done with a team that can depend on each other to deliver. On the whole, our team is fun, smart, and energetic and can easily find comradery with one another.

 

NC: Having an equally strong rapport with your colleagues as you do with your clients is the goal. Have you found a benefit to officing in a shared work space like Bond Collective and the access you have to freelancers in your community? How else has membership benefited your consultancy? 

Ian: Moving into our first office outside of our respective homes has been a great way to find ways to work that feel more intentional. I worked from home through most of the pandemic, and while I love my son to death it was hard to focus with a three year old at times. If Daddy’s home he’s ready to play all day! We looked around at a few places, but Bond Collective made the most sense–the location, the price and was more suited to our needs than some of the more standard options. Truly, it has been super beneficial to have Shane and I next to each other, and we’ve given our employees the option to work wherever they are most comfortable. We’re not forcing anyone to come in, but they do and when we’re all here together it’s great to have those big team meetings and keep momentum going. It’s crazy, we have hired and worked with people on our team who we had never met in person until recently when we all came to the office. We’re happy where we are, and Jeffrey is the best manager we’ve ever worked with. I’m guilty of working head down, non stop, and being here we’re trying to break that mold by stopping to engage with people.

 

NC: Those small opportunities to collaborate can be so impactful, it’s great to be able to meet others in the space where you don’t have to talk about work but you can. You know that you have a beer and a lounge, and each other, to ask the best question of all time which is “What do you do?”. I have seen these organic conversations translate quickly into fully realized collaborations, and your agency likely shares interest with nearly all businesses. 

Shane: Exactly, and that has always been in our periphery to go into a space looking to meet people. At this point, everyone is somewhat tied to e-commerce in some way. They either have some relationship to business or they know someone who has a store, or is building a new brand. For us there is always both conversions in the immediate and conversations for the upcoming, and we love that. We’re in no rush, there are people at every stage of the pipeline, and we’re as interested in growing our networks as we are in connecting our networks to new ideas and projects. We’re able to really talk to people, combined with everyone having an interest or relationship with something touching e-commerce, means that our networking is just more natural and not a pitch.

NC: Thank you so much for your time, and we’re so happy to have you as members of Bond Collective Greenpoint! We’re looking forward to connecting with you both more, and watching ECOY continue to disrupt traditional approaches to e-commerce messaging and functionality.

By Katharina Hoerath, Director of Architecture

Over the last two years, Bond Collective saw expansion to two sprawling locations in nearby, but vastly unique, Chicago neighborhoods. Traveling between the two weekly, and against the backdrop of a global pandemic, Brett Hafstad has been managing both spaces for over a year with the patience, creativity, and a hopeful eye on the future. This month we’re sitting down to hear more about this laid back former Lacrosse player and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast.

KH: How long have you worked for Bond Collective and what was your first impression when you started?

BH: It will be 2 years in January. My first impression was interesting and different to any other job experience I have had in the past. I walked into a blank slate of a project. The first 2 weeks Drew and I were alone in this massive space that we were hoping would become one of the best coworking spaces in Chicago, setting up some décor items, opening packages and getting ready before any tenants could tour the space or move in. It was really interesting to see this and be a part of the installation process.

 

KH: How did you end up working in the hospitality industry, what fascinates you about it? 

BH: I always wanted to work with people. At university I was a History and Political Science major and wanted to become a professor. During my summer breaks in college, I was working at a golf course and noticed I really enjoyed working with people on a regular basis. I moved up in positions very quickly and noticed myself running a full facility by the time I was 25 years old. I considered myself really lucky to have been able to get into this position so quickly and really loved the job and meeting new people everyday. 

 

KH: Going back to your past – tells us a little bit about your childhood.

BH: I was born in Maryland, and due to my father’s work, we bounced around a little bit, but we ended up in Illinois when I was in grade school. I still say I am from New England, but there is definitely a lot of midwestern in me!

I was born with broken collarbones. When I was younger I was a little bit of a rambunctious child – had a few stitches, and then broke my collarbone again. My dad always joked that they would name a hospital wing after me since I was there so often. 

I went to Purdue University in Indiana where I played lacrosse for our club team. Regularly, we would travel to play against other schools. We got to the play offs in my final year which was an awesome experience.

 

KH: Is there anything that people will find surprising about you – or do you have superpowers we haven’t seen yet(besides being able to manage to go back and forth between the two Chicago locations and take such good care of them)?

BH: Hm, I am pretty good a jigsaw puzzling. While growing up, my grandparents and I loved building jigsaw puzzles. I really got into again during quarantine. I can finish a 1000 piece puzzle in about five to six hours. When I was younger, I made a huge puzzle of the “The Last Supper” painting – it took such a long time and I didn’t want to put it away cause I was quite proud. 

 

KH: Do you have a favorite between the two Chicago Bond Collective locations? Or is there any other Bond location you really like? 

BH: I think the Fulton Market one resonates a bit more with my personality than the Opera house. I am in love with that location. I love the wooden beams, the brick walls, and the loft feel combined with the sleek design. The Bushwick location sticks out to me too. I just want to go there and experience all the colors and textures. Also, the Austin is phenomenal, that location feels super special to me. 

 

KH: What makes you stay sane, or keeps you calm? 

BH: That’s a tricky question, but I think I have a special “talent”of being able to not dwell on the tough moments and let go. I guess I would say, I am able to live in the moment. My girlfriend always gets quite jealous when I can fall asleep immediately and not get caught up with worrying thoughts and not be able to fall asleep. 

 

KH: What do you like in your free time, what are your hobbies?

BH: If I could walk around the city 24/7 and learn about the city I would. I love looking at maps and learning about the history of the environment I am in. For example, one of my favorite things to do in Chicago is the architecture boat tour. 

By Nicole Clark, General Manager

This luxury minimalist jewelry concept started nearly four years ago as a passion project while founder Madison Snider was working full time in production after college. With consistent growth and an effortless sense of style, Fewer Finer has now expanded to running as a team of four!

Madison brought her shop to its first official physical space when she joined Bond Collective Greenpoint in April of 2021, after finding a loyal and burgeoning fanbase on Instagram. Being in the space allows for the team to work together, under the same roof, and for clients to meet directly with Madison to start conversations about custom pieces, or share stories behind heirloom pieces looking for a new life! Fewer Finer even does in-office custom jewelry weldings of infinity bracelets–luxurious precious metal chain permanently welded around a wrist or an ankle for a seamless continuation without a clasp. 

One on one work is a big part of Fewer Finer’s connection to their clients, and you can even shop in person (by appointment). Part studio and client reception, part office, part fulfillment–this is a company that has leaned into the flexibility that a fully serviced luxury office provides, let’s hear a bit more from Madison herself..

NC: Madison, we are so pleased to have Fewer Finer in the community at Bond Collective! You certainly have an eye for intrinsic value, beauty, and durability. Would you say making the decision to join Bond was a natural fit?

MS: Creating and living beautifully are core to our brand and my personal way of life. The look and feel of Bond is so much less like a workspace and more like a boutique hotel. It was important to us to have a place that felt nice for clients to come into and though we considered getting space in Manhattan, closer to the Diamond District, our brand is Brooklyn at heart! 

NC: That’s amazing, and we couldn’t be happier to have you! Now, tell me about your current team..

MS: Aside from me, it’s Katheryn, who is our Head of Marketing and Production, and a huge part of what we’re doing. She manages our online presence, including social media posts on platforms like Instagram, and she manages a lot of exterior marketing specialists that we work with. Really she touches all marketing needs and is so helpful to the way this business runs.

NC: That sounds like a lot, and I bet it’s so impactful to have someone who is just crushing it and handling messaging to your online audience for you. Tell me about the third part of your team, Laura.

MS: Laura’s is in a production management role. She’s doing everything from helping with customer support, managing our mails, managing the custom work process. Laura streamlines the entire experience for customers, including service and production. We also have brought on a fourth person, as an Administrative Assistant to help with growing administrative tasks.

NC: Do you all work together now in the space?

MS: We do! It’s great to be able to get our heads together and everything runs so much more smoothly!

NC: In looking through your Instagram stories, which are gorgeously styled, you can see a clear voice in the design and inspiration in your and I was curious about who you want to get your jewelry onto. If you could see a Fewer Finer piece on anyone, who would it be?

MS: It’s not very traditional, but I know who my favorite person would be, and it’s my dad. I would love to make him a signet ring, or something in a men’s collection. That would be a big deal to me because everyone in my family has pieces of mine so far. My dad is the only person who doesn’t have something because it’s just not his style to wear jewelry, which I get. He has been cheering me on for so long, and as a business owner himself I think he instilled that drive and ambition in me. I think if he had a piece that fit his style one day, that would be more special than anything.

NC: I love that. Also, while taking a look at your collections, everything feels very timeless and classic in a way that isn’t at all static or boring, because it also feels simultaneously relevant and on trend. It’s an impressive contemporary combination that just doesn’t ever feel it will get old–sort of like the classic Little Black Dress. What do you think the jewelry equivalent of the LBD is, for men and women alike?

MS: I think it is a pinky ring, which is for all genders. There’s something to a pinky ring that feels like you have an edge of style no matter who you are or how you wear it. I also think it’s sort of a forgotten piece. I love pinky rings, I always have.

NC: I did not expect that answer, and now I need one. Heading to your site now.

NC: What is the process like for someone who perhaps has an heirloom piece that they love, and they want a new iteration of it? 

MS: What we do is either schedule an in person appointment if they’re in NYC, or a Zoom call for those who are further away, to get to know them and start the conversation. We’re able to work closely with master jewelers to create a design, and then once the client approves the design we move forward into production which is building molds, casting the metal, and setting stones. We spend a lot of time in the diamond district and maintain a very hands on approach through the entire process.

NC: Real quick, do you have anything that comes to mind from a special presentation of a completed project to a particularly delighted or emotional client?

MS: I have quite a few people who come to us engagement ring re-designs, and they never really wear their ring. They may have gone years without wearing it, and then they’re able to bring it back to represent more of who they are now, and that’s always nice.

MS: Someone recently wrote to me that she was selecting a charm from one of our collections to commemorate ten years of sobriety and I thought that was a very cool moment to celebrate. I also see that several clients are women who are purchasing things for themselves, because of an occasion that they want to mark, and that’s been something that I didn’t expect.

NC: I can see how Fewer Finer was a place to go for a woman to buy something for herself, to celebrate herself. Thank you again for talking to me today and we hope to have you in the community for years to come!