FoundHERS Suite: A Haven for Female Entrepreneurs Blossoms in Beverly
Chicago’s vibrant South Side just got a whole lot brighter for women in biz! FoundHERS Suite, the brand-spankin’-new coworking space designed *exclusively* for female entrepreneurs, officially opened its doors last Friday, and let me tell you, the energy was *electric*.
A Grand Opening Fit for a Queen (City)
Nestled in the heart of Beverly at W. St., FoundHERS Suite is far from your average coworking space. The second you step into the ,-square-foot haven, you’re greeted with warmth, natural light, and a palpable sense of “you go, girl” empowerment. Dozens of excited attendees, including local Alderman Matt O’Shea and resident Karyn Pettigrew, the powerhouse CEO behind sustainable women’s clothing line ZoeGoes, were all there to celebrate.
And the consensus? Let’s just say Orr is onto something *big*. Many attendees, including Pettigrew, were quick to point out the serious lack of similar spaces south of the Loop. Clearly, FoundHERS Suite is filling a much-needed gap, and the excitement in the air was contagious!
Work, Connect, Slay: Inside FoundHERS Suite
Okay, so what exactly makes FoundHERS Suite so special? Imagine this:
- A super-chic lounge area perfect for brainstorming seshs or just catching up on emails without the cat walking across your keyboard (we’ve all been there, am I right?).
- Not one, but *two* multi-purpose conference rooms that can transform from a boardroom showdown to a zen yoga studio faster than you can say “downward dog.”
- A state-of-the-art podcast studio because, hello, every #girlboss needs to share her story with the world.
- A dedicated spa/therapy suite where you can finally treat yourself to that well-deserved massage or therapy session (because, entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint, ladies!).
Oh, and did I mention FoundHERS Suite is way more than just a pretty workspace? Enter the Rehoboth Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship, a game-changing resource center offering:
- Legit business services specifically designed for women, because honestly, who understands our struggles better?
- Expert support in all the things that make us go “ugh” – accounting, legal mumbo jumbo, marketing magic, and even non-profit ninja stuff.
Membership Options to Fit Every Hustle (and Budget)
Now, let’s talk dollars and sense (or should I say, cents?). FoundHERS Suite gets that every woman’s biz journey is unique. That’s why they offer a range of flexible membership options to fit every budget and stage of business growth:
- Need a dose of inspiration without breaking the bank? Snag a virtual events pass and tune into workshops and seminars from the comfort of your PJs.
- Craving that “I’m a boss, and I have a desk to prove it” feeling? A hot desk membership gets you a coveted spot in the shared workspace, plus a bunch of other perks.
- Ready to level up and claim your throne? Treat yourself to a private office with all the bells and whistles (and maybe even a mini-fridge for your kombucha stash).
So, there you have it – FoundHERS Suite is more than just a coworking space; it’s a movement. A force to be reckoned with. A place where women can support each other, chase their dreams, and maybe even squeeze in a little self-care along the way. And honestly, what’s more empowering than that?
From Vision Board to Reality: Meet LaTanya Orr
So, who’s the mastermind behind this entrepreneurial haven? That would be the incredible LaTanya Orr, a strategy coach, designer, and all-around boss lady with a heart of gold. Orr’s journey to creating FoundHERS Suite is as inspiring as the space itself.
Picture this: a young LaTanya stumbles upon her first coworking space over three decades ago in Michigan. The concept blew her mind – a dedicated space where people could work *together* yet *independently*? Genius! Fast forward a few (okay, maybe more than a few) years, and Orr, now a seasoned strategy guru running her own business, realized something was missing. Despite the rise of remote work and online networking, that sense of real, human connection was lacking, especially for women entrepreneurs.
Thus, the seed for FoundHERS Suite was planted. Orr envisioned a space that transcended the typical coworking model, a hybrid haven where virtual and in-person experiences could co-exist and complement each other. Think killer workshops, mind-blowing seminars, and networking opportunities so good you’ll actually *want* to ditch your sweatpants and show up.
“My goal was to build more than just a workspace,” Orr shared. “I wanted to cultivate a community where women could lift each other up, share their struggles and triumphs, and form genuine connections that extend beyond the boardroom.”
Beverly, Baby! Location, Location, Location
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the south side of the city? Orr didn’t just *happen* to choose Beverly for her passion project. She literally invested her heart and soul (and a cool $40,000 of her own savings!) into making this dream a reality.
“This was a whole different ball game from anything I’d done before,” Orr confessed. “It wasn’t just about building a business; it was about building a legacy.”
She meticulously scouted locations across Chicago, but none felt quite right. Then, she stumbled upon a charming vintage building in the heart of Beverly, and it was love at first sight. The space had good vibes, tons of natural light, and that irresistible neighborhood charm that just screams “community.” Plus, let’s be real, who can resist a good vintage find?
Building a Legacy, One Woman-Owned Business at a Time
FoundHERS Suite isn’t just about providing a fancy workspace; it’s about becoming an integral part of the Beverly community and beyond. Orr is all about that #giveback life, and she’s already making waves with events like a free screening of the Netflix documentary “Black Barbie: A Documentary” scheduled for Juneteenth. Talk about celebrating diversity and empowering women of color!
“I truly believe that when women support each other, incredible things happen,” Orr said. “My hope is that FoundHERS Suite becomes a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and, most importantly, genuine human connection.”
So, if you’re a female entrepreneur looking for a space to thrive, connect, and maybe even sip some kombucha with like-minded boss babes, look no further than FoundHERS Suite. Trust me, your business (and your soul) will thank you.