Here’s what made Members fall in love with our one-of-a-kind coworking space.
It’s no secret VIDA Coworking loves its Members. For them, we worked hard to create the downtown coworking space of their dreams. From our robust list of amenities to our VIDA Marche, a local artisan shop within the office, we put our heart and soul into providing our Members with an exceptional work-life balance we hope they love.
So, we went to the source to find out if they do! We asked VIDA Members what they adore about our shared workspace in Portland, Oregon. They didn’t hold back! Here in their own words, we’re sharing what Members say they love about our coworking space, its amenities and the incredible network of people who work here.
VIDA Creates Community & Connection
Out of all the things Members said they love about VIDA, a sense of community was always at the top of the list. VIDA delivers a sense of connection and belonging, enabling Members to network and interact with like-minded professionals.
“I joined VIDA in the fall of 2022 and have been so happy with that decision,” said Stephen Jensen. “Years of isolation from working remotely – even before the pandemic – had taken its toll and working at VIDA has allowed me to feel like a connected part of a professional community again. I’m productive here and have met some amazing, talented people doing really cool, meaningful work.”
Courtney O’Leary said she relishes “the opportunity for interaction and collaboration” as an extrovert in a solitary and silent job.
“It’s one of the reasons I chose to come to VIDA,” explained Courtney. “I don’t have a lot of colleagues, as clients come and go, so I enjoy the social element of shared space and communal lunches.”
“Community is a huge part of my day-to-day,” Oliver Gamez said. “I needed to get out of the house to be productive and VIDA supports that. It’s how I have made friends and was able to connect with events going on around town.”
Member Michael Kurt explained, “Being in a shared office with so many interesting and cool people has helped me feel more comfortable in my new role and work situation.”
For those working for themselves, it’s a job that can be can be isolating. VIDA is a place where those running their own business have the opportunity to connect with others.
Small business owner Solara Jean says, “Running my own private practice can be quite lonely, but I love being part of the VIDA community and having the support of the amazing women who run it.”
“When I began working for myself, I began to feel pretty isolated and unsure of how to spend my time each day,” Snow Blackwood said. “Getting an office at VIDA was one of the best decisions I made for the growth of my business and my personal health. I’m not sure how I worked without this space before. Being surrounded by other parents and professionals is extremely powerful for my productivity and mood.”
VIDA is a Beautiful Office with Incredible Amenities
Everything that’s inside VIDA was designed to stand apart. And that’s not lost on our Members! It’s clear they share our affinity for our historic office building, its interior design and our incredible amenities.
Member Andrea Gerson simply raved, “VIDA is by far the best coworking space I’ve ever been to.”
“VIDA is a rare gem for coworking in PDX,” concurs Member Sarah Foltz. “It has warm, open space with all sorts of amenities for working people of all kinds. [The] coffee is delicious. [There are] green plants everywhere. [There is] space to work, think and be. The community is real. [VIDA’s Founder] Melanie and her team are dynamite. For someone who grew up out east, getting to work inside an ‘older’ building with clear character, stories and a rich history, matters!”
Larissa Zhao said VIDA has “truly everything you could ask for in a coworking facility!” She noted the “beautifully curated physical space” and the “never-ending supply of caffeine, a relax room, a gorgeous little patio, and incredibly resourceful and supportive staff members that strive to make VIDA the inclusive space it is.”
Jacalyn Webster summed it up by saying, “It’s bright and inviting with huge sunny windows, countless green plants, kombucha and cold brew on tap and so much more.”
VIDA Facilitates a True Work-Life Balance
We built VIDA Coworking with the goal of work-life balance in mind for all Members. We believe all of our Members can succeed in their jobs and maintain a healthy lifestyle, and we’re here to provide the opportunity to do so. That’s why VIDA has a variety of different spaces that facilitate healthy body and minds, both on a personal and professional level: a fitness studio, meditation classes, networking events, a child-friendly atmosphere and a team of helpful staff.
For our Member Ingrid Timboe, this balance requires structure, and VIDA provides that.
She says: “I am grateful for the days that I’m able to work at the office because I feel like it brings a bit more structure back into my life. I get to see more people IRL and it gets me out of the house!”
For others, the proper balance requires areas for relaxation and rejuvenation.
“VIDA has all the things I might need for balance, such as outdoor space, exercise equipment, private space, beautiful things to look at, comfy seats, sweet people, warm coffee and a nap room,” explained Marnee Horesh. “It has all the things I might need while trying to do life better.”
And Andrea Gerson said, “VIDA has helped me remove the hurdles to my own self-care so I can be the best and most engaged version of myself.”
VIDA’s Convenience is Key
VIDA is centrally located in downtown Portland, Oregon, near coffee shops, gyms, schools, parks and so much more.
Tanya Barham expressed just how accessible and convenient VIDA is for working parents: “I love VIDA because it is just blocks from my kiddos’ school. This has been an absolute Godsend. I don’t have to commute far, and if one kiddo needs me, I can drop everything and be there.”
VIDA is a Haven for Support
At VIDA, support is everywhere. Staff is always on hand to help at the front desk reception. We also offer beverage service for any drink needs, healthy snacks for a quick break, concierge services, relaxation areas, fun social events, office supplies and more.
Another one of those perks is VIDA Business Services, which provides professional support ranging from business consulting to admin services. VIDA also provides professional development opportunities so Members can expand their skills.
All that adds up to perks Members find are life-changing to their workday.
Member Snow Blackwood said, “There are always new workshops and events to help with professional development and connection with others. Plus there’s a theme of self-care and making this a priority in the work life. VIDA is a very special place.”
Not only do VIDA employees provide support, but Members also offer advice and resources to each other.
Member Emily Carpenter shared that VIDA has given her “people to bounce ideas off of” and “peer support in seeing a project through,” which has helped her “thrive.”
Laura Martin added, “I appreciate the supportive atmosphere that Melanie, Kaitlyn and Caitlin create, which is a lovely backdrop for the opportunities to meet people who work here.”
Catherine Ryan Gregory shared a similar feeling of support: “I can’t overstate how important the support of a community of other entrepreneurs, professionals and generally brilliant humans has been for me. They encourage me when I’m down, listen as I hash out new ideas and collaborate in exciting ways.”
“Melanie, Kaitlyn and Caitlin have built a really cool, supportive community here in Portland and I have already gleaned so much wisdom from them and a few of my coworking neighbors this past year, especially when pregnant and after having my daughter,” said Kayla McMenamin.
The Affection is Mutal
The VIDA team is so moved for the outpouring of love from our Members. Because we also love this community of ours, we promise to continue fostering a joyful, productive and support-filled workspace where Members can thrive.
Member Cory Ration said it beautifully: “VIDA came into my life at such a shifting point, and I am forever grateful.”
We share that gratitude for every one of our Members – and for them entrusting us to help make Make Life Work.
VIDA Coworking, a Portland-based boutique coworking space, is designed for workers of all kinds in mind. Learn more about our shared workspace by booking a tour today!