VIDA Coworking’s owner talks all things VIDA, plus her experience as a thriving entrepreneur.

If you know Melanie Marconi, the founder of VIDA Coworking, you know she’s an incredibly driven small business owner. Even better, she’s one with a magnetically charming personality. Those around her can easily see the impact of her work and are inspired by her determination and passion – passions that include supporting our VIDA Members, empowering women and being an entrepreneurial role model for her daughter.

When she opened VIDA in 2019, she had no idea what her future had in store. Spoiler alert: It was a global pandemic, which she weathered with grace and tenacity. And thankfully so because today she’s in the process of opening VIDA’s second location (Hi, Beaverton, OR!). It’s her aforementioned passions that carried her and VIDA through to this exciting and rewarding time.  

Armed with her grit and business background, Melanie has turned VIDA Coworking into a thriving (and beautiful!) workspace for Portland and Beaverton workers looking for a truly special place that caters to their professional and even personal needs. 

To get to know Melanie even better, we caught up with her to hear the inspiring story about how she started VIDA Coworking and grew the business into expansion. Melanie’s also sharing her insights and advice for small business owners and parents trying to juggle it all and make life work. 

VIDA: Let’s start with the biggest question of all: What does it mean to you to be the founder of VIDA Coworking?!

Melanie: It is truly such a joy! I love what I do and that I get to share space and work with such amazing Members and colleagues. I am also beyond excited about our second location and expansion overall. It’s an opportunity to bring the VIDA magic to so many others.

VIDA: What led you to the idea of opening our amazing coworking space?

Melanie: I had the idea for VIDA in 2017 when I was looking for a coworking space for my small team of five. None of the current options appealed to me. They felt like they were mostly designed for men or were too big, impersonal or cold – literally, they had the AC on blast! But the biggest issue was that I wasn’t able to bring my daughter in, which I knew would be a concern for me as a single mom. I wondered, “Where are all the spots designed for the lives of women business owners?”

VIDA: What did you do for work before you had this “Ah-Ha” moment?

Melanie: I was the co-founder and COO of BDI Events, an event planning and conference coordination firm based in LA. My partners and I also launched Where Will They Stay?, a service that secures room blocks for weddings and other events, and The Modern Concierge, which was a personal and professional concierge business.

VIDA: And now you’re doing what so many small businesses aspire to do: expand operations. Can you tell us what led to VIDA’s second soon-to-open Beaverton, OR, location?

Melanie: I knew that our concept would appeal to women and small businesses across Portland. Expansion has always been part of my plan, but the pandemic really made me wait for it! Beaverton is a growing city with a family-friendly vibe, great economy and few coworking options, so it feels like the perfect next spot.

VIDA: More specifically, can you tell us how, as a small business owner, you got to the point of opening a new location in Beaverton? 

Melanie: First, we had to be at max capacity and financially viable at the first location, which finally came in 2022 after a significant Covid slowdown. Then, we had to find the perfect space and line up financing for the second location, which took a lot of persistence and patience. The whole thing felt like an art and science.  

VIDA: What features or aspects of VIDA get you the most excited?

Melanie: I am really excited about the new VIDA Villa in the second location. I designed this with my daughter. It will be a cool and fun space for kids to hang in while their parents are working at VIDA. I am also in love with the amount of light. The space design and unique pieces of furniture make it all shine. 

VIDA: Any tips for business owners looking to expand their own footprint?

Melanie: You have to feel 100% in your bones that it is the next best step for you and your company. You should also have a very detailed plan for how to roll it out and then sell it. 

VIDA: As a business owner, are there any key lessons you’ve learned that aided in your growth?

Melanie: As a business owner, I’ve learned the importance of the ability to compartmentalize (in a healthy way!) and feel confident taking risks while remaining grounded in reality and prudence. Being an excellent communicator is also key. Everyone – from members to our team members, lenders and landlords – appreciates knowing what’s going on and why. I kept everyone in the loop as we took steps along the way.

VIDA: When you’re not operating and growing VIDA, how are you spending your time?

Melanie: I love hiking. There are so many amazing spots here in Portland! I also love doing yoga. But I truly enjoy spending time with my 10-year-old daughter, Ellie. She’s a planner like me, so we come up with some amazing adventures to do together. I also enjoy supporting local organizations, serving on the fundraising event committee for Ellie’s school and as the Board Chair of Xcelerate Women, a nonprofit that supports growth-focused women business owners.

VIDA: You’re clearly passionate about living and working in Portland. What are your favorite things to do around the city?

Melanie: When the sun is out here, it is a magical place to be. There is a bounty of outdoor events and adventures that I love to participate in. I love visiting farmer’s markets and eating at so many of the amazing restaurants we have. 

VIDA: As a mother, what are your own personal tips to Make Life Work?

Melanie: I want to remind everyone that Making Life Work is unique to each person, but for me, it looks like this: First, I take care of myself with a regular exercise and self-care plan (I love my sauna sessions!). Then, I make sure I have time blocked out to take care of my daughter and spend time with friends and family. I couldn’t make anything work without a very detailed plan. I have my annual goals, quarterly goals, a weekly to-do list (personal and VIDA-related) to achieve the milestones needed to hit my goals.

Interested in joining the VIDA community and Making Life Work better for you? We’d love to have you! Contact us today for more information and a tour.