Celebrating resilience, growth, and the power of adaptive community building
Six years ago, VIDA Coworking opened its doors with a simple but powerful vision: tbut a thriving community where members could Make Life/Work personally and professionally, where kids and families were welcome, and where all of all of life’s to-do’s could get done in one beautiful space.
Today, as we celebrate our sixth anniversary, we’re reflecting on a journey that has supported Portland and Beaverton area remote workers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who need a beautiful, productive environment in which to work. It’s a journey that encapsulates the entrepreneurial spirit – one marked by rapid early success, unprecedented challenges, remarkable resilience, and measured growth.
The Early Victory Lap
VIDA’s initial success exceeded even our most optimistic projections. Within just nine months of opening, we had reached 100 members – a testament to the genuine need for an authentic coworking community in the Portland area. Those early days were electric with possibility, filled with the energy of a diverse group of members who were excited to have found their professional home and a community of others who shared their vision of what a workspace could be.
And Then, a Pandemic
Then came March 2020. Like countless businesses worldwide, VIDA faced an existential challenge when COVID-19 arrived and we closed our doors for three months while waiting for the storm to pass. While the outlook for place-based businesses looked dire, we knew that we had to figure out how to stay open for our community, and we took the time to reimagine how we could continue to provide services to help Make Life/Work for our members.
In June 2020, we reopened with new protocols, and also some new offerings, including VIDA School, VIDA Business Services, and VIDA Masterminds, while also maintaining our commitment to creating unforgettable member experiences like our monthly onsite community events, premium amenities, and community-building experiences that reinforced why VIDA members don’t just work here, they belong here.
While it took a full two years to rebuild a post-COVID VIDA, we emerged stronger and more diversified than ever before.
And Then Growth: Bringing VIDA to Beaverton
August 2023 marked another pivotal moment with the opening of VIDA Beaverton. This expansion represented more than just additional square footage – it was proof that the VIDA model could scale while maintaining the intimate community feel that made our original location so special.
“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 felt like the perfect next spot,” said VIDA Founder & CEO Melanie Marconi.
And of course, all VIDA members can use both locations!
The Numbers That Tell the Story
Today, VIDA proudly serves 350 members across our two locations – a 250% increase from our pre-pandemic peak. But the real story isn’t in the numbers; it’s in the community we’ve built. We’ve created a space where:
- Nonprofit organizations and small businesses call home
- Remote workers have a space to work with others
- Professional networks become lasting friendships
- Individual success becomes collective celebration
Looking Forward: VIDA Health Collective
This September, we’re adding another exciting chapter to the VIDA story with the launch of VIDA Health Collective.
VIDA Health Collective will bring the innovative shared workspace model to health and wellness practitioners in Portland. Located directly below our established VIDA Coworking community in Portland, Oregon, we’ve created a professional wellness space where independent practitioners can grow their practices while being part of something bigger.
This expansion represents our continued evolution and our commitment to supporting our community’s holistic well-being – because we know that professional success and personal wellness go hand in hand.
Six Years of Community Impact
As we celebrate this anniversary, we’re most proud of the community we’ve built. VIDA isn’t just a place where people work – it’s where careers are launched, businesses are formed, and dreams become reality. We’ve weathered uncertainty, embraced change, and emerged stronger each time.
Our six-year journey from startup to thriving community proves that with vision, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to serving others, any challenge can become an opportunity for growth.
Thank you to our 350 members, our dedicated #TeamVIDA, and everyone who has been part of the VIDA story… here’s to the next six years of memories – and to our incredible community that makes it all possible!