Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen Koopman.
Maureen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Thank you so much for having me, I am honored! An interior designer turned serial entrepreneur, I am a proud Lakewood resident who is inspired every day by the community of small business owners I’ve come to know since starting my first creative business 12 years ago. In 2016, I realized a dream to bring movers and makers together by curating a holiday pop-up boutique featuring local artists, makers and small-batch foodies from October through December each year.
The community response to the pop-up was incredible and I loved achieving a goal of making Christmas a little dreamier for each of the maker families by curating and selling their goods. After the success of season three of Home for the Holidays, I couldn’t shake the desire to contribute more to the maker community & the community as a whole.
I knew from experience the power that inspiring design and a great community can have in supporting entrepreneurs. From that, The CoLab was born. The mission of The CoLab is to be an inclusive and welcoming space to all. We support remote workers, small business owners and makers on their journey to success as well as the opportunity to host private events in the space. Our beautifully restored, vintage 1920’s storefront flexes to suit your vision. Hosting anything from a micro wedding to a photoshoot to a biz launch party is effortless in our space!
Beyond my businesses, I am the proud parent of two fab kiddos who fuel my love of coffee and new adventures. You can find me cheering on my sons’ baseball & soccer teams, sampling local craft beer and exploring all that the greater Cleveland area has to offer.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The beginning was a bit rough! We spent all of 2019 in a gut renovation of the space and were so excited to host our launch party Feb 28th, 2020! (AKA three weeks before the world shut down due to Covid.) There were weeks & months of uncertainty, as I had just invested in creating & opening the space. I was, of course, relying on the revenue to keep going. Thankfully, I have the most amazing landlord who worked with me and it allowed me to survive through quarantine! It might sound crazy, but in the end, there was a silver lining. Opening even briefly and having an amazing community response showed me that the space and concept was valid, and it got me through the uncertainty of being closed- I knew it had to eventually get better! What was truly a gift was that I was able to ramp up slowly through 2020 and hit the ground running in 2021, to create the best boutique space to work or celebrate in. If we had opened at the pace we are booking now, it would have been overwhelming!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The CoLab is a boutique co-working and event space located in a vintage storefront in Lakewood, OH. Join us via a day pass or monthly membership and make our gorgeous space full of natural light and amenities your office away from home! We are a membership-based coworking space. Once you join, simply check our availability calendar to make sure the space is free and stop in anytime, evenings and weekends included. We provide all the comforts of home (hello couches and caffeine!) without the distractions. (See ya laundry!)
Take advantage of the many amenities our space offers and stay motivated and encouraged. Set goals, meet them and get it done! Membership includes: Access to 900 square feet of space, any day of the week based on availability | Free parking | WiFi | Open seating at hot desks | Comfortable lounge area | Quiet Zoom rooms for phone calls | Discount on private meeting room & event bookings | Kitchenette with refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave | Self-serve coffee, tea, and snack bar | Printing and scanning | Complimentary office supplies | Community of like-minded individuals supporting each other.
Celebrate at The CoLab! The space is filled with natural light from our 9′ windows, neutral finishes and an open layout that flexes with your vision. A blank slate with thoughtful, designer-selected furnishings and decor, which are included in your booking. You are welcome to bring in any food or drink you wish- Just add personal touches and you are ready to party with us! Our space is like an extension of your home and we like to think we treat each of our clients like family to ensure that you stress less and focus on enjoying your event & guests!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
There is an amazing small business community in Cleveland. I have met so many inspiring entrepreneurs simply by attending events (and hosting them!) The people I have in my circle lift me up on the rough days and celebrate every milestone with me, no matter how small. I could not do it without them!
My best tip is to reach out to someone you admire, who is doing things that truly inspire you. See if you can consult with them to learn more about what they are doing. Offer to pay them, their experience is valuable and it shows you truly respect their time.
Pricing:
- Co-Working: $27 for a day pass, $97 for a 5-day pass and $177 for monthly membership
- Private Events: 4 hour booking $425, 8 hour booking $750, plus $300 refundable security deposit and applicable taxes
- Microweddings: $1100-$7000, inquire for more info.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@colablkwd.com
- Website: CoLabLKWD.com
- Instagram: @colab_lkwd
Image Credits
Pic 1, 4 & 5 Sarah Beirne Photography Pic 2 & 3 Marina Claire
