 Founder Joanna Smith, Managing Director Liz Barnes, Sara Day and Kyrene Clarke of the UMLF It's no secret that the Utah Microloan Fund loves women. From our all-women staff and powerful boss ladies on our board, to 36% of our microloans last year going to Utah women business owners and lastly our Banking on Women program, we believe in the power of females. That is why when we heard about the up and coming women's coworking space in Salt Lake we knew had to see what it was all about! We were able to take a sneak peek tour with founder Joanna Smith and Managing Director Liz Barnes to see the space (it's BREATHTAKING) and to hear more about their plans for how they hope to change the landscape of Utah's coworking space with their new concept, the Wave.
So what is the Wave? The Wave is a co-working and social club designed for women and marginalized genders in Utah. This concept was created out of the need to create a safe and supportive space that will allow people within these demographics to flourish and succeed in an uplifting environment. The aim of the Wave is also to address and eliminate the barriers that can hold these groups back in today's business climate. Pretty neat huh? UMLF: Ladies tell us more about yourselves and why you are passionate about opening up the Wave? Joanna: My background is in non-profits but as I have worked on policy and equality I realized over time that so many women didn't have the same opportunities for connection as their typical male counterparts. Liz: My background to this point has been primarily in healthcare. This went hand-in-hand with my passion for helping people in need and advocating for them. The Wave gives me an alternate option to give back to my community. I am so excited for the opportunity to work with this amazing group of women and to give others a chance to share in our success. UMLF: So there are obviously what seems like a million coworking spaces opening up in Utah, what makes the Wave unique? Joanna: The Wave addresses and gives space for women to have it all. You don't have to choose between a family or a career. We know you can balance it all. Let us help! We offer drop off Jr. Member space, social services, professional consultation and personal services like massage and beauty treatments. (More on that below) UMLF: You have a giveback element to your business model, tell us more about that? Liz: We believe empowered women should empower women. 10% of all profits for The Wave will be donated directly to various women-lead non-profits in Utah that are dedicated to women’s equality, equal pay and other important issues. UMLF: You have some AMAZING amenities listed on your site for members? Can you tell us more deets about them? Liz: We offer professional and personal services. For example, if you need advice from an attorney, accountant, graphic designer or a life coach you can make an appointment. As for our personal services, we offer a beauty bar, massage therapy, nail technician and a stylist. We will also be offering a feminist-centric book club and a speaker series for our members. The Junior Member space will provide high quality child care that includes fun activities and learning opportunities for the kids. This can be utilized by our members with children. We at the Wave want to ensure that people can schedule meetings or attend conferences without having to worry about finding a trusted child care service. We also offer an Emerging Leader membership for 12-18 year olds which will include a Jr. Book Club, mentorship opportunities, and youth art shows. Joanna: Also every member receives 4 service credits a month to use to make yourself more successful. Whether its dropping your kids off regularly, getting a blow out in between meetings or working with a technology mentor to build your website. We want our members succeeding! UMLF: What kind of women would like the Wave? Liz: The Wave is a space for all kinds of women who are seeking a place to call their own. We hope to attract business-oriented women, women working in creative fields, women who need child care accommodations, women who want to escape the traditional work spaces and so many more. Joanna: In addition women who support trans women and women who need and are committed to connecting with others. UMLF: When are you officially opening your doors? Liz: Our soft opening is scheduled for March 1st, 2019 with our Grand Opening schedule for April 2019. Sound like heaven? Something you have to be involved with? We agree! Visit here to learn more about the plans for the Wave, their membership options and their full list of amenities. Can't wait until they open their doors? You're in luck! There is a hardhat sneak peek this Saturday, January 12th at 10am! Go check out the space, take a tour and meet the team making this happen. The Wave is located at 32 East Exchange Place in downtown SLC which is the building directly North of Green Pig next to Twist. Stay in touch with the Wave @: Website: Facebook: Instagram: It's 2019 and you know what that means! Resolution time! A New Year's resolution is a promise a person makes themselves for the new year. The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. While resolutions today probably look much different than "back in the olden days", the goal is always to improve life in the coming year in some way. One of the most common year after year? To eat healthier and to get more exercise! Because we know a lot of people are looking for help in this area we sat down with owners John Kynaston and Karlene Gardiner to hear more about why health and fitness is their passion and crowned them as January's Small Business of the Month!
Warrior’s Warehouse is not just a 24 hour gym but also a supplement store. They focus on offering the highest quality protein, pre-workout, post-workout, and supplements on the market. They also have an amazing infrared sauna and tanning bed if that's your fancy. UMLF: Tell us about yourself. What’s your background? What made you want to start Warrior’s Warehouse? WW: We had the opportunity to buy Warrior’s Warehouse from the previous owners almost two years ago. With a passion for health and fitness we knew Warrior’s Warehouse could be a great adventure for us to embark on. We wanted to change the atmosphere into a family friendly place where everyone feels welcome. I, John, have been interested in health and fitness for as long as I can remember. My extended family has a lot of health issues such as type 2 diabetes, so I have always wanted to make sure I am active and healthy for my kids. I don't care if I have huge muscles, to me it's all about eating right and staying active. I, Karlene, am a grandma of 3 and I want to stay healthy for them. It's important for me to keep active so I have been working out for many many years. UMLF: Every business has its highs and lows. Tell us about a challenge you faced as a small business owner and how you overcame it? WW: We are continually trying to improve our systems and listen to our members. We have a suggestion box that really helps our members have a voice. We are continually discussing ways to make our facility into the perfect workout experience. We recently changed our memberships so we have no contracts. We want an easy in/easy out concept for our members. UMLF: What advice do you have for people who have fitness and self-love as goals for their New Year's Resolutions? WW: Taking that first step into the gym can be very intimidating. Most people feel very insecure when starting out. Our members have all been at the beginning of this journey and I can’t count how many times I have seen our experienced members answering questions and assisting new members. It makes all the hard work worth it when you see that. Working out in a gym is completely different then working out at home or the rec center. We have so much more equipment that makes working out easy. The equipment is so easy to use and you get results much faster. We always like to talk about the “Warrior’s Family” because we feel like a family here. We come in all shapes and sizes. Nobody is judging you, you are only competing against the person in the mirror! UMLF: What are some of your favorite ways to stay in shape? WW: For those just starting out, I recommend our in-house personal trainer. He really helps you learn how to use the equipment and he will teach you the proper technique to ensure you get the maximum results. Our classes are also great for beginners because our amazing teachers are going to tell you exactly what to do and how to do it. We don’t have windows so nobody is watching you. Our class sizes are very small and intimate. We offer Zumba, Kickboxing, Yoga, Spin, and much more! UMLF: What makes your gym different from others out there? WW: Warrior’s Warehouse Gym is the only 24 hour gym with top of the line equipment, Kids Club Access, supplement store, personal training, health coaching, and amazing classes. UMLF: How do you believe the Utah Microloan Fund has helped you and your business? WW: We wouldn’t have been able to purchase this business without your assistance. You made our dreams of owning a gym come true. To stay in touch with Warrior's Warehouse:
Or visit them at: 1095 W 500 S, Vernal, UT 84078 |
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