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: Comments are closed.
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