I first heard of the Wix Lounge from Andrew Wong — CEO of the New York Entrepreneurs Business Network (NYEBN). At first when Andrew explained that it is a free co-working space, I did not believe him. So Andrew connected me with Ashley Gallman — Client Relations and Events Manager at Wix Lounge. I was not able to actually meet her in person but I did ask her a number of questions through email.
Ramon:
So what is the Wix Lounge and why is Wix.com sponsoring this co-working space?
Ashley Gallman:
The Wix Lounge is a totally free co-working and event space for creative professionals. Wix.com decided to create the space for two reasons: to give back to the entrepreneurial and artistic community that allows our website platform to thrive and to spread the word about our product to anyone in that community who hasn’t found us yet.
Ramon:
So why is the Wix Lounge providing free co-working space? What does Wix.com get out of this “business” relationship?
Ashley Gallman:
No one needs a co-working space more than entrepreneurs, startups, freelancers, and artists, and those are exactly the type of people we want to help with Wix.com. With Wix, they can build a website easily and cheaply and have complete control over the content and design. There is nothing more frustrating for a small business that is trying to get off the ground than paying a large some to hire and retain a web designer who then takes weeks to make even the slightest changes. Wix takes that frustration away, and as an added bonus, if that small business is in NYC, they can use the Lounge as their home base and get free expert advice on building their site from our support manager. Between Wix.com and the Lounge, we want to be the ultimate resource for entrepreneurs in every sense of the word.
Ramon:
If I am a creative professional or entrepreneur how do I request a co-working space? And what does Wix provide — i.e. computers, Internet access, food, drink, etc.
Ashley Gallman:
We are far more laid back than most co-working spaces. This is partially because we are just one large open space with no separate rooms, so we operate on a first-come-first-serve basis. Creative professionals just walk on in during our operating hours, sign in, and find a seat. Nothing more.
We offer free wifi, free coffee and tea, and free printing and copying up to 5 pages. On top of that, we have monthly evening events for Wix users to provide resources for improving and promoting their businesses and a regular Lounger Happy Hour with free beer and networking so everyone can get to know each other in a more relaxed environment. For artists, we organize free monthly exhibitions for Wix users who can then sell their work off our walls without worrying about a gallery commission. I also aggressively try to connect all of our Lounge regulars with other co-workers who may be able to facilitate their business.
Ramon:
How long can someone hold onto their Wix co-working space i.e. 6 months, a year or indefinitely?
Ashley Gallman:
Because there are no subscriptions or reservations at the Lounge, our coworkers can come here indefinitely. We have Loungers that have been coming here since the day we opened.
Ramon:
Can I pay Wix to maintain a permanent co-working space?
Ashley Gallman:
We will not accept money for any of the services we offer, especially from those who are seeking special privileges. We feel we have a responsibility, as essentially the only free co-working and event space in NYC, to give as many people as possible the opportunity to utilize all the benefits we provide.
Ramon:
Can we expect more of these Wix Lounges through NYC and the US?
Ashley Gallman:
We actually already have a beautiful Lounge in the Mission District of San Francisco that just opened recently. Beyond San Francisco, however, we don’t have any plans at this point to open more, but I will say that because we are such an innovative and creative venture, I wouldn’t rule anything out forever.
I have to say that I am impressed with what the Wix Lounge is doing in NYC. I have spoken to many entrepreneurs in the past and the story is always the same — lack of money and lack of resources. The Wix Lounge seems to provide some relief — in that the co-working space provides a free space and services. I also appreciate the fact that Wix works to build a community where you can foster ideas and relationships.
I would love to see more Wix Lounges in NYC. Over the past few years the start-up community in NYC has exploded and many if not most entrepreneurs could benefit from a free co-working space.