A new co-working space designed for women has plenty to offer all types of female entrepreneurs in Scottsdale.
The Emerald opened on Nov. 8 and the two female entrepreneurs in charge of it referred to the space as a “creative workspace for the multifaceted woman.”
Covering 4,300-square-feet, the space includes a drop-in spot or a private office for local women who are interested in a supportive environment with like-minded women, said Abby Leadon, who opened the space with her friend and fellow Arcadia resident Ashlyn Rowe.
“We wanted this to be a place where you can feel inspired and safe to work at between meetings,” Leadon said. “We wanted a creative space for positive, happy, driven women to feel inspired and learn and listen from other women.”
With help from friends and family, Rowe and Leadon made a $300,000 investment into the area and paired with Gilbert interior design company Lifestyled Co. for the project.
After reading about similar spaces in other cities in February, Rowe was left with the idea of creating such an area in Scottsdale. With Leadon having been involved in a massive layoff, the duo believed it was the perfect time to pursue the opportunity.
“It gets lonely and boring working from home,” said Rowe, who just had a baby and is a former Realtor and business owner. Rowe’s husband is Kevin Rowe, a personal injury lawyer and the co-founder of Phoenix-based Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys.
Leadon, who began consulting after the layoff, was tired of only talking to her dogs during the day.
“This is exactly what women need,” Leadon said. “It just took on a life of its own. This space can be what you make of it, and you can be surrounded by inspiring women.”
It may have taken some time to find the ideal location for the Emerald, but they knew it was all just part of the process. Their new space provides plentiful parking and the windows letting in lots of natural light at 6340 E. Thomas Road.
The Emerald provides members, called “gems,” a conference room, two private offices, six dedicated desks and 125 drop-in seats in the open concept room. “Gems” can take advantage of free Wi-Fi, coffee, bottled water and snacks, weekly events and member perks and discounts.
Three monthly membership levels are available: the $95 “socialite,” the $250 “networker” and a $350 “She E.O.” tier.
Women can drop in for the day for $25 or click here for a free day pass.
Rowe also said they have plans to expand the Emerald to other states.
The Emerald is one of at least four co-working spaces geared toward women specifically. The others are the Thrive Co-Working for Women in Gilbert, San Diego-based Hera Hub and its first Phoenix female-focused co-working space and business accelerator in the Biltmore area, and StarshineAZ in Glendale and Peoria, which calls itself the first co-op and co-working space for women in the West Valley.
