We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ciarra Beltlran a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ciarra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

This was so fun coming up with the name of my business, I am actually excited to share this story. When I first came up with the idea of a virtual office, I wanted it to sound sexy, I know right? I mean come work at my virtual office wasn’t cutting it for me. So I thought about a few things. I had a 200sqft space, I could fit one desk. Let’s have a play on hot desking & then it’s just a suite, well The Suite. Lo-and-behold, The Hot Suite. Sexy right? I knoww..

Also when coming up with the name I wanted something a bit passionate. Because us entrepreneurs are passionate about what we do, why not give us something catchy and memorable that really showcases our fire and passion as entrepreneurs.

Ciarra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Ciarra Beltran, and I’m the proud owner of The Hot Suite, a luxury private coworking suite located in the heart of La Mesa Village. My journey into the world of entrepreneurship began after I became a mother. I stay home with my kids and I love to be able to be with them but I love to create something that benefits my community, that I can be a part of, stay above water in these early stages of motherhood and leave a legacy for my children.

As a mother of toddlers and an early entrepreneur, I often found myself struggling to find a quiet, productive place to work. Coffee shops were too noisy, and working from home is near impossible some days. I realized that many entrepreneurs, business consultants, and creatives faced the same challenges. That’s when the idea for The Hot Suite came about.

At The Hot Suite, we offer a variety of services tailored to meet the needs of modern-day entrepreneurs. Our primary offering is the private hourly suite rental, perfect for solo work or small meetings. Additionally, we provide business goal-planning sessions, where I work one-on-one with clients to help them strategize and achieve their business objectives. We also help entrepreneurs record their content, get updated headshot photos, and professional branding.

Our Power Membership includes virtual business services, mail handling, and even a couple of suite rentals each month – all designed to make your entrepreneurial journey smoother.
What sets us apart is our focus on convenience and flexibility. Our booking system is entirely automated, and our key-coded access ensures that you can come and go as you please, without any hassle. We understand that today’s entrepreneurs value their time and prefer straightforward, efficient solutions – and that’s exactly what we provide.

One of the aspects I’m most proud of is how quickly and effectively we’ve been able to establish The Hot Suite as a trusted resource in our community. Thanks to my background in hospitality, I’ve been able to create a welcoming, professional environment that our clients love. We’ve cultivated a space that caters to both those who need a bit of extra support and those who prefer to work independently.

For potential clients, I want you to know that The Hot Suite is more than just a coworking space – it’s a community. I am here to support you, whether you’re just starting your business or are a seasoned entrepreneur. Our space is designed to adapt to your needs, offering a blend of independence and support that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The Hot Suite is all about providing a flexible, luxurious, and efficient work environment for entrepreneurs. We are committed to helping you achieve your goals by offering a space where you can focus, create, and be incredibly productive.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I wholeheartedly recommend breathwork and movement for every entrepreneur. As business owners, we need to channel our energy effectively to generate new ideas, overcome stagnation, and strategize. Efficient breathing is deeply underrated but essential. Exercise is a given, but general movement is crucial—don’t just sit at a desk or in a coffee shop all day.

At The Hot Suite, you can’t book more than four hours at a time because I believe in avoiding long, unproductive work sessions. Working for hours on end isn’t efficient, and energy starts to stagnate. The more we move and breathe, the more efficiently we can accomplish our tasks. Get out & Smell the roses! We are so lucky to be in San Diego, work hard and play hard. Keep your balance, breath & move your body.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

First things first, I wrote a business plan. Business plans are crucial for outlining projections, detailing why you need funding, and specifying its intended use. I initially sought assistance from the SBDC, which connects entrepreneurs with financial advisors and banks. I worked with CDC Small Business Finance, an institution that collaborates with the SBA. However, I ultimately decided against pursuing that route.

One key lesson I learned is that while starting a business involves risks, it’s essential to take calculated ones. Securing funding as a new business owner is challenging but not impossible. Good credit, a down payment, and a solid business plan can help you obtain financing.

I chose to bootstrap my business. To help leverage this, I obtained a 0% interest credit card. Now, hear me out—this strategy is only for those who are extremely responsible with personal credit and can qualify for business credit. I only used the card for expenses I could cover with the money allocated for my business, giving me additional leverage. Leverage is everything as an entrepreneur but cash is king! Try to keep cashflow coming in and save for a rainy day.

Additionally, I was fortunate to receive a grant from the City of La Mesa through the LEAP Program. Grants are available, so don’t hesitate to apply for them. There are many opportunities out there if you know where to look.

Contact Info:

• Website: thehotsuite.co
• Instagram: @thehotsuite
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehotsuitesd
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hot-suite/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-hot-suite-la-mesa
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/c8VqUQL

Image Credits
Elysian Visions