We were lucky to catch up with Carina recently and have shared our conversation below.
Carina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
You know, I spent way too long caught up in this idea that my coworking space had to be some perfect, fixed location with fancy furniture and all the right amenities. After visiting over 50 different spaces across the states and some internationally, I was consumed by this vision of what it should be, and it was holding me back. I couldn’t move forward because I was so stuck on this ideal setup that didn’t even exist yet.
The game-changer was when I let go of that and started looking at what was right in front of me. Over the years, dreaming up a coworking concept for my hometown, I’d built relationships with local business owners, property managers, and creatives. Those connections became my goldmine. I realized I had access to a ton of underutilized conference rooms all over the city—spaces that were just sitting empty most of the time. That’s when I decided to ditch the idea of needing my own space and launch a pop-up coworking concept instead. I started reaching out to my network and securing these conference rooms for short-term setups. My first pop-up was in this conference room in the old incubator—nothing glamorous, but it was perfect for testing the waters. Those pop-ups were everything. They let me experiment without spending a fortune. I could see exactly what my target market—freelancers, entrepreneurs, small teams—needed, like flexible workspaces or a sense of community. It also helped me spot the gaps in my city’s market, like how people wanted affordable, accessible spaces to collaborate. Those early pop-ups built a loyal clientele who loved the vibe and kept coming back.
Even today (8 years later), we still use those conference rooms as part of our model! By the time I was ready to think about a permanent space, I had a proven concept and a community already buzzing. From there, it was about finding the right long-term spot and setting it up, but those conference room pop-ups? They were the spark that turned my idea into reality.
Carina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I founded Splash Coworking in San Marcos, Texas, right in the heart of the Texas Innovation Corridor. My journey started from a personal need—I was an entrepreneur trying to build my business, but coffee shops felt chaotic, and renting a traditional office was way too expensive without a steady client base. I didn’t want to be stuck in isolation either; I needed to be out there networking and connecting. That frustration led me to create something new for my hometown: the first coworking space in the area. Splash Coworking isn’t just about desks and Wi-Fi. We provide flexible, affordable workspaces for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small teams who need a professional spot to get things done without the hefty overhead. What sets us apart is our focus on community and connection—what is called a “third space” is where people can belong, collaborate, and spark ideas. We solve the problem of isolation and unaffordable workspaces by offering pop-up coworking events in underutilized local spaces, like conference rooms, and now a permanent hub that’s become a go-to for creatives and startups.
Through our nonprofit arm, we deliver tailored programs to support entrepreneurs, especially minority-owned businesses, helping them stabilize and scale their ideas. We partner with local organizations and tap into global networks to show our members that their challenges—like funding or growth—are universal, encouraging collaboration that leads to innovative solutions. I’m most proud of how Splash has grown from a droplet pop-up concept into a thriving community that’s made a real impact in San Marcos. We’ve created a space where people don’t just work—they connect, learn, and grow together. What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that Splash is here to support you, whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling up. We’re not just a workspace; we’re a movement to make entrepreneurship accessible, inclusive, and collaborative. We make waves together.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to let go of the idea that starting Splash Coworking required a huge bankroll or a picture-perfect blueprint. Early on, I was caught up in this notion that I needed tons of cash and every detail nailed down to build something. That thinking kept me stuck, always planning but never moving. The shift happened when I realized I already had everything I needed—not money, but people, ideas, and connections I’d built in the area and globally. T
hose relationships with local entrepreneurs, venue owners, and innovators were my real capital. Instead of waiting for a dream space, I leaned into what I had, hosting pop-up work sessions in borrowed rooms around town. Every event was a chance to learn—talking to users, testing ideas, seeing what clicked. That openness let me shape a coworking model that actually fit what our community was craving: a flexible, welcoming spot to work and connect. Ditching the idea of needing “big capital” for a big vision taught me to trust the process and let real-world feedback guide the way. That’s how Splash became a true hub for our city’s doers and dreamers.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the clearest examples of resilience in my journey with Splash Coworking came during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when businesses everywhere were struggling to stay afloat. In the Texas Innovation Corridor, we emerged as the only non-franchise coworking space to not only survive but scale, and that’s a testament to the strength of our community and our ability to adapt under pressure. When the world shut down, our members didn’t just see Splash as a place to work—they saw it as a lifeline. They rallied to keep their memberships active and ensure they still had access to the space and resources they valued, even when everything felt uncertain. That loyalty was our backbone.
Instead of just weathering the storm, we pivoted to meet the moment. We transformed Splash into a social service hub, stepping up in ways that went far beyond desks and Wi-Fi. We were ahead of the curve, distributing COVID tests, PPE, food, household donations, and reliable information when it was hard to come by. Our global network played a huge role here. By connecting with entrepreneurs and communities worldwide, we accessed accurate, timely information that wasn’t always making it to mainstream U.S. media. This let us keep our members informed with real, actionable insights—whether it was about safety protocols or emerging opportunities.
We also saw how the pandemic upended livelihoods, so we positioned ourselves to help. We provided resources for digital nomad and telecommuter jobs, showing people approachable ways to find work if they’d lost their jobs. We offered online training programs to help our community build new skills and prepare for what came next, whether that was pivoting to a new career or strengthening their business for a post-pandemic world. These efforts weren’t just about survival; they were about empowering our members to thrive in a new reality.
This period set Splash apart from other coworking spaces. We weren’t just a place to rent a desk—we became a hub for support, connection, and growth. Our ability to adapt, listen to our community’s needs, and leverage global insights showed me what resilience really looks like. It’s not just about staying open; it’s about stepping up, rethinking what you can offer, and building something stronger together. I’m proud that our community didn’t just endure the pandemic—they helped us grow into a space that’s more than a workplace. It’s a movement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bit.ly/SplashCoworking
- Instagram: @SplashCoworking
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SplashCowork
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carinabostonpinales/
- Twitter: @splashcowork
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@splashcoworking6622
