Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jade Cao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jade, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Together, We Are Stronger! This is my personal belief. I founded Colab Space with a mission to create a collaborative workspace that encourages communities, businesses, and people to thrive together. I believe in sharing knowledge, resources and talent between people can propel our growth and make us so much stronger. Our space is designed to boost creativity, community and collaboration.

As a mother of three young children and a working professional, I value productivity and quality time. We all spend so much time at the workplace, I want Colab Space to provide an inspiring environment to my members where they feel like home and being supported. They get productive at work and better enjoy the other aspects of life. Work hard, play hard.

Jade, 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 Jade Cao, and I’m the founder of Colab Space. I have a passion to create and I love entrepreneurship. Ever since I was a little girl, I had always loved and dreamed about creating businesses when I grew up. I studied business management at Marshall School of Business, USC and thoroughly enjoyed my college experience and internships.

Before founding Colab Space, I gained valuable experience in the food and beverage, retail and hospitality industries. However, the spark for my entrepreneurial venture was ignited by my own experience as a coworking space user. At the time, juggling the responsibilities of caring for my three toddlers at home made it challenging to find a focused work environment. I sought solace in a local coworking space, where I discovered a significant boost in my productivity. I loved the aroma of coffee without the noise distractions of a cafe. Nevertheless, I sensed a missing element in the “big name” coworking companies – a personal touch and the nurturing of genuine connections.

This realization birthed the concept of Colab Space, a boutique coworking space infused with a hospitality ethos, fostering authentic connections among its members. At Colab Space, we offer not just a workspace but a thriving community where professionals from diverse industries converge to exchange ideas. Our offerings encompass fully-furnished team suites, private offices, coworking desks, and virtual offices, all tailored to cater to a wide range of client needs. We also offer conference rooms for off-site team meetings and a versatile event space available for rental, accommodating a myriad of events, from speaker panels and workshops to networking events and joyous celebrations like birthdays or showers.

For prospective clients and followers, it’s essential to understand that Colab Space transcends the conventional office space and coworking space concept. It’s a dynamic ecosystem where creativity flourishes, and like-minded individuals collaborate to make a positive impact on their community.

Colab Space’s essence revolves around the cultivation of collaboration, the empowerment of local businesses, and the creation of an inspiring ambiance for all our clients. I’m eager to extend a warm welcome to our vibrant community and support you in achieving your professional and personal goals.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I initiated the Colab Space project in the Fall of 2018, despite my limited knowledge about coworking spaces. Over time, I developed a clear vision and a comprehensive strategy for the project through researching and learning. I dedicated nearly a year to studying various coworking spaces, ranging from small local ones to large international establishments. Wherever I traveled, I made it a point to explore nearby coworking spaces and join coworking space forums. My curiosity drove me to engage with space operators, asking them about their challenges and successes. I believe in learning from both the positive and negative aspects of any endeavor. From space planning and interior design to software, programming, pricing, marketing, and operations, I invested countless hours in acquiring knowledge. I often found myself working till 2am or 3 am writing ideas or putting mood boards together, but I never felt tired because learning and making progress filled me with joy.

Construction for Colab Space began in late summer 2019. As a female and minority business owner in a predominantly male-dominated commercial real estate industry, finding my voice proved to be a challenge, especially in the early stages. During construction meetings, I often found myself as the only female among an eight-person team. Nevertheless, I refused to pretend to understand something I didn’t and consistently asked questions until I grasped the concepts. This gradual process boosted my confidence and allowed me to communicate effectively with my team.

A few months after construction commenced, the world was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, no one went to work in person. While I was in the midst of an office project, I faced uncertainty about how this would shape the world. At one point, I contemplated whether to continue with the project. However, the vivid vision of Colab Space and the vibrant community it would foster, along with the member programs we had planned, were so clear to me that I couldn’t ignore them. I knew I would regret giving up. Thus, I decided to pivot and persevere. When the world gradually reopened, I saw it as an opportunity to create a modern workspace that not only catered to the practical needs of professionals seeking dedicated office space but also addressed the sense of community and collaboration that remote workers were missing.

The pandemic underscored the importance of adaptability and resilience in the business world, particularly for entrepreneurs like myself. We offer flexible membership options, including daily, monthly, and yearly office plans at reasonable costs, with a strong focus on delivering value to our members. Our commitment to community and networking allowed us to support other businesses and entrepreneurs in navigating the challenges and uncertainties brought about by the economic downturn. We became a lifeline for remote workers who had grown accustomed to isolation and loneliness, offering them a sense of belonging and a community to lean on.

Starting a business amidst uncertainty is far from easy, but I remained resolute and positive in my mission to create a supportive and collaborative space that could thrive even in challenging times. Right now, I am seeing the vibrancy at our space, people working at our offices, having brainstorming sessions in the meeting rooms, hosting workshops and events. They feel the brightness and uplifting environment that Colab Space offers, this is exactly what I have envisioned and it is a true testament of as long as you work hard and not give up the goal, you can make anything a reality. Can you imagine if I give up none of these would happen!”

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

At Colab Space, we prioritize authentic connections with our members and clients, operating as a boutique coworking space with a strong focus on hospitality. We tailor member programming to their specific needs, offering continuous support on their journey.

Our commitment to fostering brand loyalty and a sense of community goes beyond providing physical workspace. We utilize various communication channels, including Slack for daily updates and direct interaction with our team. Additionally, our active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn showcases our vibrant and collaborative atmosphere.

Through a diverse range of channels, we maintain strong connections, inform our clients about Colab Space activities, and ensure they feel valued. We also nurture brand loyalty through our exciting event programming, encouraging networking, idea sharing, and lasting relationships within our community. From after-work gatherings to off-site adventures, we enrich the personal and professional lives of our clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thecolabspace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabspaceofficial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086490832271
• Linkedin: https://www.facebook.com/colab.space.official
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fthe_colab_space
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/colab-space-irvine

Image Credits
Wandering Free Photography, Mantis 3D