When Renee Deming said goodbye to corporate life working at an agency, she continued her graphic design career at her own design company.
Soon she was taking on design projects for a wide range of women-owned businesses, helping to mentor fellow women entrepreneurs, while also driving her kids to dance and skateboard classes.
Deming knew first-hand the importance of getting out of the house, meeting and connecting with other professionals, while not traveling far from home.
She wanted to create a local space where professional women could get out of the house, connect, and empower each other.
And that’s what she did when she launched her Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign in March 2017 to raise funds for a coworking space in downtown Plymouth, Michigan.
Two months later, Deming is opening the doors to Plymouth’s first coworking space.
Pastel
Located on the second floor of 447 Forest Street in downtown Plymouth, Pastel is a collaborative shared workspace and social club for independent businesswomen.
Members will find shared work areas, private offices, as well as a meeting room.
In addition, classes and workshops are planned for professional development, branding, social media, photography, and more.
While the space is focused on women entrepreneurs, Pastel will accept memberships and workshop registrations from both men and women.
I met Deming last month when I attended her local meetup group. We had a wonderful conversation about the space, coworking, and connecting with other entrepreneurs in our community.
I asked her why she wanted to create a local coworking space. She replied:
I created Pastel to provide a place for independent business women to find support, balance and connection. And because I truly believe that investing in women is the smartest economic venture of today.
Pastel has been under construction for the past few months as the space has been gutted, new walls put in place, furniture, and office equipment chosen for the workspace.
Plans are for the coworking space to have a cafe/kitchen area and a lactation/dressing room.
Business Hours, Memberships, and Grand Opening
The hours of business haven’t been posted yet on the Pastel website, but their Facebook page announced that memberships open May 15, 2017.
When I spoke with Deming last month, I learned different membership levels would be available.
A grand opening is planned for May 19, 2017. Contact Pastel for more information about memberships and the grand opening party.
My Thoughts
I’ve been a fan and promoter of coworking spaces for years. I’m excited to finally have one nearby!
I love going to Grand Circus and Bamboo Detroit and meeting their community members. I’m looking forward to a similar welcoming community at Pastel.
Wishing the best for Renee Deming and Pastel; I plan to be at the Grand Opening!
