New collaborative space for creators, business owners makes its way to Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A new space for creatives, entrepreneurs and business owners is set to launch on Monday in Richmond's Northside.

Starting on Monday, Sept. 15, the Brandery Richmond -- located on 2928 North Ave., just above The Smokey Mug -- will offer locals and those who work remotely a place to work, collaborate and get those creative juices flowing.

The new co-working workspace is membership-based area that offers over five office spaces, a content creation studio and corner, as well as an open layout for collaborative projects.

The space also offers coffee with the beans sourced from the downstairs coffee shop, The Smoky Mug -- and other items are soon to come.

Brandery Richmond owner Danasia Pascal. (Photo: Nia McMillan/8News)

Owner and creative entrepreneur Danasia Pascal said she wanted to create a space that collaboratively brought together everything she needed out of a workspace that she didn't see in the Richmond area.

"We have different content studios in the city -- so I really wanted to merge those two ideas together to really bring this idea to life ... being a social media manager and content creator, [I wanted to have] a place where you can do business, have meetings, respond to emails and then also meet with clients to record your content for the month or the week -- and even for small businesses."

According to Pascal, what separates this space from others in Richmond is that it seeks to target small business owners and creative entrepreneurs.

"So a lot of times, when you book a content studio, you're booking it for seven hours and you have to leave," Pascal said. "[Brandery Richmond is] really a place where you can come and get work done, but then also meet with clients and create."

The Brandery Richmond. (8News Nia McMillan/8News)

During COVID-19, many employees began to work from home -- not just in the U.S., but worldwide. Since the pandemic, many have opted to continue to work from home, with several people now reporting feelings of loneliness. Due to social distancing, people weren't coming together to work.

"But, now, you're seeing a big surge of people really wanting community -- wanting a place to have like coworkers and just someone to talk to," she said.

Pascal said that, after having her second daughter after the peak of the pandemic, she was also feeling isolated, which sparked her idea for the business.

The Brandery Richmond. (8News Nia McMillan/8News)

"I was a creative entrepreneur running my business, but I really didn't have anyone to ... besides like my normal colleagues and referrals, I wasn't really collaborating," Pascal said. "I wasn't really getting out there and talking to people."

Pascal said that she wanted to create a space where people who crave community can find it at Brandery Richmond.

"I really want people to feel inspired and then also just feel like they have a 'work home' if they don't necessarily have one in an office setting," Pascal said.

Memberships for the space range depending on your needs.

"We have a membership called the 'Spark Pass,' which gets you six days out of the month to come, work, meet with clients, get out of the house -- and then [there are memberships] all the way up to our 24 seven access." Pascal said. "That's $250 a month [and] that gives you access 24/7, [and] that [includes] nights and weekends."

The Brandery Richmond. (8News Nia McMillan/8News)

Other passes include:

• The Studio Pass: A studio-only membership
• Base Coworking: No studio time
• Creator Coworking: Includes studio time

More information on membership options will become available on Brandery Richmond's website after its doors open.

Pascal told 8News that the space will be hosting upcoming events at the space, such as a "Happier Hour" in November. She said that, once the website is up and running, it will have a calendar full of upcoming events listed.

"We're just really, really excited for the space," Pascal said. "I think it's going to be great for the community, great for small businesses."

To get a sneak peek at the space, keep scrolling:

The Brandery Richmond. (8News Nia McMillan/8News)

The Brandery Richmond. (8News Nia McMillan/8News)

The Brandery Richmond. (8News Nia McMillan/8News)

The Brandery Richmond. (8News Nia McMillan/8News)