Your Home Office Away From Home

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Tiopo, co-founder of TableSpace, located in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

TableSpace Coworking is a coworking and event space that was built on community. The concept originated in early 2019 and opened its doors in October 2019 as we (Andrea and Rachel) recognized a need for a space to help entrepreneurs, remote workers, and students by providing them with a place to work and feel inspired. Maybe you’re looking for a full-time space, something more casual, or perhaps you’re not interested in a physical space — but looking to be a part of something bigger.

We provide different tiers of memberships that cater from anyone to students with a part-time membership, remote workers / digital nomads, and entrepreneurs with our full-time/part-time memberships. We provide a common place where like-minded individuals share their passions and work on their goals.

TableSpace is more than just a coworking space. It’s a coworking experience where you can feel a true sense of community. We believe in the motto that if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. Everyone is welcome at the Table.

We opened because of the commitment of our first members, and we’ve grown into a true home away from home because of the team that keeps on coming back, connecting, thriving, and creating memories and moments in the space. Most importantly, our members have kept us open in the craziest times, so thank you, TableSpace family. You really are the foundation of what we do. Couldn’t do it without you.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Andrea Tiopo, and I am the co-founder of TableSpace Coworking and a real estate professional servicing the Winnipeg and Calgary areas.

My business partner Rachel and I connected in early 2019 over coffee and bonded over our passion for business and want to create a space to help other entrepreneurs and creators thrive. Our experience and background complemented each other well, and we knew it would make a great partnership.

Before starting TableSpace, I had another business that I would work on during my “free time.” I would find myself in noisy coffee shops, where you don’t feel exactly comfortable staying there 2-4hrs at a time. And going to the library wasn’t exactly an ideal place to be working on my business. So the idea of bringing a coworking space to the city was a great way to help fill the gap for others who need a place to get things done and feel inspired.

What keeps me motivated every day is being able to help others by providing a space that helps with productivity and a place with an amazing community. I am big on self-improvement, so I set big goals for myself as I know that you have to acquire certain habits to be successful, which motivates me to show up every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is truly, just starting TableSpace. I am grateful to be able to help other business owners and creators feel they have a sense of community in doing what they’re doing. Most of us have had to adjust the way we work in the last few years as people had to work from home, even if they were not exactly set up to work from home. Or early into their entrepreneurial journey and needing a sense of community and support.

Starting a business has helped me grow so much as an individual, as you can be faced with so many challenges along the way that often put you in uncomfortable situations that allow you to do things you have never done before, which then help in growing your character and grit. This was our first time ever starting a brick and motor business, and we had to figure out project management as we went through major renovations, creating and building a community, and pivoting through a pandemic.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Some of the hardest things about being a business owner are that in the beginning - you really have to do it all and put in the hours in order to make those dreams a reality. At the moment, you may give up and question yourself. But having a strong WHY will keep you going and not get in your own way.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Validate your idea - make sure to validate your idea by creating a business plan and getting feedback from the community, professionals, family, and friends. Do your research before you invest your time and money into it.
Have a good support system - who you surround yourself with matters, whether friends or family. Finding a mentor or someone in your field who can share their experience is another great way to add to your support system and speed up the learning curve. As you grow, you will need a good support staff to help you focus on what you are good at - whether that is accounting, branding and marketing, or admin work.
Put in the work - having an idea doesn’t mean it will be successful if you do not put in the work. Starting a business or jumping into a new venture takes a lot of time and dedication. There’s a lot of research and education that is required to ensure that you are staying ahead of the curve while running your business.

Don’t be afraid to take risks in life, whether in your career or personal life. Collaboration over competition. Be grateful for every part of your journey, as everyone is on a different path.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:
https://www.tablespace.ca/
https://www.andreatiopo.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tablespaceco/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tablespaceco/
https://www.instagram.com/andreatiopo
https://www.instagram.com/andreatiopogroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tablespace-co/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.