Community of Cultivators: Edition 45

Y’all, this week’s interview is coming at you from our home state of TX. We are super excited to be interviewing Lauren Brewer, Cofounder of Union Worx. Lauren is ½ of the husband wife duo that owns and operates a thriving community space in Arlington, TX. Fun fact: They have a human sized hamster wheel in the coworking space. Keep reading to hear what Lauren has to say.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming an entrepreneur?

Like in most things, there are pros and cons. Holding yourself accountable can be way harder than answering to a boss. Taking time off or calling in sick is never the same when trying to build something great. You will work longer hours, and there are no real vacations, but all your hard work is for YOU. That is a fantastic feeling. You are busting your buns for yourself and not working to make someone else look good or help someone WAY up the chain buy a ranch in Montana.

Where do you personally feel the most sense of community?

No doubt it’s around our kitchen island at Union Worx. We designed our space around having a huge kitchen island, and it’s one of my favorite places. Before COVID it was our gathering place. It’s where everyone doctors their coffee throughout the day and five steps from the beer keg. We celebrate birthdays and toast each other when goals get smashed. I can’t wait until we can gather there again, the way we used to. Making sure people meet their neighbors when they move in or introducing them to someone in a similar industry is how we build community inside our space. Being in Texas doesn’t hurt either; we are friendly and just like to talk over a coffee or a cold beer.

What podcast would you recommend to others and why?

I’m sure you expect me to talk about a business podcast that shaped the way we do things, but let me surprise you. I LOVE the MOTH Podcast. It’s a collection of unique stories told by people that share true personal stories. People who have perspectives from lives I never imagined or just a point of view on the mundane day-to-day things make you feel so thankful. It’s diverse, interesting, funny, sweet, sad, and usually thought-provoking. I think I might have to enter a story to try and make it on the podcast one day.

If you had $500 to spend- what would you buy?

Almost one year into what has been the most challenging year for most small business owners, I would have to say a weekend away—taking time for yourself, recharging your batteries, and just getting a chance to breathe. I know so many people feel like they got so much downtime in 2020. I know so many small biz owners like me didn’t. There wasn’t a day that I didn’t go into Union Worx during the pandemic to check mail, Clorox wipe the coffee maker, or change marketing strategies… AGAIN. I didn’t make sourdough or take up painting, so the fatigue is real, and I know I am not alone in this. Making mental health a priority is essential, even for entrepreneurs. So, if you stuck $500 in my pocket today, I’d find a poolside with a waiter and do a lot of breathing exercises and probably be drinking something with a little umbrella.