Three Reasons to Consider Coworking
Community, productivity, perks — these are just some reasons to consider coworking at Industrious Kansas City.
Let me start by saying this is a blog post I never thought I’d write. In fact, the idea of coworking wasn’t on my radar until two months ago. I’ve always thrived on the freedom to switch up my work environment every day, and since leaving my corporate advertising job in 2018, I’ve loved my life as a digital nomad. Then COVID happened — and suddenly my days of coffee shop-hopping were over.
Like most of us, I settled into the daily routine of working from home, which was okay…for awhile. But after four months of living and working in the same 600-square-foot apartment, I’d reached my breaking point. I needed a change of scenery, some human contact and a serious productivity boost.
Enter: Industrious Kansas City.
After one tour of Industrious’ gorgeous space I was ‘team coworking.’ Not only did I fall in love with its modern design, lovely staff and convenient Plaza location, I was seriously impressed by the health and safety precautions Industrious put in place. I’m talking daily temperature checks, masks requirements in all common spaces and staff entirely dedicated to disinfecting and cleaning.
After spending the last two months working at Industrious Kansas City, I can tell you I 10/10 recommend it. I have a private office space, but if you have a team of people, or just want a dedicated desk space, there are membership options to fit your needs.
If you’re on the fence about coworking, here are three things to consider:
Reason #1: Community
There are tons of reasons to choose a coworking space over a home office or coffee shop: but for starters, you aren’t alone. For me, being surrounded by other creative, hard-working entrepreneurs is motivating and inspiring. Also, it’s just good to see some friendly faces every once in awhile — and I’ve met many of them during my time at Industrious.
Reason #2: Productivity
Most people would probably agree that it’s hard to stay motivated when you’re working solo, especially at home. For me, it was all too easy to get distracted by dishes in the sink, laundry that needed to be folded or the temptation of watching TV. Now that I have a dedicated workspace to go to each day, those distractions are eliminated and I’m able to fully focus on my work.
Reason #3: Perks
You know I love working from coffee shops, but at Industrious, the coffee shop comes to me. Every morning there’s Messenger Coffee, plus a rotating selection of breakfast options and pastries from local favorites like McLain’s Bakery and Meshuggah Bagels. Thursday Happy Hours are also a personal favorite. An Industrious membership also comes with office supplies, mail and packaging, a dedicated community manager, fast WiFi, unlimited printing, a wellness room and more.
If you’re curious about a workspace at Industrious, I suggest setting up a tour or even trying a day for free. Questions? As always, I’m happy to answer them in the comments!
Project Show and Tell: EB and Co. Brand Messaging
Take a peek inside this project spotlight for Shanley Cox Creative client, EB & Company. WARNING: this post might make you want to buy allllll the things.
Brand: EB & Company
Industry: Fashion
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
The Work: Tagline Development, Mission Statement, Website Copy, Email Strategy + Copy, In-Store Messaging
The Client: EB & Company is a modern accessories brand and fashion boutique founded by Emily Bordner. Embodying her own sense of style, Emily curates and creates pieces that are trendy, unique and affordable.
Project Background: Back in 2018, Emily came to me looking for language that elevated her online presence and told the story behind her brand. I had so much fun developing EB & Company’s brand voice and watching those words come to life on the walls of her Brookside brick and mortar. Take a look at some of the work below!
“Shanley challenged me to be more bold with my brand messaging and EB & Company has a stronger story because of it. Her copy has helped me elevate my business and branding, no question.” - Emily Bordner
Quiz: What's Your Brand Personality?
Is your brand battling an identity crisis? Take this quick two-minute quiz to get some clarity.
Target. Nike. Apple. Pepsi.
If reading these names instantly evokes a feeling or memory, you’ve just proved the power of brand persona. Like people, brands without a personality are just plain boring — and that’s exactly why personality-driven branding is important.
Like it or not, we interact with brands on a deeply personal level. Case in point: Have you ever LOL’d at a Progressive commercial? Or shed a tear seeing the Dove ‘real women’ campaign? A human connection was made in those moments, and we have personality-driven branding to thank for that.
One of the biggest challenges I face as a freelance writer is working with clients who haven’t established their brand persona. Sure, you can have the most beautiful logo, the smartest business plan, or the most clever slogan, but if you don’t know who your brand is, you’re screwed. Why? Because your brand must feel human to effectively sell to humans. And when you can think of your brand that way – character traits and all – you’ll shorten the time it takes for your audience to recognize, recall and pay attention to you. (Plus, you’ll make my job wayyyyyy easier. 😉)
Is your brand battling an identity crisis? Take this quick two-minute quiz below to get some clarity.
The Brand Personality Quiz
If your brand walked into a room, it would give a…
1. High five
2. Hug
3. Handshake
Your brand’s favorite outfit would be a…
1. Statement tee and destroyed denim
2. Sundress and sandals
3. Pencil skirt and heels
Your brand would jam out to…
1. Lizzo
2. Billie Eilish
3. “How I Built This” podcast
At the bar, your brand would order…
1. Jalapeño Margaritas
2. Rosé
3. An Old Fashioned
Your brand would binge watch…
1. Sex & The City
2. Gilmore Girls
3. CNN
Your brand’s Starbucks order would be…
1. An Iced Caramel Macchiato with a Double Shot Espresso
2. Earl Grey Tea
3. A Black Coffee
Your brand would read…
1. “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
2. “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
3. “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Steven Covey
Your brand would vacation in…
1. Miami
2. Joshua Tree
3. The Hamptons
Answer Time!
If you answered mostly 1: Your brand is ADVENTEROUS.
Your brand BRINGS. THE. FUN. It’s bold, outspoken, playful, sassy, spirited, energetic and not afraid to push the envelope.
Your brand BFFs include: Skittles, Billie, La Croix
If you answered mostly 2: Your brand is ASPIRATIONAL.
Your brand is often in its feels. It’s sincere, heartfelt, sophisticated, relatable, genuine, emotional and authentic AF.
Your brand BFFs include: Anthropologie, Dove, Third Love
If you answered mostly 3: Your brand is ANALYTICAL.
Your brand is a straight shooter. It’s smart, traditional, trustworthy, reliable, forward thinking, sophisticated, innovative and factual.
Your brand BFFs include: Volvo, Microsoft, Uber
Think you’ve got a better idea of your brand identity? Let me know in the comments below!
My "Three P's" for Creating a Picture-Worthy Picnic
Grab your camera and make the most of this alfresco weather by hosting a picturesque picnic for friends and family this spring! Not sure where to start? Here are my “three p’s” for creating a picture-worthy picnic spread.
Make the most of this alfresco weather by hosting a picturesque picnic for friends and family this spring. Not sure where to start? Here are my “three p’s” for creating a photo-worthy picnic spread.
Pick the perfect place.
Kansas City has plenty of local parks to post up for a picnic, but if you’re looking for somewhere really unique (and Insta-worthy!), Union Station’s new art installation, “Reflecting Motion” is where you want to be. Drive around to the back of Union Station and you can’t miss this 12,000 square foot sky sculpture floating above Haverty Family Yards. Designed to look like the synchronized movements of flocks of birds or schools of fish, the installation features 75,000 streamers of metalized film that form a silver, iridescent wind wave above the Haverty Family Yards. Set up your picnic right underneath it and it’s like being under a wave of shimmering confetti. So cool!
Reflecting Motion was designed by world renowned artist Patrick Shearn and is presented by my friends at CommunityAmerica Credit Union. The installation will be at Union Station until September 2 so plan your picnic there before it’s gone.
Props!
You can’t have a picture-worthy picnic without a beautiful basket and blanket, right? I suggest a waterproof picnic blanket because the grass might be a little damp from all the rain we’ve gotten recently. If you don't have one, improvise! I actually used a beach blanket for my picnic and it worked great.
If you need a picnic basket, here are a few adorable options for under $40:
Bed Bath & Beyond
Amazon
TJ Maxx
Provisions!
I think we can all agree that the best part of any picnic is the food and drink. My usual spread includes bread, crackers, fruit, cheese and nuts. And wine (duh). The bottle you see pictured is one of my favorite rosés, French Blue. It’s a dry, crisp, easy summer sipper I recently found on sale at Whole Foods - plus, the blue and white bottle pairs perfectly with my picnic color scheme. Canned wines are also a great picnic-friendly option, like this one from Yes Way Rose. And if you want something lighter in booze, try this really easy Rosé Spritzer recipe from Bon Appetit.
If you’re looking for the perfect opportunity to have a photo-worthy picnic, CommunityAmerica Credit Union is hosting CommunityAmerica Day at the Reflecting Art exhibit on June 9 from noon to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public…plus, I heard there will be some free treats (so you know I’ll be there).
A big thanks to my friends at CommunityAmerica Credit Union for sponsoring this post and giving me the opportunity to share with you one my favorite summertime activities. Happy picnicking!
How To Spark Creativity When You're Feeling Stuck
Feeling uninspired? Here are three tips to try when you need to reignite your creative spark.
Creative ruts…we’ve all been there. I’m a writer and photographer, so conquering occasional ruts comes with the job description. But even those who don’t consider themselves “right brained” can experience a brain block now and then. The good news is, creativity is a skill that, just like anything, can be practiced and improved.
If you need to reignite your creative spark, here are a few helpful tips I learned from a workshop with Dennis Hodges (a creativity expert and award-winning photographer) during Global Entrepreneurship Week Kansas City.
1. Take a pause.
So often, our creativity is stunted by endless to-do lists, mindless distractions (here’s looking at you, social media!) and the pressure of day-to-day life. Dennis suggests taking a few 10-minute breaks during the day to unplug and let your mind daydream. In fact, he says simply giving your brain permission to turn off can actually boost productivity.
2. Find a comfortable setting.
I don’t know about you, but nothing kills my creativity more than being chained to a desk all day. As a business owner and freelancer, working where and when I want has helped boost my creativity tenfold. If I’m working from my home office and get writers block, I know exactly what coffee shops will feed my creative energy. (Heads up if you ever see me at Thou Mayest with my laptop and a bowl of Golden Grahams.) Find a comfortable setting – even if it’s just a corner in your house – where you feel inspired to think.
3. Make a mind map.
A mind map is a great visual thinking tool and an easy way to brainstorm thoughts organically without worrying about order and structure. Similar to what a family tree looks like, it starts with a subject (like a product launch, rebranding, trip, etc.), with all related ideas coming off the subject (budget, time, tasks, etc.). A mind map can turn a long list of monotonous information into an organized diagram that works non-linear with your brain's natural way of doing things.
For more creative inspiration, I highly recommend checking out Global Entrepreneurship Week when they come to town next November. The week-long event is totally free and includes hundreds of workshops tailored to business owners, entrepreneurs and those that aspire to be, too!
This post is sponsored by Global Entrepreneurship Week, but all opinions are my own.
Three Mindful Ways I Start My Day
Looking for ways to create a more mindful morning routine? Here are three simple habits that can help jumpstart your day and boost your productivity.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my first year of entrepreneurship is the importance of having a morning routine. (That, and how to itemize receipts, but I’ll spare you that blog post.) My job as a freelance writer and photographer means no two days ever look the same - both a blessing and a curse for this Type-A personality. However, mornings are one part of the day where I’ve been able to incorporate some mindful habits, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only can I create some similarity throughout my week, but following a few simple rules when I wake up actually helps set a positive tone to my workday and boosts my productivity. Win-win!
If you’re looking to change up your routine, here are three tips to help you get started:
1. Start Slow
As a girl who likes to wake up and hit the ground running, making a conscious effort to start slow each day was a tough adjustment. I’ve always been one to read emails or scroll through Instagram the second my alarm goes off. But now I take those first 15 minutes of the morning to unplug and mentally set my intentions for the day.
2. Hydrate
I love starting my morning with a detoxing cup of green tea and immediately following it up with a healthy breakfast. Most days I’ll whip up some peanut butter toast topped with flax seeds and a side of fruit (usually whatever is in season!). I’ve found giving my body the fuel it needs in the morning is one of the best ways to set my day up for success.
3. Take Five
It’s so important to have a little “me time” each morning, even if it’s just five minutes. I like to focus on a few little things I love to do - flipping through cooking magazines, catching up with my mom via phone or text, or doing a few stretching exercises - and then rotate them throughout the week.
If you’re looking to make some mindful, healthy changes to your daily routine, my friends at Shawnee Mission Health have some amazing resources on their blog, MyHealthKC.com. You can explore Healthy Living Guides, get delicious recipes, explore wellness events and even find a doctor with their doctor/patient match survey.
Just last week, I used their Overland Park Farmers’ Market Guide to find out what to buy, what’s in season and when, and even get storage tips for organic produce. Be sure to give their booth a visit at the Overland Park Farmers Market next time you’re there!
Do you have any mindful living tips or a productive morning routine that you’d love to share? Give me your thoughts in the comments below!
This post is sponsored by Shawnee Mission Health, but all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Shanley Cox Creative the best site it can be!