Thank you for being a part of our inaugural issue of She-ic Space. We are excited to have struck a cord with you and your desire to answer the same questions we have:

1. Given the fact that women are launching not only businesses but successful businesses at an alarming rate, what kind of environment do these savvy women work in to support their business?

2. Do they still work in a cubical with four walls around them and no inspiration or have they made their environment an extension of their femininity?

I have to admit that I am nervous as I send out this first issue because I want to make sure I provide you with valuable content not to mention I love what I am doing and hope you will enjoy my passion as I share it with you. If you have any suggestions, please be sure to let me know by writing to me at news@sheicspace.com.

She-ic Space was born to explore the different ways which women choose to run their companies and live their lives. No longer do we have to conform to a masculine driven society. We get to add our own touch or flair to this world. She-ic Space celebrates this shift from masculine to feminine by sharing how other business women use their space to support their creativity and nurture their soul.

We also want to bring you articles and resources to help you create your own feminine space and break through stereotypes.

This month we are featuring Julie Duryea of souk. She is a woman who founded and runs a hipster-feminine flex/shared work space for freelancers, independent consultants and entrepreneurs. Many women, but also men, work out of the space - members tend to mix up their home office space & traveling client work.

We thought Julie's story was a great kickoff to help us all see just how far our workspaces have come.

Also, be sure to check out the articles and resources we have listed on the right side.

Now sit back and enjoy, feel inspired and empowered with Julie's story.

Until next month,

P.S. Be sure to share She-ic Space with your friends and colleagues by sending them to www.sheicspace.com.

• Home Sweet Home Office
  
  
• How to Have a Socially Conscious Workplace

101 Home Office Efficiency Tip

For many self-employed small business owners, working out of a small or home office can leak time. Not only are we trying to juggle a million task, but we're also trying to juggle interruptions, phone calls, and emergencies that crop up.

In this ebook, you'll discover 101 tips and techniques to help you organize your office, your email, your calendar, and your time.

Click here to learn more.

As more and more entrepreneurs are taking flight most find themselves working out of a home office. To top it off, most businesses that are created these days are virtual, meaning you can work from anywhere as long as there is internet access and you have a cell phone.

I can certainly attest that even though I am one of those seemingly desirable virtual workers, I find myself sitting behind my desk in my home office longing to have social interaction. Aside from talking to my cat in a high pitched voice, thinking she understands everything I am saying, it is difficult for me to get out an socialize because the pangs of work pull me back as soon as I step foot out the door.

There has to be a solution right? Meet Julie Duryea of souk, llc. Julie is a woman who founded and runs a hipster-feminine flex/shared work space for freelancers, independent consultants and entrepreneurs. Many women, but also men, work out of the space - members tend to mix up their home office space & traveling client work.

souk understands the dream to say how and when you work - to work to live. souk presents flex term office space and services, specially designed for individuals and small teams to create. In hot desks, unique meeting rooms and collaboration zones, souk members brainstorm, present or simply hunker down and work.

souk believes space matters. Where and how you want to work has changed. souk acknowledges its set-up is different because the world demands it. It has an open plan and purposefully NO cubicles, which of course we love!

When designing souk, Julie's inspiration was Knoll, Herman Miller, Dwell, architecture office lay-outs and Cool Offices she picked up from the local museum bookstore.

When asked what was one thing in her office that is fun or quirky and represents the fun side of her personality, Julie responded, "I collect James Jarvis' figures and they are in what would be considered the 'reception' area." Julie also shares that the one piece of office furniture she can't live without is her Herman Miller chair.

As an entrepreneur, Julie finds herself working 8+ hours a day. "It's very rewarding to run a space that supports those endeavors, and where I can continue to develop my own," notes Julie.

If you live in or are in business in the Portland area, be sure to check out souk.