The Art of Coworking

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Since starting my internship, I can safely say that Ment Cowork has become a safe haven for me. A place in which I can be myself, express myself and simply “be.” Ment has mastered the art of coworking. Not a thing? We think it should be! 

The ability to bring together people from different backgrounds, companies, walks of life, and work in the same space with the same end goal in mind: to Get stuff done. It takes a special set of skills, that’s for sure. 

How we do it

Maybe it’s the awesome interns we have, the owners that first saw potential in this 130 year-old building, the ever-growing and supportive community in which we sit upon or the amazing members that have set up a “home” here at Ment. 

Not to mention, we have this whole community partner collaboration thing on lock. Didn’t know that we provide event space as well? You do now! Even more so, we are fans of local art and have nothing against housing work here at Ment. Just ask our community partner for this month – Slow as Folk!

Amenities

We know what people want and we’ve got it down to a science. Member perks, discounts, coffee, parking passes and aesthetics – just call us the masters!

We are also super in touch with the concept of hygge here at Ment – something that we believe is an art of it’s own. We have learned to incorporate this feeling and lifestyle practice into our workspace…and the feedback has been nothing short of great!

Success!

We took a chance when we started with an empty floor and created something truly inspiring. Only a few years under our belt and we have become a masterpiece standing tall in the center of downtown Bowling Green. Ment represents so much more than just a space to work, we are an integrative community that advocates for all workplaces and individuals to do what they do best in a place that allows them to reach their potential. 

At Ment, we believe in the importance of art and want to provide an atmosphere where people feel invited to work in. Whether you’re inventing the next code for NASA or creating your latest masterpiece, we support you and all of your endeavors. You are {Ment} for great things! 

Want to know more about our story? Check out our blog on how community manager Hayley knew it was Ment to be. 

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Celebrating Art and Self Expression

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Art comes in all different forms: films, music, paintings, photos, entertainment. The decor in our homes, the furniture we sit on, the clothes we wear – people often forget these can all be called art! Chances are you have incorporated it into your life one way or another. With our community partner being Slow as Folk, let’s take a look at how important art can truly be as a tactic to express ourselves.

From her style to her designs, creator of Slow as Folk, Sarah Gust is a walking showcase for art. Growing up, Gust was not raised in an artistic environment. She was not even made aware of her talents until discovering them for herself in college.

“It just became my main way of expressing myself… It’s what I’ve always done,”

Being a photographer, I can relate to Sarah in that I never thought of myself as an artist. After many years of experience and education, I have developed a whole new sense of respect for those in the field. It is a path in life that allows us to not only capture beautiful moments, but tell stories and express ourselves in the process. This can be said for any medium. We are all artists in some shape or form. From the way you decorate your desk, to how you take notes, to the shirt you choose to put on. (This is probably the individualist in me thinking this.)

Why it’s important:

If we put our thoughts and emotions into a physical form, it allows us to be in control of them. Research shows that art can improve our cognitive and motor capabilities as well as our communication and emotional skills. It can also improve blood flow and promote a healthy mind. So with all of these positives, why not take an active part in it?

How and where you can practice art:

Not sure where to look? Bowling Green is bursting with art! Active workshops and locations that allow you to become your own artist such as Board & Brush, The Paint’n Place and The Pots Place. Want to observe? We have the perfect spots for this as well: Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center(SKyPAC) has multiple theatres, galleries and classes to choose from year round. The Capitol Arts Center, located right in the heart of downtown also offers theatre performances and galleries. The A-Frame is a unique venue featuring local artists’ work, live music and events to the community. Want to be a part of an art networking community? Joining BG Makers may be right up your alley.  

At Ment, we support anything that allows you to express yourself and bring out your potential. Get out in the community or even stop into Ment and get started on those things that get your heart racing and put stars in your eyes. 

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How to “Hygge” It

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Ever try to get work done, but you’re just not comfortable? The lighting is bad, it’s noisy, or maybe that dang desk chair just isn’t cutting it anymore. We’ve all been there and while this is not meant to be a sales pitch, hear me out. We simply want to show you how you can make your work space a little bit more enjoyable – by adding a little hygge to it. 

This concept, and our theme for the month, can help you bring in all the right vibes that you need in a work space. So how do you bring a “feeling” into how you work? By doing little things that make your space more “you.” Whatever it is that lifts up your spirits. 

Lighting

If you’re like me, natural light and windows can significantly change your mood. Sometimes hanging out by the windows in Ment is the perfect motivation for me. An entire room or skylight to soak up those rays might be just what you need. Use the light available to you to set a mood. No, I’m not talking about rose petals and romantic music (although if that is your thing, we are not against it). I’m talking about dimming those office lights or using those lamps that you have and getting your “cozy” on. Candle lovers, I know you guys are listening – this is for you too! 

This is where I add the Disclaimer right, Hayley? *Ment is not responsible for any fires, naps or yoga sessions that may result. 

Move Around

I’m also one of those people that simply cannot always sit behind a desk. Sometimes kicking your shoes off and cuddling up on the couch or just moving out of your typical workspace can get you into a better headspace. I seriously love sitting out in our open coworking space (preferably on the couches or cushioned chairs) with my laptop and books. 

Enjoy the little things 

Things like the smell of fresh roasted coffee in the morning or the smiles that greet you around the office. Sometimes we just need to take a moment to be grateful for those small things in life. When I enter the parking lot for my work days at Ment, I am forever thankful for that little parking pass that allows me to not have to worry about searching for a spot for 20 minutes! Being able to work downtown in such a beautiful building and with such great people is also uplifting for me. Our members? They love knowing that coffee will be waiting for them and that if they want to take advantage of places in the community, their member perks allow them to do that. 

Comfort Items & Decor

When practicing hygge, it’s all about making a space that works for you. Bring in photos of your loved ones. Decorate your space in a way that brings you happiness. Our community partner is helping us with that this month! Maybe bring in some of the outside with plants, real or fake depending on how well of a plant mom (or dad) you are *shamefully looks away*. Essential oil lovers, we know you are already packing them around with you so embrace it! Bring in that diffuser and let the wellness scents fill your office. Cold natured people or employees of a company that simply doesn’t know how to use the thermostat – do not be ashamed. Keep that blanket close to you or even that heater that you’re probably already hiding under your desk. 

Interact

The Danish are also all about genuine relationships. Interact with your colleagues or fellow office mates. Strike up a conversation or simply give a few greetings and smiles here and there. Basically, just practicing encouragement and spreading good vibes can go along way! Our members are all unique and come from totally different backgrounds and businesses. This makes it the perfect place to get to know those within our own little “Ment community.”

Focus on yourself

Don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Practice self-care and make it a part of your daily routine if you’re not already. Again, it’s all about the little things: take some time for you, step outside on your break, reflect on your day or your goals or make yourself a work playlist. I have been really into coffee shop music and just chill sounds that help me to focus without causing distraction. 

Remember: comfort = productivity.

According to the Happiness Research Institute,“…78% of Danish workers value a safe, cosy and casual atmosphere in the office.” 

Maybe we are not so different here in the U.S. We just didn’t know there was a term for it! So grab those blankets, candles, coffee mugs or anything else that brings you joy and pack it in with you. Get comfortable and get it done! If you need a little extra inspiration, we are only an elevator ride up and a day pass away!

For more information and tips to keep “hygging” on, check out some of our other articles on work-life balance, minimalism and loving where you work.

 

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Our Newest Mentern

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Hello everyone! My name is Sarah Tipton and I am the newest ‘mentern’ here at Ment Cowork! I am a junior at Western Kentucky University majoring in strategic marketing. I am so excited to finally gain some real world experience in my field. It is my goal to learn more through this internship than I have in the classroom. My duties here will include creating a market strategy for us and a plan as we move forward. 

My future plans and goals are as unpredictable as a magic 8 ball. I feel like I have no idea what my future holds. That thought used to scare me, but I know God’s watching out for me. But for today at least, my plan is to immediately get my MBA after undergrad and then off to Nashville or Louisville. Though my dream would be to move to London for a couple of years first and travel on as many weekends as I could! 

A Little Bit of Background

I grew up on a beef cattle farm in Taylorsville, KY. One of my “fun facts” is that I went to a Christian school where my graduating class was only 4 people. Yes, you read that correctly, there were four of us. WKU was a big change after that, but I absolutely love it and try to stay as involved as possible: I am a member of Omega Phi Alpha, an ambassador for the Honors College, a counselor for honors freshman orientation (H4), and a member of Women in Business. I try to stay busy, but occasionally  “busy” means that I am at my apartment watching Friends, Gilmore Girls, or maybe even Hannah Montana. Don’t judge, it’s called #selfcare.  

What ‘Type’ of Person Sarah Is

I am a 6 on the enneagram and in Ravenclaw house so I am loyal, hardworking, paranoid, and seek safety, I tell everyone just to imagine a golden retriever in human form. As an avid coffee and pasta lover, I enjoy traveling and even spent last spring at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England! During the trip, I was able to visit 13 countries in just 4 months. I have also gone on a cross country RV trip with my family, so travel is my middle name, when I can afford it at least. I also enjoy things like cooking, listening to Crime Junkie (which makes me extra paranoid), puns, taking care of my plants, and too much online shopping—rip to my bank account. 

Her -ment Word

Lastly, I must reveal to you all what my “ment” word is! I wanted to choose one that no one has yet, and I have chosen…. fulfillment. In the past I have always felt like there was more that I needed to be doing and I worried about the “what if’s.” I constantly felt stressed by this. Therefore a goal I have for myself is to find fulfillment. Whether it is in where I am or by the things that I have been blessed with in the moment I am in. I hope to learn to let go of my fears and enjoy the moment. I look forward to my time at 911 College Street being a time to push me out of my comfort zone, but also teaching me not worry about the things yet to come.

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Embracing the “Hygge” Lifestyle

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If you love over-sized sweaters, fuzzy socks, salt lamps and have an obsession with blankets, then you are going to be all ears for this. Our theme for the month of February – “Hygge.” 

Raise your hand if you’ve heard of this crazy Danish concept before. No? Me either. Well that is until I took an international public relations class last semester. I chose to study the country of Denmark because, well they are supposedly the happiest place and people in the world and need I say more? I kept coming across this concept so much that I just had to research it. Turns out it’s not crazy at all and most of us are actually practicing it – it’s actually pretty neat! 

HYGGE

Originating in Denmark, Hygge is a term for the all encompassing feeling of comfort and well being. 

Synonyms:  Happiness, coziness, security, simplicity, reassurance 

“Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home.” 

Enjoying the little things in life, practicing self care, being present in the moment and creating a feeling of contentment are all ways in which one can practice this concept. Sounds like something you’re down for? We sure are! With all of our natural light, diffusers, lamps in every corner, (and don’t forget the couches) we are all about this way of life. 

The Danes practice this concept as a way to combat the winter and rainy day blues. Sound familiar? I ask as I am writing from the comfort of my couch, pajamas, coffee in hand and blankets in my lap on this gloomy February day. 

And now, with our newest community partner Slow as Folk, we have beautiful artwork on display all month long to help tie this whole beautiful and comfortable lifestyle practice together. Slow as Folk artist Sarah Gust is all about a simple lifestyle and incorporating comfort items into her daily routine as well as her art. 

“I want to be comfortable and I want my customers to be comfortable as well.”

We can relate to this on a spiritual level  because if you don’t have comfort, how will you be satisfied with your work, life, etc.? Our members deserve to have the space where they can work in an atmosphere that works for them – whatever that may be. With this being said, we just had to jump on board with this concept for our theme of the month. 

Ment Cowork will be here all month long helping you to bring a little Hygge into your life.

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Ment for Love, Ment for Art

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For the month of February, we are giving a different definition to the term love. One that is centered around loving what you do and having passion for your job. With this in mind, what better community partner for the month of February than Slow as Folk, a local business that has stuck to its simplistic, natural and colorful roots. 

The Artist: Sarah Gust

Freelancer, jewelry maker, painter, plant lover, Starbucks barista and establisher of ‘Slow as Folk’, artist Sarah Gust really can do it all! And now she is the head of a business that has established a community partnership with Bowling Green’s first coworking company, right in the heart of downtown Bowling Green. 

A building with open areas, exposed brick, natural light and tons of wall space – we were basically calling her name! 

Sarah Gust discovered her love for art in college when she began to explore a niche that she never knew she had. Following her own path, she found Bowling Green about six years ago and established a career and business for herself. Gust realized that she wanted a clearer direction for her art and rebranded herself early last year, re-entering the art community with a fresh brand – Slow as Folk. 

It just clicked and it felt right. I realized that to create a sustainable business I needed to move at a pace that was comfortable for me – slow.

Gust also connected with the word ‘folk’ as that describes the type of artist that she is given her self-taught art background and varying practices. Gust believes in the power of focusing on herself throughout her art in order to allow her to create quality work that is not rushed. Gust creates everything from paintings, drawings, stickers and designs, to henna work and one of her newest specialties – earrings and jewelry. Gust works mainly as a freelancer taking part in pop-up shops, markets, workshops and sales through her website and Instagram. 

The Brand: Slow as Folk

Slow as Folk is centered around minimalism and simplicity. As an artist, Gust finds herself attracted to brightness as well as shapes found in nature. She says that she draws inspiration from people and things around her in everyday life. 

As our community partner for the month of February, Slow as Folk not only has the super cool privilege of receiving access to Ment’s workspace and perks, but will also be displaying art in our office on the second floor for the entire month! 

Slow as Folk art will be available for viewing and purchasing now until February 29 from 8-2 Monday through Friday at Ment. If you are downtown (and we know you will be), stop in to see some awesome pieces and maybe even meet the artist herself!  We are so excited to be sharing the love this month with Slow as Folk and to have our coworking space filled with a little more beauty. If Ment Cowork wasn’t already an “inspired” place, we sure are now!

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