Let’s Move Into May

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From a few backyard workout sessions to a community-wide movement, our latest community partner Allison Millet of Bowling Green Backyard Bootcamp has taken her business from her home to all around the Bowling Green community.

We could all use a little extra motivation right now and that’s where our fitness friend Allison Millet comes in!

“There are ways that we can all have more movement. It’s about finding ways to focus on you.” 

 

About Allison

Allison has been a coach for over 20 years and has taken her passion for fitness to the next level since the start of her backyard workouts in 2010. 

What started as a small group of people began to grow until the lot beside her home was no longer sufficient. She soon found herself asking, “Now what?” 

Millet now holds classes at multiple parks and locations throughout the community and has an inside gym location during winter months. 

Backyard Bootcamp is made up of a team of coaches all offering their own set of classes from yoga and stretching, to classes designed specifically for glutes, abs, upper body, and more, along with mash-up and all-encompassing workout classes. Basically, if you need it, they offer it! 

The classes are focused on helping bootcampers find the best version of themselves that they can be – one that is healthier and happier. 

 

Working out your mind

As we know, it’s mental health awareness month so we’re all trying to focus on our health a little more here lately, right? Did you know practicing a little extra movement can be just the way to do that?! No, I promise this isn’t a gimmick to make you put down the wine glass and hop on the treadmill – it’s me simply reminding you that getting up and getting out (in your front yard or on your yoga mat that is) may be just what the doctor ordered. 

“It’s a stress reliever… working out releases those happy endorphins,” says Allison. 

Studies show that we’re not lying guys! You’re hearing this straight from the mouth of someone who can barely touch her toes most days, so believe me when I tell you that having a little extra time on my hands lately to practice yoga has been an excellent relief for me. The best part is? You don’t even have to be good at it! You just have to do it.  

 

Making it happen

Allison also spoke on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle by doing things such as practicing healthy eating habits and enjoying the simple things in life like spending time with family and being in the moment. 

The local business owner has not let the current circumstances get the best of her. When regulations were put in place, she was quick to adapt and switch to an online format for all of her classes. Allison stays connected mainly via Facebook with a group page specifically for those who are members or what she calls “bootcampers.” All calendars and weekly challenges are now online and can be found on the calendar on her website.

Classes are offered on a 6-week basis allowing people to sign up ahead of time and take part in the bootcamp experience. (Ment members — you guys are in for a treat!) As of right now, all community members are invited to join the classes at any time. Another perk with the new format: bootcampers currently have access to the online “vault” of all previously recorded classes, allowing everyone to work out on their own time. 

For more details (trust me you’re gonna want to see all of the awesome things she is doing) check out her website and start moving toward a better you! 

 

Moving on up (and hopefully outside) 

We’re moving in a direction of our own here at Ment Cowork. One that includes taking steps to get back on track as a bit of normality creeps back into our daily routines. Here’s to hoping, better yet knowing, that our partner Allison can help us out with this one! Whether we’re fighting the daily struggles of COVID-19 or fighting to shed those pesky pounds, success is just a kick, punch, and a few “you can do it!”-s away.

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Building a foundation for your business

Branding. It’s the foundation of your business. It’s the way your customers perceive your business and more importantly, how they perceive YOU. 

Everything from your website, logo, and the work you produce, to your personality, customer service, and mission, is a part of your brand. Without it, you have no direction – nothing to build off of. 

Why branding? 

Identity. It’s as simple as that. You have to know who you are, what you stand for, and what you will bring to the table if you expect to bring people in your doors (or to your website). Once you know, others will know and they will start to recognize it. 

Uniqueness. Set yourself apart from others! You are the only one who can do what you’re doing the way you do it. Whether you’re running a photography business (in the day and age where seemingly everyone seems to be doing it) and want people to know why they should choose you or you’re an underwater basket weaver (trust me you’re gonna need to be “branded” for that too!) the point is that you are YOUnique. Is that cheesy? Oh well, it’s true! So why not have a brand that represents that? 

Direction. A brand is truly a road map of sorts. Be intentional and set clear goals for who you are, what you stand for and how you plan to achieve that. Consistency is key and it helps you and/or your employees gain better insight to provide the best service and let your customers know what to expect. 

*Bonus points if you know what all three of these equal? Answer: Shared Values

That’s right, it all brings us back to those good ole things called values. It’s a part of your -wait for it – BRAND. 

Say it louder Leona! Our community partner Leona Morelock knows all about this. 

“You don’t just buy the product, you buy the person.” 

What does that mean? It’s about more than what you offer, it’s about what you stand for and what you’re representing. Make connections with your audience. Be that person that people choose time and time again. Be that business that is picked out of a lineup. 

 

Example

So let’s put this into perspective for ya: At Ment, you are not just buying office space. Yes – that’s what brought you through the doors, but you are also buying an experience, a community, peace of mind so to speak. You are entering a space where you are not just a customer but a member. Your coming into a place of collaboration and support. 

A place that gives you the freedom to choose the option best fit for you to work and give you the resources to succeed. I know, I know, it didn’t say all of that on your member sign-up form but to be honest, we probably wouldn’t be able to fit everything on there if we told you all about us.

Our story: Let’s just say we knew it was ‘Ment to be’ from the start. 

If you think you don’t have a brand, think again. Chances are you’ve already been asked (and answered the question) time and time again. When someone says “tell me about yourself” or “what is your business?” they might as well be saying “Describe your brand to me.” 

You already know who you are – now go show it to everyone else! 

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Big for Branding

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Whether it’s branding, designing, marketing or planning your next wedding, Leona Morelock is the guru behind it all! She is also our community partner for the month of April. 

Being a fresh, new company to Bowling Green just nearly two years ago, we quickly found out how important it is to have a name, image and plan down pat for our business. 

Too many people mistake a brand for an option rather than a necessity and that’s why we wanted to make sure we bring this amazing service that she provides to our members and community. Heck, if we could shout it from the rooftops we probably would. On second thought… social distancing doesn’t have any rules against that right? 

About Leona

Leona started with a love for social media and the urge to always be “in the know” on the latest and greatest. After working with friend’s social media pages, Morelock said the business started coming to her and it’s been only up from there. Today, she is a social media manager and brand strategist, maintaining her own blog and working with professionals in the wedding industry to style shoots and design weddings. 

Morelock has been in the field with her own business professionally for a year and is looking forward to the things she has planned in the future. She offers social media masterclasses to the public and is also planning her first ever personal branding retreat for those wanting to get an in-depth look at how to take their brand to the next level. Like many, with our current life situations, Morelock is making the best of it by maintaining contact with her clients and working on a webinar with the release date yet to be announced (stay tuned!). 

Why branding?

Without a brand, you simply cannot start a business. Read that again. Your brand is who you are; it represents what you stand for and how you plan to provide your products or service to others. 

When we sat down to talk with Leona, she spoke on the importance of being yourself in the business world. She says that as a customer, you are not just buying the product or service, you’re buying the person behind it. 

And. That. Is. Important. People want to know who you are, what you stand for and what your business looks like. 

“Your brand is what people say about you when you walk out of the room,” Morelock says. 

What’s the timeline?

There’s not one! Her advice: Know as much as you can know, learn as much as you can learn and do as much research as you can.

The good part: Then you just have to jump in and start doing it before you think you’re even ready.

I know I struggle with this one and you all probably do too. You will never be ready if you keep waiting for the right moment. When it comes to all things social media related, you simply must be social (hence the name) and up-to-date on the happenings. You also must be active. So get out there and make it happen! We will be here (remotely) but HERE working with Leona all month to bring you the best ideas and advice on all things branding. 

So make sure to get people talking, and even more importantly, make them want to get up and say, “I want to work with (insert your business name here).” Leona took the leap, Ment Cowork took the leap, and now it’s your turn! 

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Tips for How to (Sanely) Work Remotely

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For some of us, working remotely has already been a thing for years, but for others it’s a whole new concept. Many are now transitioning to a new way of working due to the rise of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and the precautions being taken. From major companies, media sources and universities world wide, we are being encouraged to stay home. While freelancers and digital nomads have been practicing social distancing for years, some of us are finding it challenging to be productive within the walls of our homes.

So what can you do to work productively from home? We want to share a few tips that we use in our coworking space that are easily adaptable to you in your home right now.

 

Be Aware

If you’re like us, you’ve probably felt as though you live behind your desk most days. Now it will be even harder for you as you navigate how to divide your home life from your work life. The key is to be aware of where you are doing your work, when you are doing it and how often you are doing it. Keeping this separate from your home life as much as possible will keep you from going stir crazy. 

Going Off the Clock

While it is necessary to be available when needed, it’s also important to make sure we know the importance of being away from our work when we need to as well.  This means fighting that urge to check those work emails when you’re “off the clock.” Studies say this can lead to further work anxiety and we have enough anxiety going on as is. Those emails can wait, because sometimes your sanity cannot. Take care of yourself first so you can do a fantastic job later.

Take Breaks Often

This could be when you break to eat or when you need to just get a breath of fresh air. (Also we would like to point out – please break to eat. Sometimes that is a forgotten necessity.) Eat lunch away from your work spot. Whether this is your at-home desk or your couch, step away from your work while you eat. Trust me, your crumb-less keyboard will thank you and so will your mind. Get outside, exercise in between Zoom meetings or even take your laptop (if you must) to your back porch while the kids plays outside for a change.

Switch It Up

A key factor in getting work done that we focus on is being comfortable and productive. Chances are if you’re working in the same spot day after day, you may lose inspiration or start to feel burnt out. Being told you have to remain at least 6 feet away from others and preferably stay in your home only adds to the feeling of “burnt-out-ness.” Get creative. Set yourself up for success and designate a few work spots for yourself and your spouse. Most importantly, make sure they are not the spots where you relax or spend time “off the clock.” 

Practice Self-Care

Probably most important of all, take care of yourself. This is what all of these tips boil down to. Simple things like taking a shower, creating more than complaining, drinking water, getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep and so on… These few simple improvements are what is going to get us through this time. Do it for yourself, your career, your family and your sanity.

 

 

Some could look at this time as another roadblock in the world of business. We choose to look at it as a push in the direction toward restructuring and adapting to modern practices. Coworking has been a leader for years in the societal shift to working remotely. Although the current circumstance is not favorable for many reasons, we are still staying here and being a resource when needed.

Best of luck to you in your work journeys remotely!

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Putting the “Green” in Bowling Green

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In our last blog, we talked about how to be a little greener in your workplace, but what about in our community? Little things add up to make a big difference, so never think that you are too small to have an impact!

In Our Community

We could go on for days about the endless ways that you can live more sustainably but we will lead with just a few to get you started:

-Carpooling + Biking. Sharing rides with others for those longer drives or biking for smaller trips to downtown locations are both perfect transportation options when trying to be greener. With local rideshare options in Bowling Green and the carless program at WKU, the options are certainly available. 

-Eating Green. With places like Zest Juice and Beet Box right around the corner, the green (Keto, paleo, cleanse) options are not only endless but supported. Reach out to your local farmers, nutritionists or vegetarian friends and get what you need to eat green.

-Plants and Florals. Bet you didn’t see that coming did you? But really guys, decor is a necessity when it comes to creating your ideal work environment that can inspire and motivate you…so dress it up a little (or a lot). With the ability to purify the air by up removing up to 10 percent of carbon dioxide, you can’t blame us for being green advocates. Local shops such as Jules with the Flowers are doing their part one step at a time.

Jules – the one with ALL the Green

Need to hear it from your local florist herself how important a green lifestyle is? Have at it Jules! 

“Going Green is so important and there are so many ways that people are doing it.” 

While Jules Sandlin admits that she has some work to do in this area, she acknowledges the importance of being green and trying to become more conscious of it in her work practices.

 Jules with the Flowers recycles their paper, cardboard and plastic products by dropping them off at Bowling Green’s local recycling drop-off center. She is also practicing energy efficiency in her everyday life by turning off unnecessary electrical appliances when not in use as well as at her shop. 

With the quick and convenient delivery service offered by Jules WTF, drivers are encouraged to take the shortest and most convenient routes to ensure that not only time and money are saved, but that the customer is happy. 

Other floral related  tips include: reusing your clear vase water on outdoor plants and using plant based cleaners to avoid harmful chemicals. 

Have you heard of the benefits of shopping local?

Turns out it also helps reduce your carbon footprint. Yet another awesome reason to come see Jules with the Flowers and support your community and environment. 

Bowling Green is alive and thriving thanks to our citizens in the community that step up to do their green duties. Do your part to keep the place that you call home the best that it can be.

Before you go: Did we forget to mention that Ment has a plant in just about every corner? Stay tuned for our blog post next week on how to use plants to your full advantage in the workplace. 

 

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Going Green with Jules

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Get your green thumbs ready because this month we are going green with Jules! You may know her as “the girl with the flowers,” but we are calling her our “community partner.” 

Who you ask? Jules Sandlin, owner and florist of Jules with the Flowers of course! With spring right around the corner, we couldn’t think of a better local business to partner up with.

A Little About Jules

A WKU Horticulture alumni, Jules now owns and runs her very own florist shop. Sandlin started her career in soil science and never imagined working in floristry or owning her own business. Never wanting to have the “typical” 9-5 desk job, Sandlin says that she enjoys having the freedom to make her own hours and rules. 

“It really is so much fun doing this.” 

When Jules took on floristry as a hobby, she started getting requests from friends and started doing small jobs working from home. Her love for flowers soon turned into a growing business, leading her to win Best in Bowling Green just one year after being in business and opened her own shop late last year. 

Sandlin initially bought her shop with the intention to use it solely as a working studio, however she said people began to come in and she figured she would start selling things after that.

Her Fresh Take on Floral

With the rather traditional style of florist work in Bowling Green, Jules found the need for a fresh take on flowers. She finds that her unique style sets her apart from some of the other local shops. 

“I think that I stay ahead of the trends.” 

Jules spoke on her nontraditional background in floristry and believes that it has given her a creative edge. She enjoys making things that are not only beautiful, but unique and unseen. There is no denying that a Jules with the Flowers piece is one-of-a-kind because she believes that “not everything needs to be done a specific way.” It just may be this creative way of thinking or possibly her undeniable passion for flowers that makes her work so popular in our city. 

According to Jules, staying up to date is THE most important part of what she does. Whether it’s following other florists and media platforms or reading blogs, she is always one step ahead of the game! 

Jules also said that she never thought of herself as an artist although she would always see others’ work and think that it was beautiful. 

“People call me an artist and that’s really cool…I didn’t expect that but there is definitely a lot that goes into it.”

From weddings, proms, birthdays, romance, sympathy or any other special occasion or event, to her signature installation pieces, Jules is the go-to shop for everything fresh and floral! Delivery services are offered in Bowling Green and select surrounding areas and options for add-on gifts such as jewelry, stickers, bath bombs and more are also available. 

What She’s Up To this Month

Jules will be staying busy as she currently has 40 weddings booked this year. We are happy to report she can be found working outside of her usual “beautiful mess” at Ment every Tuesday for the month of March. Stop in to see the floral arrangements she will be bringing to us weekly! 

BEST of all: For every conference room booking we have this month, you will get a FREE floral arrangement done by Jules with the Flowers. So have that meeting you’ve been putting off and have it in style here in Ment. Call or email to book and be sure to visit Jules’ website and social media to show her some love.

As Jules says, “Flowers on everything for everyone!”

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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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What is My 3:59? The Story and Name Behind the Movement

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This month, we are introducing you to our community partner, My 3:59 and the man who started it, Dan Klein. This year, we are ditching the New Year’s resolutions for “3:59s.” Want to set a goal for yourself that you’ve been aiming towards for a while? Now is the time with the new year approaching. Klein’s story has inspired us to do the same. 

Klein created his own movement after becoming inspired by Roger Bannister, the first person to break the four-minute mile barrier when, at the time, it was scientifically proven that the human body just couldn’t do it. Despite all of the naysayers Bannister not only to set out to break the mythical barrier – he did it! He did the impossible, he broke the 4 minute mile. He ran it in 3:59. 

As a husband and father of four, Klein was diagnosed with cancer and walked away with a life changing perspective on life and the things that the human body is capable of – both mentally and physically. Dan Klein started the My 3:59 movement with the dunk of a basketball at the age of 42; a goal that he had set for himself after his diagnosis. After going through cancer and experiencing everything the illness teaches you physically, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically, he approached the dunk with the 3:59 attitude and did his impossible – his 3:59. He made the dunk but more importantly, he achieved the 3:59 spirit. 

Since the then, there have been other 3:59s. Physical ones like hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim and completing the Louisville Ironman. Along with other life 3:59s – starting his own business, learning to play the guitar with one of his sons, and writing a book to share the My 3:59 story with others. Many others have responded by setting their own 3:59s as well! Everything from someone starting a non-profit they always dreamt about to someone acting in a play to a grandmother learning to swim for the first time at the age of 72 so she could swim with her grandchildren. 

“It’s really inspiring to see people take the My 3:59 story and spirit and turn it inward and become very intentional about doing the impossibles of their lives, their “I always wanted to….”, their 3:59s,” Klein said.

Dan Klein’s book can be purchased on Amazon or found at his website along with additional information. Klein is also available as a speaker at events where he shares motivation and encouragement with others. 

3:59s are all about setting goals for yourself and achieving them. If Klein’s story can teach us anything, it’s to keep pushing until you reach the impossible!

At Ment Cowork, we have achieved a series of 3:59s of our own. Being the first of its kind in Bowling Green, we have worked to establish an  environment that is the ideal place for members to do business. Stay tuned to hear about some of our personal goals here at Ment Cowork and to hear how we are planning to make some changes of our own.

 

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Goodbye Menternship

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As I spend one of my last days here at 911 college street, I am able to reflect on my time spent at Ment. Coming into this internship, I was unfamiliar with the coworking industry and the community that came with it. From the inspiring space to the empowering people, my time here at Ment has been nothing short of amazing. 

 

Between content creation and management, to organizing events and keeping in touch with other professionals in the community, I feel I have gained real world insight about the public relations industry as a whole. Being a mentern has given me knowledge that I can’t learn in a classroom and I am so thankful for the experience! I want to give a special thanks to Hayley, Valerie and JD for providing me with this opportunity. 

 

In just a few short weeks, I will be graduating and making the move back to Lexington, Kentucky to pursue my photography business full-time. I plan on implementing social media and creative writing skills that I have gained here at Ment into my own business. If you want to keep up with me, feel free to follow my social accounts at @abigail.e.photography. 

 

I hope that you all have enjoyed reading my blog posts over the course of the semester. I have loved being a part of this community and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Ment Cowork! It’s not a goodbye, rather a see you later. 

 

I’m coming for you, big girl world.

 

 

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Ment Insider Tour

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If you follow us on instagram, you are probably familiar with what our space looks like by now, However, several people who wonder to our blog have no clue who we are or what we offer as a coworking facility. Head to the link below to check it out and feel free to leave a review on what you think of our space in the comments!

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