Editor’s note: This is the latest in a series of exclusive reports for WRAL TechWire about startup hubs across the Triangle region. These also are part of our Startup Monday lineup and augment information available in our Triangle Startup Guide.

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CARY – In an exclusive interview with WRAL Techwire, Blush Cowork co-founder Alison Rogers discusses North Carolina’s first coworking community for women that offers childcare.

“There are other spaces that offer childcare or are geared towards women, but the combination of the two is what immediately sets us apart,” said Rogers. “The location is also unique—rather than being located in an urban or more industrial setting, we focused on bringing our first location to a suburban and very residential area.”

Blush Cowork offers daycare and coworking support.

A lightly edited transcript of the interview with Rogers follows.

  • WRAL TechWire (TW): What are you seeing in terms of demand?

Alison Rogers (Rogers): We are seeing demand from startups who are looking for flexible office space because they don’t necessarily know how quickly they will or want to grow or where they will eventually settle on office space (if ever). 

We are definitely seeing women come in who have started their own businesses or even pivoted existing businesses during the pandemic.

  • TW: Where is demand strongest—office space? Drop-ins? 

Rogers: Our private office demand far exceeded our expectations when we opened. People also want to book meeting space for various reasons — there’s still magic within face-to-face collaboration — or they don’t want to host business meetings in their home office! 

Coworking hub profiles, other info add to Triangle Startup Guide’s growing reach

  • TW: Are there plans for expansion? 

Rogers: We currently have 11,000 square feet and we would love to expand both within our existing location and to additional locations so we can bring this model to other convenient locations where we know there’s demand. 

  • TW: How have you received support? From local, state, and/or federal government? From corporations? From grant programs? 

Rogers: We had a rocky start receiving support prior to opening, but since we opened in March 2022 we have received support through Carolina Community Impact and a grant from local company Viably. We also have a current crowdfunding campaign with IFundWomen. 

TW: What services do you offer at Blush? 

Rogers: Our most targeted offerings for entrepreneurs right now are through our workshops and events. We recently had a PR workshop for entrepreneurs, and we have others in the works with financial planners and attorneys that are geared to helping entrepreneurs and startups with specialized topics that they may be totally new to–like trademarking. 

TW: Do you have any programs that focus on women entrepreneurs, minority-owned businesses, or veteran-owned businesses?  

Rogers: We certainly focus on women entrepreneurs and want to support women- and minority-owned and operated businesses (especially local businesses) as much as we possibly can through our events, outreach, partnerships and even selecting vendors based on those criteria. Our mission is to provide a safe, empowering space for women to network, learn, create, and join their community through collaborative coworking and events. 

TW: Who owns your hub and what is their philosophy about helping startups and small/emerging companies to grow? 

Rogers: I am the sole owner of Blush and my purpose in creating Blush is really more about growing the connected community so that we can all do better together. Helping startups, emerging companies and solopreneurs has definitely become a major focus as I see so many women pursuing that path (and since I myself am on that path!).  

FACT BOX – Blush Cowork

Inside Blush Cowork

 Address: 201 Shannon Oaks Circle, Suite 102, Cary NC 27511

Contact information: 

  • LinkedIn: company/blushcowork
  • Instagram: @blushcowork
  • Email: info@blushcowork.com
  • Website: www.blushcowork.com

Owner(s): Alison Rogers 

Mission statement: Blush is a safe, empowering space for women to network, learn, create, and join their community through collaborative coworking and events. We promise to commit to these values, and also expect our members to (1) Recognize and encourage the work of all women. What you do is valuable, necessary, and amazing. (2) Provide a safe space for you and your work to flourish, and for you to connect with potential collaborators. (3) Treat each member and guest with respect and integrity. (4) Honor your personal and professional values by providing a space free from hate, abuse, and harassment of any kind. (5) Celebrate all of you, including work and life milestones and advancements.

Availability: A few private offices are currently available, ranging from $750 to $950 per month. Day passes are $30, monthly memberships are $250 per month, and meeting space starts at $30 per hour. 

Best way to learn more: Nonmembers are welcome to register and attend public events, including open coworking days once a month – or, contact info@blushcowork.com to schedule a tour.