38 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014 Making it Happen at BODY & SOUL QNS Col ective Earlier this spring, a rather special location opened up in the interact with the community or have privacy when needed—for conference neighborhood—a birthplace for creativity, collaboration, and innovation. calls or client meetings, virtual or on premise. At QNS Collective, members of the community can rent spaces to nurture new ideas, and even grow new businesses. When you need more space than BORO: What services do you provide? perhaps your apartment can offer, this is a fantastic, affordable alternative. QNSC: We offer affordable and professional workspace on a month-tomonth With sun-drenched working space, free coffee, and free internet, QNS Collective is dedicated to helping make your dreams become a reality. From $25 daily access to a personal private office, there are several options in between. So we stopped by to see just how this new space works. BORO: When did you open? QNSC: March 2014 BORO: Who are the owners/founders? QNSC: Argentina Flores and David Sanders BORO: What inspired them to create this collaborative space? QNSC: Collaboration fuels innovation. That’s the guiding principle behind our mission at QNS Collective. Argentina Flores was a freelancer Graphic Artist and Web Developer working independently for over 12 years. Confronted with the limitations of space and tools needed to work as a creative professional from home, she set out to find a place to work and collaborate with others. Finding that there was no dedicated coworking space in her native borough, in 2012 Argentina made it her goal to launch the first. In 2013 QNS Collective was founded. David joined her in the vision. Together they saw, and felt, first-hand, the need for an inviting collaborative environment. BORO: What are the demographics of your first users? QNSC: Mostly millennials, however age is not a factor. Our member demographic is anyone looking to startup. If you ask our members what they do they would probably tell you they are primarily a freelancer but are also collaborating with a friend in a new startup or looking to launch a hobby as a full-time business. BORO: Why do you think a space like this is important? QNSC: Coworking spaces support freelancers and small businesses, which we believe is the lifeblood of a local economy—especially in Queens. Before QNS Collective, you had to either rent an expensive executive suite with little collaboration potential, or work in a coffee shop, or travel further to sit in a massive and loud coworking space. We offer a professional environment while keeping the community focus. Our members have the flexibility to basis where members make connections, get creative, build with like-minded independents and most important get work done. In addition to a collaborative work environment, we believe learning whenever possible is one of the hallmarks of success and fulfillment. QNS Collective seeks to offer workshops and courses in business, design, and technology; thereby creating a platform for community engagement and learning. BORO: What amenities are provided? QNSC: Strategically located at the intersection of the flourishing LIC neighborhood and the Kaufman-Astoria Arts District—the most artistically vibrant neighborhood in Western Queens. The space offers natural light via skylights, reception service, a communal kitchen with complimentary coffee from local Queens roasters, tea, and filtered water. Secure internet access with connections via WiFi and ethernet. Professional conference room and smaller meeting rooms. Lounge & Library area. BORO: What classes/special events can the public anticipate? QNSC: We host tech and lifestyle events to enrich both our member community and non-members—or future members, as we like to call them. It is just another way in which we are active in facilitating collaboration and innovation. Upcoming events will cover everything from learning Photoshop to learning how to quit your job and remain prosperous. We have social meetups like our Distilled Nation meetup for whiskey enthusiasts. We’re introducing self-publish workshops shortly. SEO, blogging, and business development events will be ongoing as well. BORO: Is there anything else you would like to share? QNSC: Like Queens, coworking spaces are melting pots. Synergies are created from the proximity and collaboration of like-minded people. We envision a dynamic space that is constantly being defined by its member community, where diverse skill sets and ways of seeing the world lead to ever more ambitious and extraordinary goals. 36-27 36th St, Long Island City, NY 11106 (718) 280-5122 www.qnscollective.com
BM102014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above