We recently sat down with Roxana Chiu, co-founder of SnapSuites to discuss the whys and hows of launching a new business. Not surprisingly, we share the same core values.
How would you design the perfect office space?
Roxana and Bettina have the answer! They are the co-founders of SnapSuites — a membership-based office center located on Boylston Street in Boston’s Back Bay. They offer spacious private offices, innovative technology, incredible work/lifestyle amenities, and receptionist support. Members are executives, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes — both national and regional — looking for high image space with none of the associated up-front capital.
What gave you the idea to start a high-end office space company?
When creating SnapSuites, we began by educating ourselves on what the market already had to offer. We put ourselves in the shoes of our potential members and asked ourselves what would I want my office to feel like? Then, we began designing it. Our goal wasn’t to copy or mimic what was already out there, but to create something fresh, unique, and inspiring.
What is unique about your business and how you run it?
It may sound cliché, but the SnapSuites team genuinely cares and takes pride in the quality of service we deliver. I think that’s hard to find nowadays. As the business owner, I’m in the office every day with my door open, encouraging members to pop in for any reason. Not only does it make everyone feel welcome, but it gives me the chance to get to know each and every one of our members on a personal level. Our goal here isn’t to nickel and dime our clients, but to provide a beautiful space where members will assuredly enjoy coming in to work.
What advice can you give other entrepreneurs that you wish you had from the start?
When starting your own business, new challenges are thrown your way daily, so be prepared to push yourself outside your comfort zone. You’ll have to make decisions that feel uncomfortable or risky; however, those typically turn in to the most valuable learning experiences. Starting a company is a 24/7 job. If you’re passionate about what you’re doing, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences.
How do you market SnapSuites? What has been most effective for you?
Surprisingly, the majority of our members find us by word of mouth! When launching SnapSuites, we looked into working with digital marketing firms, but as a startup company, we didn’t have the funds to take this on. Many of our members rented at other shared office spaces previously, and after moving to SnapSuites and recognizing how we go above and beyond in the services we provide, they’ve spread the word to their former neighbors. We’ve found that if you deliver quality products and services, people will come to you.
To learn more about SnapSuites and check out their amazing space, head on over to SnapSuites.com!