What is coworking?
Put simply, it is a group of people from different jobs, companies, and backgrounds, all coming together in a space to work together. But there is so much more.
Check out our “What is Coworking” page for more information on what you can get out of coworking. You can also follow us on social media (links above!) for frequent articles and information about coworking!
Who are your members?
Everyone! Seriously … it is a fabulously random mixed bag of professionals! We have small business owners, remote workers for international tech companies, real estate agents, marketing professionals, photographers, traveling salespeople, recruiters, lawyers, writers, cybersecurity experts, virtual assistants, trainers, and even more! Most of our members have kids, so they understand tag team parenting and seeking work/life balance. They are highly diverse but share a need to beat the isolation of working from home, connect with others, and continue to grow professionally and personally.
If you’re interested in learning more about our members, take a look at the website to see what they have said about LOOM! Or you can check out some of our member spotlights on our blog!
You can also learn about our community managers who are dedicated to helping the community thrive.
What is the culture and vibe of the space?
We aim to make LOOM a welcoming, inspiring and friendly community. We value openness, curiosity and collaboration; the key factors that drive success. Our hope is you will naturally make friends, meet people, collaborate, and bring your positive energy and ideas to LOOM creating an innovative and exciting environment. Folks are super helpful and jump in with resources and referrals, both personal and professional. We also have multiple company teams!
Our members are also very involved in local churches, charities, causes and social groups. For those reasons, many of our programs are focused on work/life balance, health and wellness, and other topics helpful to them and their families. While they want to enjoy their work and be professionally fulfilled, they prioritize family and use coworking as a way to be productive and to create a beginning and end of the work day.
LOOM is a community made up of people of varying and ever-changing needs. We encourage members to take ownership, becoming invested in the success and enjoyment of the community and its members. Members feel free to move around furniture, suggest events, critique processes, and personalize the space. We love refrigerator magnets, desk personalization, show and tell, and members as guest DJs!
Can I come take a tour and try it out?
For sure! Give us a call, email or virtually inquire to come by for coffee, a chat and meet some really great people. Bring your laptop because your first day of productivity is always free. We want you to really try it on for size, kick the tires, and all those other clichés!
If you aren’t able to stop by for a tour, we can always do a video tour of our space! Let us know the best way for you to learn more about us and we will work with you!
What types of memberships do you have? How do I find out more?
There are multiple ways to be involved at LOOM.
- There are full time memberships for those who need dedicated desks as well as “hotdesking” for those who prefer to mix things up. This option is great for people who want access to the space and might pop in and out throughout the day.
- Part-time plans (8 and 12 days a month) and great for those who travel a lot, have varying schedules, or who only work part-time.
- Whatever the type, monthly member benefits and amenities are essentially the same. The only thing that varies is how often you are here!
- Day passes – for those who only occasionally need to use the coworking space which can be purchased individually or at a discount in bulk.
- Custom team plans – for teams who need a space to come together… contact us to get more information!
- Private offices … call for availability!
Check out anything else you might need to know on our membership page!
What if I don’t need a workspace? Only a small meeting room or place to podcast?
If you need access to meeting rooms for clients, patients, interviews, consultations, etc. hourly booking passes are available that can be used to book rooms online. For more frequent users, we also offer monthly plans.
If you are just looking for a space to record a podcast, we offer a podcasting membership that offers 8 hours per month of access to podcast studio.
My schedule varies and I don’t know how much I will use the space … how do I handle that?
At LOOM, you have great flexibility and don’t have to make a commitment or tell the future. All coworking memberships are month to month and you can change your membership type (upgrading or downgrading) as your needs change. You can also buy a pack of day passes to use until you get a feel for how frequently you would be around!
Hot-desking? What is that? Can I work anywhere I want?
Hot desk members can work anywhere within our 6,000 sq ft of space except a dedicated desk that has already been assigned. There are multiple types of work environments including high-top tables, training tables, lounge furniture, tables and desks with ergonomic seating, our training/war room, casual workshop and many other amenities. All of our work environments feature high end, contemporary, ergonomic furinishings supplied by Herman Miller dealership Alfred Williams. We encourage everyone to work in different places throughout the day and sit by different people each day!
I can’t work at coffee shops because I have to use multiple monitors. How do I deal with that at LOOM?
We have plenty of extra monitors scattered throughout for free use by any hotdesking member. As a dedicated desk member, you can bring anything you need to be comfy and productive and not have to schlepp it back and forth. There is also locked storage available for rent for full-time members on a first-come, first-serve basis.
I have a lot of conference calls. Is that a problem?
Not at all! LOOM is not a library. Members should feel comfortable taking the calls they need to get the work done! You can feel free to have voice/phone conversations in the space at a reasonable level just like in a regular office. We just make sure phones are on vibrate and we use headsets. Our adjacent Studio building and outdoor spaces are great if you are a pacer or just need more room.
Is there a place for me to have a private meeting or confidential call?
Full and part-time members may reserve conference rooms in advance by reserving the times they need online through our member management system. This way, you can be anywhere with a client, check availability, and book a room for a future date. 2 hours per day are included with membership! We have 4, 5, and 6-top meeting rooms (one which is a podcast studio), a 2 seat consultation/interview room, and a phone room! Need a bigger space? There are multiple large meeting and training spaces for which members are given a significant discount to rent.
Do you have enclosed offices?
We do have a few private offices in our Studio building. These vary in size and configuration from single person to teaming. Please reach out to find out about availability!
If coworking is an option, we have several membership plans (including a dedicated desk option) as well as multiple private spaces available for confidential meetings. We also have several outdoor seating areas that are popular for use when taking private calls.
Sometimes I have times that I have to hunker down and concentrate with no interruptions. Can I do that here?
Certainly! There are multiple places at LOOM that are a little more tucked away than others. We also have five private meeting rooms that are readily availible that you are welcome to reserve. If you need to focus, want to work in the open areas but don’t want to be interrupted, we have balls of yarn that you place on your desk to signal to others you wish to be left alone (“don’t mess with me, I’m on a roll … unless the building is on fire!”). Check out our floor plans to see how easy it is to find a place to hunker down!
What is the Wi-Fi like?
It’s awesome! Our corporate partner Comporium provides us with fantastic high-speed internet. The space has two methods of Wi-Fi access, one for members and one for guests. There is a firewall, auto restart and alerts to on-call tech support. Our main building was actually the first commercial facility in downtown Fort Mill to have the 2G Zipstream Fiber! Woop Woop!
What typical office amenities will I find there? … anything special?
We have everything you could ever need! LOOM has a network printer/scanner/copier that is free for your essential use, by honor system. We have plentiful office supplies, large presentation screens, cameras and conferencing mics and the technology you need to get your work done. We also have extra moniters and keyboards, lap desks, rolling marker boards and desk risers to supplement our many varied and ergonomic workspace options…. even a shower!
When are you open? What if nobody is there to let me in?
Building access is supplied through a phone app. Monthly member access is from 7am-7pm Mon-Fri and 9am-12pm on Saturdays in the main building and 5am-midnight in the Studio building. Meeting and event spaces are available 24/7 based on availability. Day passers and guests are welcome during manned hours, 8am-5pm Monday – Friday. The building is super secure and well-lit.
I have random meetings throughout the day. Do I have to pack up every time I leave like I have to at coffee shops?
Absolutely not! If you are running out for a meeting, you are welcome to leave your things as they are. Staff is typically present 8am-5pm but if not, the building is secured and only accessible to members.
Can I have guests visit me in the space?
We love professional guests! Awesome, serendipitous opportunities happen that way! Members are welcome to have non-confidential one-on-one meetings with clients in the open lounge, Studio spaces, tabling areas or outside without reserving any sort of space. Alternatively, you can reserve one of the private meeting rooms. If a colleague, client or coworker needs to come work alongside you for the day, they can purchase a day pass and come work whenever they need to!
What about lunches, drinks and snacks?
We believe in making yourself at home! Coffee and tea (and all the fixin’s) are on the house for you and your guests. LOOM has a kitchen area with a refrigerator and microwave that members can use and dishes, glasses and all the needed kitchenware is provided. Healthy snacks, sodas and other items are available for $.50.
Being a solopreneur, I feel stale and disconnected? What can LOOM to do help me?
We encourage everyone to try to be around for some of our special events. Remember, it is much easier to collaborate and make referrals with people you are already comfortable with! We encourage members to suggest topics and even present at lunch and learns!
We also encourage members to share their expertise through submitting blogs, which we distribute broadly, and through supporting them through their use of our event facilities.
Since some people may only be there part-time and we all come and go, how do we stay informed?
Each week, coming events, new members, helpful tips, and other announcements are distributed in our weekly newsletter. Invitations to events are available on Facebook so that you can forward them to your other connections. Members are also encouraged to actively participate via social media networks by sharing articles and other helpful information and events by tagging LOOM.
What if I don’t need a workspace but I need networking and mail services for my business?
Virtual mailing address for business owners who need a professional address to have mail delivered to or an upgraded virtual plan for those wanting to improve SEO!
Are there any other perks of membership?
LOOM part-time and full-time members are encouraged to shop local and take advantage of our members-only discounts offered from local restaurants, retailers, and service providers. This is an ever-evolving list, check the partners list on our website for a complete run down!
I hear you have an event space. How is that used and who can use it?
Anyone can! Private, community, educational and corporate events are held after normal business hours in the Gallery building or any time in the Studio building. All coworking members receive discounts on our 3 larger rental spaces! The space has flexible furnishings for all types of events as well as all sorts of technology and equipment.
For groups like churches, civic organizations, teachers, etc. who hold events on a regular basis, we have a special partner plan that gives huge discounts and perks!
What is all the art I see around the space?
The Gallery@LOOM has rotating gallery exhibits in both the event and workspaces. These showcase national and internationally shown (but always local!) artists through solo and juried exhibitions. We host quarterly receptions and pop-up shows. Members are encouraged to be involved with the arts program by attending events, suggesting exhibits, assisting with curating or by submitting work for exhibit. Our adjacent Studio highlights up and coming artists and student work.
What about parking?
We have plentiful parking on-site and there is also adjacent municipal, church and street parking.