The Mezzanine at Bond Collective has never seen anything quite like it…an entirely red dinner party complete with performance art and installations.  Jen Monroe, known for her series of monochromatic dinners,  sang her swan song with Red Meal presented over the course of two nights in our event space.  Each night, the intimate gathering played host to twenty guests for a lush, multi sensory experience. Singer and songwriter, Glasser performed alongside dancer, Jerome Bwire and musicians Young Gun Lee and Marilu Donovan while guests dined on courses like a bento box presented in a Valentines Day heart and an entirely red salad.  Get an inside view of the fete below!

Photo contributions by Logan Jackson, Walter Wlodarczyk and Steven Acres.

As I was sitting at dinner with friends, we were all reflecting on how our days were and which parts of it made us happy. The subject of why I love my job so much came up because my friends always say I come back from work glowing (even if I feel drained sometimes!). As we were chatting, the notion sprung on me that at Bond Collective, we all act as facilitators ensuring the environments at all of our locations are supportive, encouraging and comfortable. Bond Collective’s community encompasses true business professionals, entrepreneurs and freelancers that are making their own mark in the world. I feel very lucky to have landed where I did, at a place that I can help support other business in their journey.

The coworking industry is a marvel. The idea that companies of all sizes can come together under one roof in a shared space to hustle, grind, and create magic is truly inspirational. That said, everyone does need to start somewhere. Below are tips and tricks that we hope will help you forge your own path.
 

10 Tips To Help Guide Your Career Path

1. Identify your strengths.

While you may have your hand in a few different buckets, be conscious of your own strengths and passions. Being self aware of the things you are good at will speed up how you match with projects, jobs and ideas. Recognizing your strengths also helps you identify your weaknesses. What areas, whether it be skill-based or personal, do you need to improve? What are the vehicles for that growth? Those that act within what they know best very clearly have their best foot forward.

2. You are who you surround yourself with.

The saying goes: if you find yourself to be the most knowledgeable person in the room, it’s time to find a new room. While communities like Bond Collective are a good way to dive head first and surround yourself with other professionals, this mentality should extend into your personal life too. Mentality is key. Surrounding yourself with those that are equally motivated or within the same field will help you push yourself further and further towards success.

3. Find your support system.

Identifying the right environment is one thing. Working with your direct teammates and support systems are another. A strong team hosts a diverse set of backgrounds and skill sets, complementing each other in purely succinct fashion. Regardless of your role, title or timing within your career, be aware of those around you. Not only that, be mindful of the work that their doing and how your ideas and skills fit together. When life throws a roadblock (or ten), how does your team react? If you find yourself fighting fires alone, at what point will you explore growth? Having a proper awareness of those attempting to work in unison with you will only propel your chances of finding the right balance of success and happiness.

4. Recognize your HQ.

Often overlooked in the broader schema of things, where you operate from will either drastically hurt or help your business outlook and success. Consisting of 8-10+ hours of heavy activity, where you spend your work day is an important component and consideration regardless of team size or discipline. While your ‘home office’ or the coffee shop around the corner may work for a bit of time, having a formal, supportive environment around you will do wonders for your day to day operations. Invest in yourself and find a proper workstation.

5. Don’t ignore the details!

With such rapidly evolving startup and corporate environments, it’s very easy to catch yourself trying to stay 5-10 steps ahead. However, the reality is missing the details could be the death of your progress or motivation. For example, build systems and infrastructure to make sure that you’re ready for tax season, payroll, or utilities. For many companies, a missed security deposit or deadline could mean the end. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot, and make sure your operations backbone is strong!

6. Put your head down, but don’t narrow your vision.

We’ve all been there. One win. Two wins. Things are going well! Confidence soars. Profits are on the rise. Then BAM! Without even realizing it, a detail slips by, a missed connection fails to reach out, or a conversation goes right over your head. Staying humble and appreciative is a vital component to personal and professional growth. For most, it’s not about the money, it’s not about the pedigree, it’s not about the lights or the beams. It’s about making the world a better place to live in because if you can’t do it, then who will? Keep an open mind, and make yourself available to those that need help or want to give it.

7. Boundaries are incredibly important.

The worst part about constantly sprinting full speed ahead is remembering that it’s okay and necessary to slow down and take a beat sometimes. Stress impacts your day to day operations, your product delivery and development, and general personal/employee attrition. Set time aside for yourself and don’t forget the hobbies, activities or people that keep your head on straight. Mental health is just as (if not more) important as professional health. Check out this post for tips on how to be more mindful and self aware. 

8. Define the finish line.

Whether it’s financial stability, freedom for self-expression, providing well for your family or anything in between, be mindful of what you define as the finish line. Reaching your end goal is just as important as your ability to shift throughout your career. Set both short term and long term goals, so that you’re always aiming in a particular direction. Don’t be afraid of arbitrary goals, as those without definition or completion dates are often goals that we hold most dear. Also, be conscious of the goals of those around you and take time to assist in their grind as well, you never know what may come out of it!

9. Consider failure as a learning experience.

No one’s perfect. There’s going to moments in your career that don’t go your way, and you ultimately don’t succeed. It happens to everyone! After a small or large failure, take a step back and think about the lessons learned during this time. Identify what you did wrong, why it happened and how to fix it the next time around. You are likely going to run into more than one failure in your career, so take this learning experience in stride and move onto the next challenge!
 

10. Know when to ask for help.

As an individual in the working world, you yourself can’t handle every project, task or job that comes your way. It’s just not possible! Even though you might feel responsible for everything that is placed in front of you, there are always colleagues, family, mentors and friends you help you out. Asking for help is not and never will be a bad thing if you are trying your best. Recognize your maximum workload and go from there!

About Bond Collective:

Leading the way in hospitality and luxury office space, Bond Collective designs environments that empower individuals and companies to be the best versions of themselves. We build collaborative workspaces curated around communities, and provide affordable alternatives for modern businesses to call home. 
Focus on your dream, and we’ll handle the rest.

Want to support others in their journey while continuing to forge a path of your own? At Bond Collective we are leading the way in shared and luxury office space by bringing together the brightest and most passionate professionals. Apply today!

Have any questions about what Bond Collective can offer your company?

WE’D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM AND TO OFFER YOU A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS IN THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT, FLATIRON AND BROOKLYN.

Each Bond Collective location is set in a dynamic neighborhood with a vibrant culinary identity of its own. The Bond Collective Neighborhood Guide blog series will feature some of the best restaurant, cafe, and bar options for our members to enjoy. Your Community team is always available to steer you in the right direction! At Bond Collective, we want you to love the space and neighborhood as much as we do, and as the old saying states, the best way to a person’s heart is through their stomach…

1 – Frank’s Luncheonette

Easily the safest choice for a quick bite to eat, Frank’s on the corner of Smith and 3rd is a must. No frills: just delicious homemade dishes with the feel of an old school Italian deli. If you’re craving a classic deli sandwich for a great price, Frank’s is a must-stop!

365 Smith St – Yelp Page Here

2 – Bareburger

Bareburger is an excellent lunch option if you’re in the mood for something healthy and hearty. With plenty of burger-like options (organic, veggie, beef, and “outside-of-the-box” meats), and fantastic sides (sweet potato fries and brussel sprouts are a personal fave), there is plenty of deliciousness to choose from. A go-to Seamless choice if you’re in a bind!

170 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215 – Visit Website

3 – Kor Tor Mor

This delightful thai spot is a must if you’re looking for a lunch special. With plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, there truly is something for everyone! Their quaint storefront is also a perfect destination to unplug while you chow down.

204 Smith St, Brooklyn – Visit Website  

4 – Sushi Yu

Easily a member favorite, especially among the delivery crowd! This sushi spot is known for their lunch specials, fresh fish, and fast turnaround time. Free delivery makes this choice all the more perfect!

214 Prospect Park W, Brooklyn – Visit Website

5 – Whole Foods

Due entirely to convenience, Whole Foods is usually the default answer to any impending lunch queries we receive from members. It’s not only a well stocked grocery store, but a place to pick up salads, wraps and veggie burgers. Their swanky new rooftop lounge is the perfect place to hang out and eat with a coworker. Bring your sunglasses, it’s bright up there!

214 3rd St, Brooklyn – Visit Website  

6 – Wilma Jean

Wilma Jean’s fried chicken sandwich, fried pickles, and tater tots definitely hit the spot on any given day! Placed just on the corner of Smith and Carroll, Wilma Jean is well within walking distance of Bond Gowanus, so you can burn a few calories by picking it up yourself (and to not feel guilty about the meal).

345 Smith St, Brooklyn – Visit Website

7 – Avlee

By far one of the best greek spots in Carroll Gardens, this is another lunch destination that you can walk to from Bond Gowanus. Avlee is perfect for an intimate lunch meeting or a gyro wrap pick up. Planning a larger outing or meeting? Grab a catering menu on the way out!

349 Smith St, Brooklyn – Visit Website

8 – Thaism

In the mood for Pad Thai or a savory soup for lunch? Thaism is great for cold days when you want soups or noodles for a hearty meal. Their dessert and ice cream menus are perfect for those hot summer days too!

278 Smith St, Brooklyn – Visit Website

9 – Nuevo

Options for Mexican food in the area are admittedly limited, but Nuevo is by far our favorite choice thus far. Quick and free delivery, their extensive menu hosts a variety of both meat-lover and vegetarian options. Try the tamales and enchiladas on your first visit!

489 5th Ave, Brooklyn – Visit Website

10 – Lotus Vietnamese Sandwiches

Lotus has great pho options, and even greater Vietnamese sandwiches. Lotus has been in the neighborhood for a while for a reason. Though a bit of a hike in comparison to other options on this list, Lotus is one of the best Vietnamese options in the area!

229 5th Ave, Brooklyn – Visit Website

11 – Pig Beach

Pig Beach is the place to be after work once Spring rolls around. Great BBQ, even better drinks and the picnic tables are great for large group gatherings.  It’s got that easy summer feel that everyone wishes for in the dead of winter. Pig Beach opens May 25th.

480 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 – Visit Website 

12 – Varrio 408

One of the best authentic Mexican spots in Park Slope. Varrio has great family style shared meals, complete with home-made fresh corn tortillas and all of the hot sauce you can ever ask for. The Al Pastor is sweetened with real pineapple chunks that creates a juicy, finger-licking good dressing to share.

412 5th Ave Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215 – Visit Website

13 – Hey Hey Canteen

A vegan favorite in the area, Hey Hey Canteen offers a variety of options for both meat lovers and avoiders alike! Their storefront just off of 4th and 4th is a must visit for hearty and healthy Asian comfort food.

400 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215 – Visit Website

14 – Pure Bistro

While their entrees are a bit on the pricier side, Pure Bistro needs to be your go-to place for your comfort food craving. Featuring primarily meat-inspired dishes, the mango salmon will keep you coming back again and again. Various catering options are available, and they do serve beer and wine should you wish to tie one on during lunch!

88 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 – Visit Website

15 – Chickpea and Olive

The perfect Brooklyn eatery, Chickpea and Olive hosts a brief menu full of organic and locally sourced options, that will astound your vegan and vegetarian friends. Everything about their roasted jackfruit makes you understand why it’s so critically acclaimed.

214 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 – Visit Website

16 – Lavender Lake

The only thing better than lunch is liquid lunch. Stop by Lavender Lake for a quick pick-me-up, or more appropriately an after work gathering. Don’t underestimate their food menu however, their fry plates are perfect for the table. An outdoor patio in the back makes this a perfect springtime destination.

383 Carroll St. – Visit Website

About the Authors:

A native New Yorker, Anna has long been a part of the vibrant Brooklyn community.  She received her MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and worked in publishing for years before entering into the startup space. With over 5 years of management experience, Anna strives to create a positive, creative, and warm space for the members at Bond Collective Gowanus. She’s well traveled, speaks two Chinese dialects, and can be found roaming from coffee shop to coffee shop in Park Slope on the weekends.

Chrystina is a Hofstra alumna and native New Yorker with work experience ranging in the entertainment, media, financial, and hospitality industries. Based out of Bond Collective Gowanus, Chrystina uses her past skills and experience to enhance members’ day-to-day experiences to ensure their work environment is as comfortable as can be. Her hobbies include songwriting/vocal performance, improv comedy classes, making videos, smiling all the time, and befriending all people/animal that cross her path.

Michael is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin with a dual degree in Economics and Integrated Studies. A recent transplant to NYC, Michael lives with complete strangers in a walk-up in Brooklyn, and runs an art platform in his down time. Passionate about building assets that aid professional direction, Michael joined the Bond Collective team to help the development of member offerings, outreach, and services.

Have any questions about what Bond Collective can offer your company?

WE’D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM AND TO OFFER YOU A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS IN THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT, FLATIRON AND BROOKLYN.

In anticipation for the upcoming Fashion Revolution Panel and Pop Up Event on Monday, April 24th, we interviewed our co-host and inspiration, Jessica Kelly, founder of THR3EFOLD. Read on to learn more about Jessica, how we are banding together to pave a path for a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry, and how YOU can make a difference.

What is THR3EFOLD?

We connect brands to ethical factories around the world. In India, I was surprised to find factories that not only do quality work but significantly support their workforce. I wanted to make it easier for brands to find factories with quality, ethical manufacturing, to empower impoverished groups, and enable these factories to do more great work. 

What got you into the fashion industry?

I fell in love with fashion at a very young age, daydreaming over the pages of Vogue. When I got to New York and actually started working in it, the impact this industry has over the world inspired me and I was hooked. I got started in fashion PR working New York Fashion Weeks with brands like Alexander Wang, Tory Burch, Oscar de le Renta and Tommy Hilfiger. From there I worked at PROJECT Tradeshow, communicating with over 300 brands on a daily basis, helping them get ready for market 4x a year, which gave me a broad understanding of the industry, especially on a macro level on what brand needs were and where the industry was headed. At that time, I had gone on a trip to Zimbabwe and it completely impacted my life. I was inspired by the beautiful people of Zimbabwe, and surprised by how far our dollar went to help them. I became completely consumed with figuring out what I could do with my resources, my network and my pocket to be a solution for people in developing economies and  places where they need more opportunity. I learned that fashion is the largest labored industry, employing 1 in 6 people, so I knew I was exactly where I needed to be to create large, scalable, and sustainable change… I just had to figure out how.

What makes you so passionate about ethical fashion?

A conversation I had with two teenage girls in a slum in Mumbai. We had been spending the day together in this community center where they teach sewing. They were doodling henna on my hands and we had been laughing taking photos of each other with Snapchat filters and having a great time. I asked them normal questions I had been asked my whole life like, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, “Do you like school?” and “Do you like sewing?” Through broken English their response was, “Oh no, father doesn’t let us.” As an independent, intelligent, go-getter woman living in NYC, I was heartbroken and furious all at the same time. These young women should have all the opportunity in the world, just like I had. But at the same time, I felt conflicted. Who am I to judge? Like Americans have happiness figured out?  It’s still an internal struggle I feel, but it made me want to devote my life to providing opportunities for women across the globe. Having a heart to be there for people where they are at, to understand and love people, and also to right some of the wrongs. Ultimately I want to give people the opportunity, if they so choose it, to have the life they might dream.

What made you decide to host this event?

We love what Fashion Revolution has done to organize a global week to bring awareness to a subject that wasn’t previously focused on. They’re paving the path to a more ethical, and more sustainable fashion industry by starting thousands of conversations. Dozens of brands are responding, from Polo to Merona to Barbour. We want to join forces to make it as easy as possible for brands to be made ethically and for consumers to be conscious of how their purchasing decisions affect the world around them. This, matched with Bond Collective’s passionate team and commitment to making a positive impact in their community, created the perfect partnership to curate an event of this scale and importance.

What can people do to become more conscious consumers?

One of the easiest things you can do is start abiding by the “30 Wears Challenge”, created by Livia Firth (Colin Firth’s wife) who started EcoAge. The rule is to ask yourself every time you’re about to purchase an item of clothing, “Will I wear this 30 times?” which is about twice a week per season. That alone will allow you to make smarter decisions about the things you buy, like only the things you need and truly love.

What are your favorite sustainable brands?

I’m so incredibly thankful and lucky that my favorite sustainable brands will be participating in the panel and pop-up event on April 24th! Brands include:

• DoneGood

• Thinx

• Uniforme

• Half United

• IMBY

• Rallier

• Saint James

• Soko Jewelry

• Under The Canopy

• Sudara

• SiiZU

• Round + Square

To learn more and attend the Fashion Revolution Panel and Pop Up, go to our event site here and click “Buy Your Ticket Now”.

To learn more about how to become a more conscious consumer, follow @thr3efold on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to their weekly Conscious Consumer for even more great brands and easy tips right to your inbox.

And be sure to follow @bondcollective to learn more about how they are changing the way we work and gather!

Interviewed and Written by Laura Matte

Images courtesy of our in house photographer, Maddie Talias. Check out her work here!

Have any questions about what Bond Collective can offer your company?

WE’D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM AND TO OFFER YOU A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS IN THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT, FLATIRON AND BROOKLYN.

Bond Gowanus is an impressive facility. Not only do we have 47,000 square feet of impeccably designed workspace, a spacious production studio, a professional sound booth, six conference rooms, and two roof-decks; we have a fantastic Honor Bar to boot!

At Bond Collective, the Honor Bar is a place to buy snacks, meals, and beverages. We call it an “Honor Bar” because it is based on the honor’s system. We have a pay-it-yourself system in place by using the Square app on a stationary iPad, and a cash jar if members would like to pay by cash. We trust our community, and they trust us to take care of them; which we absolutely love to do.

As an Assistant Community Manager with a passion for snacking (ask anyone who works around me all day), I recognize how important it is to have an array of snack and food choices within our space. Taking into account that sometimes New York weather can be icy-cold and swelteringly-hot, it gives us great pride to offer food choices to members that allow them to stay comfortably inside, and also not interrupt their groove when they’re in their work “zone.”

We do our best to provide a variety of healthy and indulgent snacks/meals, as to create a balance based on the preferences of our members. We of course provide the snack basics: pita/potato chips, pretzels, hummus, chocolate bars, cold and hot cereal, granola, mixed nuts, nutrition bars, low fat yogurt, packs of gum, popcorn, and cups of noodles (to name a few). As for beverages, we stock up on: coconut water, various sodas, fruit juices, and iced coffees. We also include local vendors in the mix to help not only expand our variety of snacks, but also support the community surrounding the space.

A Spotlight On Our Local Vendors

CookUnity

CookUnity “provides hand-crafted food delivered to your door,” and is the newest addition to the Bond Gowanus Honor Bar. They provide incredible freshly-prepared balanced meals, healthy sides, delicious breakfast parfaits with yogurt, fresh salads, refreshing juice shots, and tasty cookies. It is absolutely clear that they have a passion for making food that enriches the health of their customers, and that their meals are made with mindfulness and care. On any given day, they provide our Honor Bar with chicken, steak, fish, and vegetarian entrees. A personal favorite is the roasted chicken with truffle risotto meal and their side of Brussel Sprouts. It must also be added that their items are offered at extremely affordable prices. For the quality you are getting, it’s truly a deal that you can’t beat.

Organic Grill

Organic Grill is a Brooklyn restaurant that proudly serves food that is used with 99.9% clean, sustainably raised materials. This eatery a huge hit here at Bond Gowanus, providing our space with incredible vegan-friendly options to get them through the day. Making soup is an art that they have truly mastered; and they knock it out of the park every week (their soups fly off the shelves)! They not only offer delicious soup; they also stock our Honor Bar with healthy sandwiches, colorful salads, savory protein packs, delicious chia pudding, and more. A community favorite is the Mexicali Protein Pack that comes with fresh cut veggies, guacamole, salsa, and pita chips. Seriously…yum!

Sweet Success

Sweet Success stocks our honor bar with snacks that are health conscious, but so delicious that you can’t even tell the difference. Russell Adler, head of Sales & Distribution of Sweet Success told us: “Our catalog is for food conscious people with active lifestyles.” Some community favorite snacks include: Laiki Rice Crackers, Organic Living Superfoods assorted nuts, Nature Addicts Fruit Sticks, Swoffle waffle snacks, Michel et Augustin cookies, Yerba Mate Soda, and Smashmallow marshmallows. Russell added: “We have LOVED our experience with Bond Collective because we get to visit your amazing space and interact with our consumers.” We have two words for all the snacks he brings to our space: De. Licious.

Toby’s Estate

Bond Collective loves working with Toby’s Estate Coffee, a small batch roaster located in Brooklyn. Their business model puts a strong emphasis on sourcing from trustworthy farmers, roasting each coffee individually and with care,  bringing quality to those who enjoy their products, educating/training their staff and wholesale clients, and providing impeccable support to their customers. Not only does Bond Gowanus serve Toby’s Estate throughout our facility (included within membership), we also stock our Honor Bar with Toby’s Estate Cold Brew. The Cold Brews are more demanded than they are requested by our members, to be honest. The community absolutely loves these iced coffees, no matter what time of year it is!

Snack Nation

Snack Nation provides “delicious healthy snacks for awesome offices,” and in this case, they sure do not disappoint. They give a wide array of snacks, and offer a whole myriad of options; there’s truly something for everyone. Some of our community’s favorite snacks include: Nature Valley granola bars, Go Lite! Herr’s Popcorn, Crave-N-Rave Heavenly Ranch Spikerz, and Deep River’s Honchos nacho cheese chips.

Has this blog post whet your appetite? Stop by Bond Gowanus for a tour, and don’t forget to stop by the Honor Bar while you’re here!

About the Author:

Chrystina is a Hofstra alumna and native New Yorker with work experience ranging in the entertainment, media, financial, and hospitality industries. Based out of Bond Collective Gowanus, Chrystina uses her past skills and experience to enhance members’ day-to-day experiences to ensure their work environment is as comfortable as can be. Her hobbies include songwriting/vocal performance, improv comedy classes, making videos, smiling all the time, and befriending all people/animal that cross her path.

Have any questions about what Bond Collective can offer your company?

WE’D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM AND TO OFFER YOU A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS IN THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT, FLATIRON AND BROOKLYN.

Back in August, just a few months after I started at Bond Collective, we realized we had 1. a lot of beautiful space we weren’t utilizing; and 2. that we wanted to be deepen our relationship with the community. With the help of ArtsGowanus and our local community, we organized our first pop-up art show that we dubbed Artfully August. A wide range of artists—from abstract to photographs; oil to mixed media—were interested in putting up their work. We showed work from Amanda Spadaccini , Deborah Liljegren, Justin Horowitz, and Rich Garr.  We even included a personal painting I did of a man sleeping on the train. In hindsight, it was an unorganized attempt that proved to be a lot of work and only fruitful based on everyone’s enthusiasm. But we learned a lot; members loved the artwork, artist loved having a place to display their work, and the pop-up show was a great opportunity to engage with the space. We realized we wanted to create further art programming.