Trendy Spaces offers new businesses somewhere to share an office, learn, grow

Co-working space, conference rooms, private offices, aestheticians and hair-cutting stations are all available for rent under one roof.

It's what Trendy Spaces, opened by partners Tabatha Bellard and Larry Phillips, is bringing to north Lafayette. The building at the corner of Louisiana Avenue and Carmel Drive across from City Park will offer memberships and drop-in rates for customers to access the chic and comfortable space.

"We're focused on supporting three different groups - business, beauty and wellness," Bellard said. "I believe to sustain happiness you have to focus on all three. You can't sustain yourself without business. You don't want to work yourself to death and not take care of your appearance and wellness is because you want to be healthy from the inside out.

"It's about happiness as a whole person. I want to create an environment where we don't have to travel all over town to do that."

It's a space that's one of the first of its kind on the northside. Bellard, who's from Lafayette, and Phillips, who grew up in the Veazey neighborhood, recognized what Trendy Spaces could provide.

"(We want) to foster an environment where people can learn and get information and grow," she said. "That's really what it's about, rebuild Lafayette as a whole but we're on this side of town because there's definitely a need."

In addition to offering rentable space, Bellard plans to offer classes for small business owners, everything from tax information to creating a marketing plan. She wants to connect these small business owners to others who can help them grow and in turn support the community.

"I care about people getting access to information to scale their business and actually have a space where they can work and be successful on the north side of town," Bellard said.

"I know what it's like being a small business owner and if you're not part of a network or a community of professionals that can share information, it makes it a little more difficult to become successful."

Trendy Spaces, which officially opens Saturday, will have a co-working space with dedicated desks and an area for hot-desks where people can just drop in and use the area for as long as they need.

Private offices and conference rooms also are available. A smaller room holds a desk, couch and ring light, perfect for a podcast or counseling room, Bellard said.

There will be areas for aestheticians to do eyebrows, facials and waxing. There are rooms available for massages and areas for people to display products they sell. Another room offers space for nail technicians to complete manicures and pedicures.

In one room, Bellard said two registered nurses have discussed renting space for lymphatic massages and IV therapy.

Private suites with mirrors, chairs and bright lighting offer an area for cosmetologists to do hair, make-up and sell items they would offer in a boutique. There are spaces for barbers and hairdressers to rent chairs.

Bellard wants to accommodate those who want to use the area, which she described as inspirational and motivational, offering memberships, day passes and options to rent by the hour.

There's a recharge area with coffee, water and velvet chairs. Next to it is a room for infrared light therapy. There's also a gym for members to use and for personal trainers to bring clients.

Trendy Spaces has a full kitchen. It's next to a large open room that Bellard imagines being rented out for bridal or baby showers or for corporate events. It also opens up to a large outdoor space complete with a bar area, stage and water wall.

In the last two months, more than 200 people have toured Trendy Spaces, often staying after in the recharging lounge to enjoy the area.

Bellard hopes Trendy Spaces will continue to grow. Her ultimate vision includes opening a mixed-use building, a place where people can live, work and play.

Until then, Bellard will make Trendy Spaces a spot where business owners can develop and learn.

"This space is for small businesses. I would love to see them grow into larger businesses and need their own buildings," she said. "I would be proud."

For more information about Trendy Spaces, call 337-347-9224.

Contact Ashley White at adwhite@theadvertiser.com or on Twitter @AshleyyDi. 

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Trendy Spaces opens in North Lafayette providing shared office space