![\"HERA](\"https:\/\/missionvalleynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/HERA-HUB-FELENA-HANSON-SORRENTOwebtop.jpg\")
<\/a>What is co-working? Co-working is a style that involves a shared working environment, usually an office, and independent activity. Typically it is attractive to work-at-home professionals, or freelancers who usually end up working in relative isolation.<\/p>\n
Hanson\u2019s brainchild, Hera Hub, began in August 2011 when she opened her first hub in Sorrento Valley. But unlike a typical office space, Hera Hub offers spa-like accoutrements such as nicely upholstered furniture, soft music, drinks, light snacks, candles and fountains.<\/p>\n
The Mission Valley hub in an office building near the Marriott hotel offers one large conference room, two smaller conference rooms and six to 10 library-style shared spaces. The busiest time is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.<\/p>\n
There are areas to make phone calls so the workspace stays quiet, but the space offers a light, pleasant feeling of energy. There is also a weekly lunch so members can meet, as well as a weekly happy hour.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no more hunting for that perfect person to collaborate with on a big project because they are most likely sitting next to you,\u201d said Hanson, who feels camaraderie can be as important as the workspace. \u201cThis shared workspace means creativity and productivity thrive here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hanson opened her Mission Valley hub in 2012, then one in Carlsbad in 2013 with the same spa-like style and the same commitment to getting working women out of their homes and into a creative work environment.<\/p>\n
One \u201chubette,\u201d as the women call themselves, is Masako Stewart, a marriage and family counselor.<\/p>\n
She works at the Mission Valley hub Tuesday through Friday, where she sees her clients for about 30 hours a week.<\/p>\n
Stewart says she likes the comfortable energy at Hera Hub.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s friendly and very supportive,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Another member, Talin Hartounian, works at the Mission Valley hub about 20 hours a week and conducts her event planning business there.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like the separation between work and office space,\u201d Hartounian said.<\/p>\n
When she decided to open her own business, the entrepreneur said eight women told her about Hanson and Hera Hub.<\/p>\n
Hanson selected the name \u201cHera Hub\u201d after hours of research. Hera is the name of Zeus\u2019 wife in Greek mythology. It means beautiful lady.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn ancient times, Hera was revered as being the only goddess who accompanied a woman through every step of her life, blessing and protecting her daily,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
More than 300 women work at Hanson\u2019s three Hera Hubs.<\/p>\n
The concept has been so successful, that she plans to franchise the business both nationally and internationally. She has already had nibbles from interested parties in Portland, Vancouver, South Carolina, and London. The first franchise opens this spring in Washington D.C.<\/p>\n
Rates are month to month and include Wi-Fi, copying, scanning, coffee, tea and light snacks.<\/p>\n
Members supply their own phones and laptops. Space per month varies at $129 for 16 hours, $169 for 32 hours, $269 for 80 hours, and $369 for unlimited hours per month.<\/p>\n
\u201cHera Hub membership doesn\u2019t just mean having access to collaborative, serene, and productive workspace; you also become part of a community of like-minded ambitious women who are successfully moving their dreams forward,\u201d Hanson said.<\/p>\n