Today, Tony Bacigalupo is joined by Alycia Levels Moore, founder of Polaris BHM in Birmingham, Alabama, for her second appearance on the Coworking Values Podcast.
Alycia shares her journey from New York to East Atlanta and finally to Birmingham, where she has become a vibrant community advocate.
Discover how Alycia’s passion for her Woodlawn neighbourhood led her to create a thriving coworking space that nurtures local entrepreneurs.
We delve into the importance of community engagement, the role of coworking spaces as educational hubs, and the impact of fostering a supportive environment for dreamers and doers alike.
Timeline Summary:
00:54 – Meet Alycia Levels Moore, founder of Polaris BHM.
01:26 – Woodlawn: A vibrant community in East Birmingham.
02:33 – Alycia’s journey from New York to Birmingham.
03:36 – The Urban Main program and nurturing community talents.
05:27 – The inception of Polaris BHM: A coworking space dream.
08:37 – Integrating coworking with neighborhood businesses.
12:05 – Providing safety and support for entrepreneurs.
15:33 – The standards and culture at Polaris BHM.
17:33 – Messaging and mutual support within the coworking community.
19:54 – Educating and welcoming new visitors to the coworking space.
23:11 – Strategies for revitalizing and engaging a coworking space.
28:01 – Building a sense of community in new neighbourhoods.
33:25 – The role of patriotism and active participation in community building.
Detailed Episode Breakdown:
Introduction and Background
Woodlawn Community
– Alycia highlights the vibrancy and revitalization efforts in the Woodlawn neighbourhood.
– The “Woodlawn is significant for lovers” movement and community shirts.
Journey to Birmingham
– The backstory of Alycia’s move to Birmingham and her involvement in the Urban Main program.
– Her husband’s influence and their commitment to the Woodlawn neighbourhood.
The Birth of Polaris BHM
– Inspiration behind starting Polaris BHM during the pandemic.
– Overcoming challenges to create a coworking space and gathering community support.
Integrating with the Neighborhood
– How does Polaris BHM collaborate with local businesses and organizations?
– Examples of technical assistance and programming provided to entrepreneurs.
Fostering a Supportive Environment
– The importance of safety and support for entrepreneurs.
– Alycia’s approach nurtures dreams and provides a safe space for ideas to flourish.
Culture and Standards at Polaris BHM
– Establishing a culture of home, safety, and mutual support within the coworking space.
– Engaging with members and the broader community through clear messaging.
Community Engagement
– The significance of being actively involved in the community.
– Strategies for building and maintaining a vibrant community space.
Personal Reflections and Advice
– What advice does Alycia have for other coworking space owners on assessing and adapting to member needs?
– The importance of staying connected and actively participating in the community.
Conclusion and Future Plans
– Alycia shares ways to stay connected with Polaris BHM and her ongoing initiatives.
– Encouragement for listeners to follow her journey and engage with their communities.
Links & Resources:
- Polaris BHM Website: polarisbhm.com
- How Do I Do This Podcast with Alycia
- Polaris BHM on Instagram
- Main Street America
- ‘More Fight’ – Alycia’s 2016 Album
- Alycia’s first podcast with us!
- Connect with Alycia Levels Moore on LinkedIn
- Connect with Tony Bacigalupo on LinkedIn
- Find out more about The Belongfulness Project
- The Summer 2024 Coworking Community Builder Cohort
One more thing
Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.
Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.
It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.